There are only THree NPHC sorority

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by IOTA-4A'88F

It's unfortunate, but Iotas have been dealing with this since we were founded (just like so many black fraternities and sororities that are not in the NPHC)... many of us are to the point of being numb to the fact. Yes, I heard the claim of we may not be in this region or that region deep, but we are in the Pan-Hell and if you are an active member in your org, then you should be just as active in the Pan to know. And if you are a vendor then atleast try to stock atleast one or two items that are hot for the other orgs and not keychain us to death. Sometimes it still feels like the elite eight. Even para that has been produced after 1996 don't show Iota's presence.

Just like the Soror said, you just have to go with the folks who specialize in your para. And just know... that tight Omega shirt or that cool Alpha decal may not be available in Iota until we make some noise. Our history (just like SGRho's history) should be noise enough, but when you have vendors who are ONLY to make the buck and not respect the legacies... you will have that. Many Iotas go to iotawear.com. The owner is a I-Sweetheart, an AKA and a Star.

Unfortunately, if our struggle is any indication, you all have a long long way to go toward being fully recognized, accepted, and given your due respect as a member of the NPHC and let's face it, this whole vendor thing and certain vendors not having anything or very little for SGRho and Iota is about respect to an extent, plain and simple. We have been dealing with this forever and we are 85 years now. The good thing is that things do change over time and things are already changing for Iota and they will continue to change with each passing year (although change doesn't come nearly as fast as it should). When I was a neo in the early 90's, things were much different for SGRho in certain areas and very different of course for Iota overall in comparison to now. Even today the struggle is very real for us in certain areas and on certain campuses. Looking at Iota is like going back in time and seeing ourselves. This is undoubtedly the reason that SGRho and Iota have grown close in some areas and on some campuses. Our connection has nothing to do with our orgs being "desperate" for a sister/brother relationship like some would like to believe. But all you can do is keep representing, educating people, and striving to be the best in the show, because the stage is and probably always will be a popularity contest.