Trials and Tribulations of a new or local sorority

[Opalescence]

This is for the founders and members of new or local sororites to discuss the negative responses they have receieved from other organizations as well as effective ways to handle it.

[Serenity]

Hey, Opalescence!! Welcome to GC!!

As a member of an LGLO, I know excatly what you mean about receiving negative responses from other organizations for whatever reasons. LGLOs are often criticized for having hand signs, calls, stepping, strolling, walking in line, etc. ~ aspects that were pioneered by HBGLOs, specifically the D9. Some people feel that not enough recognition/respect is given to the organizations that paved the way for LGLOs, AGLOs, MCGLOs, etc. And, understandably so. However, I don't think that justifies the total lack of respect these organizations get from some individuals in the more established greek organizations.

I think a lot of people forget that although these organizations may have patterned themselves after HBGLOs, there are many aspects that are uniquely theirs. Although they may outwardly resemble HBGLOs does not mean that they are carbon copies of the originals. We all know that hand signs, calls, stepping and strolling do not an organization make. There has to be a lot more substance than that or else growth/continuity/longevity wouldn't be possible. Just because that part of the organization may not be visible to the public does not mean it does not exist.

I think one major way to deal with situations like these is to not get caught up trying to prove your organization's worth to people who don't want to hear it and are simply closed off to the issue. I think as long as you represent your organization's purpose to the fullest (on campus and off), work within your community, and stay positive, word will get out about your organization. Actions always speak louder than words. Sometimes it simply is not enough to tell someone what your organization is all about. You have to show them by living it ~ through your (members) actions.

It's hard and may take a long, long time to be accepted/respected, if you ever are. But you know what? Anything worth having is worth working for.

[essenceofomega]

Hello and Welcome to GC,

I would first like to say that your website is great and the concept of your sorority is wonderful. I wish you and your sisters much success. All I can say as a founder is focus on your priniciples and goals. Only you and your members can help your organization grow. You will always have people who will try to bring you down. Keep your head up and never lose your womanhood over anyones ignorance.

[NoShame_Gamma]

I am also a member of an LGLO and all I have to say is...

Well said Serenity! I couldn't have said that better myself Hope all is going wll for your organization (I know your alum now).

At my campus we're the only minority based greek org, but before us, not many people know that there were even greeks on campus. It was thanks to our community service and campus involvement that people are learning more about the greeks on campus and up to know, our reputation is GREAT!

[D.0.7]

As a founding member of my fraternity and going into our 2 year as a active organization all i have to say to this question is and excuse my language when i say this but F**k them all. It will always be somebody, or someone who does not approve of the things that you do in life because they are too afraid to do it or they just don't the brains to compose it. I feel that i'm not trying to copy from none of the traditional HBGLO's out there i'm just focusing on making it safe for other humans beings to be apart of an orgainzations without worrying about losing there life. I strongly believe that it's unfair that some African Americans greeks out there who don't help out a lot of local Latin or African Americans local greeks because of the compentition that may come up out of it, but aren't we all in the same boat when we talk about approval? hmmmmm. So when we start to talk about copy cats or u have the same colors as i got think about the approval that we are getting from our society if any when they hear the word soroity or fraternity, and see what reaction you get.....

GOD Bless you all and remember we must stick together, because we all are running the same race.....