Sororities - 150+ years of timeless values

[SWTXBelle]

Sororities offer lasting value - Badge Day 2012

For over 150 years, women have been joining the groups of the National Panhellenic Conference. So what is it that has drawn generations of women into the bonds of sisterhood? Why will thousands of women wear their sorority badges in honor of International Badge Day this upcoming Monday, March 5? It's because some things transcend time. When sororities began members were wearing corsets and hoop skirts. Today's members may have shortened their skirts and cut their hair, but what spoke to those early members still resonates in the hearts of today's sorority women. They continue to exist because they offer something of lasting value.

My 12 year old niece Maura, perhaps a future sorority member herself, asked me what the purpose of sororities is. The quick answer is they support educating women, developing them into leaders and supporting their communities through philanthropic activities. The longer answer requires us to look at what those founders put down into the creeds, symphonies and purposes of their groups. Reading those stirring words help spell out the lofty goals which have enabled those groups to grow and thrive. They answer the question, "What do those Greek letters and badges mean?". If you thought of sorority women as flighty debutantes thinking of nothing more important than parties and shoes - prepare to have your stereotypes shattered. If you know of your own sorority's values, prepare to be inspired by your NPC cousins' core values.

In their Symphony Alpha Chi Omegas pledge "to see beauty even in the common things of life.To shed the light of love and friendship round me. To keep my life in tune with the world that I shall make no discords in the harmony of life.To strike on the lyre of the universe only the notes of happiness, of joy, of peace. To appreciate every little service rendered."



Alpha Delta Pis state in their creed that they " believe that I must strive to become a well-balanced person by following the dictates of the four points symbolized by our diamond-shaped badge: first, strengthening my own character and personality; second, watching my attitudes toward my fellow-beings; third, recognizing the value of high educational standards; and fourth, developing faith and loyalty."


Alpha Gamma Delta's purpose includes "To welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world's work in the community where I am placed because of the joy of service thereby bestowed and the talent of leadership multiplied. To honor my home, my country, my religious faith.
to hold truth inviolable, sincerity essential, kindness invaluable."


The mission of Alpha Epsilon Phi is "to inspire and support exemplary women dedicated to friendship and a lifelong commitment to Alpha Epsilon Phi while building on the vision of our Jewish founders." Alpha Omicron Pi's values include "Contributing time, talent and financial resources;Promoting integrity; Developing leaders;Striving for excellence;Encouraging innovation and creativity;Using teamwork and collaboration;Acting philanthropically;And being a living example."



Alpha Phi's creed includes these words about their sorority": I believe in its earnest drive for good scholarship, moral character, and
genuine culture. I believe in it as a shrine of international sisterhood wherein I may find love, loyalty, sympathy and understanding, inspiration
and opportunity.I believe in it as a creator of good citizenship helping me to do my work well, to live in harmony with others, and to serve my country and to trust in God."

Alpha Sigma Alpha states they will " promote{s) high ideals and standards for its members throughout their lives by emphasizing balance among our four aims of intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development." Alpha Sigma Tau's purpose " is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members, specifically:to develop the character of each member through a study of ethics so that she will show in all her relationships sincerity, honesty, love and understanding."

Alpha Xi Delta has a Symphony which affirms " These things do we earnestly desire: A clear vision of life, that with gracious and kindly hearts we may share both joy and sorrow, and bring into living reality the sisterhood of women, An appreciation of real merit and worth, steadfastness of soul, that without bitterness or defeat we may encounter misfortunes and with humility meet success." Chi Omega's Symphony aspires "To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed; to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances; to be, in the best sense, democratic rather than "exclusive", and loveable rather than "popular"; to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely, to choose thoughtfully that course which occasion and conscience demands; to be womanly always; to be discouraged never."

Delta Delta Delta's purpose is " to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way. " Delta Gamma's motto is short, but incredibly powerful - "Do Good." In their creed Delta Zetas pledge " to the world, I promise temperance and insight and courage, to crusade for justice, to seek the truth and defend it always." Delta Phi Epsilon's mission "is to develop in women a social consciousness and a commitment to think and act for the greater good."

My beloved Gamma Phi Beta has as its mission"To inspire the highest type of womanhood."The vision of Gamma Phi Beta is "We will build confident women of character who celebrate sisterhood and make a difference in the world around us." I aspire to live my creed of love, labor, learning and loyalty. Kappa Alpha Theta's purpose is " to support members to learn, grow, and excel, and our core values are personal excellence, friendship/sisterhood, scholarship, service, and leadership."

Kappa Delta's object " is the formation and perpetuation of good fellowship, friendship and sisterly love among its members; the encouragement of literature and education; the promotion of social interest; and the furtherance of charitable and benevolent purposes. Kappa Kappa Gamma affirms that "at its core is about an arc of qualities:leadership, scholarship and friendship." Phi Mu's creed is "Love, honor and truth." Phi Sigma Sigma asks its members to "Aim high" and has as its twin ideals " the brotherhood of man and the alleviation of the world’s pain."

Pi Beta Phi's core values are" Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor and Respect, Personal and Intellectual Growth, Philanthropic Service to Others and Sincere Friendship." Sigma Delta Tau strives "to foster, maintain and instill such ideals in the hearts of its members as will result in actions worthy of the highest precepts of true womanhood, democracy and humanity." Sigma Kappa offers " time, ideas or resources to support the common good". Sigma Sigma Sigma "reaffirms its long standing core values of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love." Theta Phi Alpha's creed includes "Justice to each fellow man.Wisdom in each deed and plan, Loyalty to every friend. Faith that sorrow can transcend.Truth to God and truth to self.Honor valued over wealth."

Finally, Zeta Tau Alpha's members state in their creed " to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving,"

This International Badge Day when you see those badges being worn I hope you will reflect on the meaning behind those little bits of gold and silver. For over a century the world has been a better place because of those women striving to live their values, to incorporate their creeds in their day to day lives.

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