Is it time for the NPHC to grow?

[GiggyZ]

Just a few years ago, the NPHC expanded its membership ranks by one--Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Is it time for the NPHC to consider allowing other organizations to join the ranks? What are the advantages to increasing the membership? What are the disadvantages? Should the NPHC extend membership to some existing orgs even if those orgs have not made a formal request?

[BlueReign]

I have often wondered about this one myself.

[May1920]

This is a sticky topic, and I have nothing against other GLOs, but personally for preservation and historical reasons, I would like it to remain the Elite Eight + IPT, now known as the "Divine Nine."

The NPHC has already grown, in my opinion from the constantly-growing membership in all nine orgs.

[Sweet Deliverance]

Some things are better left alone. I was brought in under the Great Eight. I did not have a say so about the Divine Nine, but I still think the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity are a good addition.

Personally I don't think the NPHC needs any more organizations. What we have is historical and forms the basis for what a lot of other groups try to imitate. I don't like the idea of 15 Fraternities and 19 sororities comprising the NPHC. The NPHC is not like March of Dimes, NCNW, or other entities that solicit and encourage affiliate organizations to broaden their base of operation and objectives.

I am not against change, but if there is going to be change, it should be justified. I am not for adding 3 local black female greek-letter organiztions just because they have amassed 500 members combined and need extra clout. This is an example.

Is it time for the NPHC to consider allowing other organizations to join the ranks?

No. IMO

What are the advantages to increasing the membership?

[list][*]More people to boast that they are NPHC affiliated.[*]More membership "choices".[*]More organizations for NPHC to monitor for compliance with certain issues/guidelines...[*]I am being sarcastic, but I really can't see advantages to increasing NPHC membership...just being honest.

What are the disadvantages?

Where would the exclusiveness lie? Not just to being the Divine Nine, but to National Programmatic Thrusts/Activites, etc. that make us unique. To me eventually it could all look the same.

Should the NPHC extend membership to some existing orgs even if those orgs have not made a formal request?

No. IMO

I know I'll get some feedback on this. Bring it on. I am not saying anything to be negative, but voicing my opinion and promoting discussion.


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Sweet Deliverance's PHI-losophy:
"What you do or do not do today determines what you can or cannot do tomorrow."

[Rachel0497]

In my personal opinion, I do not think that the NPHC should accept applications from nor extend membership to any orgs for the forseeable future. To my knowledge, there are not any orgs in existence that have enough of a background to justify their membership. Iota Phi Theta was an exception...by the time of their inclusion, they had over 30 years of sustained growth and membership. If by chance, there is another BGLO that has those same qualifications, then they could considered, but there should be a limit to the number of member organzations.

[DOVE1920]

I don't think the NPHC should grow either. But because of the requirements for membership it will be a while before some organizations can become members. However, I have noticed there are some campuses that have non-NPHC orgs in the local chapter of the NPHC. This is clearly illegal yet people do it any way.

[Alias_01]

Dove1920...your from illinois...so i'm sure you've probably heard of Beta Phi Pi Fraternity...they are not really local more like regional because they have chapters throughout the midwest. But at some schools here they are listed by the school as part of the local NHPC chapter.. i was unaware this was ILLEGAL?? HOW CAN THEY DO THIS?

[DOVE1920]

Originally posted by Alias_01:
Dove1920...your from illinois...so i'm sure you've probably heard of Beta Phi Pi Fraternity...they are not really local more like regional because they have chapters throughout the midwest. But at some schools here they are listed by the school as part of the local NHPC chapter.. i was unaware this was ILLEGAL?? HOW CAN THEY DO THIS?

Yes I am familiar with the Betas...
If you need a copy of the NPHC consitution I would gladly send you one. Its CLEARLY states that the ONLY affliates are Zeta, Sigma, Alpha, AKA, Que, Kappa, SGRho, Delta and Iota. Anything else is illegal. It just so happens that on a lot of campuses there is no other governing body for other Black frats and sororities so we let them join NPHC at the local level.For some reason no one ever reads the consitution... At the last regional NPHC conference the officers said that we are to notify them of this practice because its illegal. I've noticed that some schools have Latino Frats and Sororities in NPHC as well.

[IotaNet]

Let me speak as someone who was intimately involved in the NPHC expansion process -- I was the Iota Project Manager tasked with "Getting us into the NPHC."

I have no problem with further expansion if they meet the criteria!

For those who don't know, it was a long and bloody struggle for Iota ... about 25 years worth. (For some background on how it all went down, click here)It was made even worse by the fact that the NPHC had no criteria ... the answer was just no.

As a result of our joining the NPHC, some very specific criteria was put in place. Stringent criteria. No Joke criteria.

If there is an organization that meets those criteria, I have no problem with them ... because if they meet the criteria, they will be worthy of consideration!

There is much to be done in our communities and "Many hands make light work." I agree however, that we do not want the legacy of the NPHC to be diluted by organizations that might be detrimental.

I'm all for expanding the ranks ... if they meet the criteria!

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IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Chapter, Spring, 1980

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979

[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited July 09, 2001).]

[Marie]

At my university we don't have NPHC, but instead we have the Black Greek Council. This encompasses the Divine Nine as well as Beta Phi Pi and Phi Rho Eta, two other black orgs. This might be a better solution for those campuses that want a governing body that extends beyond NPHC.

[DOVE1920]

Originally posted by Marie:
At my university we don't have NPHC, but instead we have the Black Greek Council. This encompasses the Divine Nine as well as Beta Phi Pi and Phi Rho Eta, two other black orgs. This might be a better solution for those campuses that want a governing body that extends beyond NPHC.

Anytime there are two or more NPHC affliated organizations on a campus, they are required to form a chapter of NPHC. Black Greek Councils are often used so that non-NPHC orgs won't feel excluded...We have a similar situation on my campus. I suggest that non-NPHC orgs form their own umbrella organization.

[philosopher1963]

As far as NPHC expansion is concerned, I agree that if an organization meets the neccessary requirements, they should be considered for membership. The Divine Nine is indeed an exclusive group. Membership is an honor and priveledge. The history of the NPHC is part of the history of African-Americans in the United States. However, if there are organizations that can enhance the NPHC and can contribute, why deny them an opportunity for "tradition's" sake? Remember, we as Historically Black Greek Orgs. have very similar purposes.

At a certain level, I think that we should have some sort of national alliance with the historically Latino Greek Organizations. Not necessarily through NPHC, but through a connecting organization. These organizations, although much younger than even my organization, are viable and relevant and have similar purposes as Historically Black Greeks. To get more info on the Latino Greek "NPHC", check out :www.nalfo.org. This stands for National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.

What do you think?

Peace

Philosopher1963
5-Gamma Iota-97

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc- NJ

[DOVE1920]

Actually the Latino Orgs have their own umbrella organization. The name skips me right now and but they have a website up.