Daughters of this and that

KappaKittyCat · #1 03-09-2008, 06:56 PM

The only org I qualify for is Daughters of the Unwashed Central European Immigrants to the Midwest. But that's okay because I don't really get the point of those groups. Aren't they just another kind of sorority with more exclusive criteria?

I really care more about a person does with her life than what her ancestors did with theirs. I mean, didn't we just do a chorus and two verses in the Greek Life forum on not considering mothers/wives to be "famous Greeks" just because of who they married/raised? This seems similar to me.

Feel free to set me straight and defend your groups, members.

SWTXBelle · #2 03-09-2008, 07:50 PM

I don't feel a need to defend them. I'm quite proud of my ancestors in much the same way I am proud of the founders and the notable alumna of my sorority. They overcame great obstacles,and in the face of difficulties they succeeded in producing something of worth and merit.
My ancestors fought and died to secure the freedoms you enjoy today - shouldn't I take pride in that? They were willing to sacrifice all - and in some cases, they did. I don't see it as something that somehow makes me "better" - I see it as an obligation to see that those principles they held dear are taught to the next generation. It is a responsibililty, more than anything else. Yes, it's neat to have a personal tie to history, but again, it is an inspiration to me to strive to bring those ideals they cherished to life through what I do.
Hence my interest in all the historical activities and scholarship opportunities offered by various groups. In the case of the Daughters of Norway, I just want to continue to make sure my children appreciate the land and traditions of my grandparents.
History comes to life when you see how your family figured into it. I think it's great that I have had family here since the 17th century, and other family members that immigrated in the 20th. EVERYONE has a historical story. Whether or not you feel pulled to do the research and find out your family's history, the fact of the matter is that we all come from somewhere, and our ancestors obviously did something right, or we would not be here today. Far from being more selective than NPC sororities, the fact is that just about anyone can find a historical group for which they qualify for membership if they but try. Open the Society of the Great Unwashed, and see if you don't find dozens of like-minded possible members!

aopirose · #3 03-09-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

I don't feel a need to defend them. I'm quite proud of my ancestors in much the same way I am proud of the founders and the notable alumna of my sorority. They overcame great obstacles,and in the face of difficulties they succeeded in producing something of worth and merit.
My ancestors fought and died to secure the freedoms you enjoy today - shouldn't I take pride in that? They were willing to sacrifice all - and in some cases, they did. I don't see it as something that somehow makes me "better" - I see it as an obligation to see that those principles they held dear are taught to the next generation. It is a responsibililty, more than anything else. Yes, it's neat to have a personal tie to history, but again, it is an inspiration to me to strive to bring those ideals they cherished to life through what I do.
Hence my interest in all the historical activities and scholarship opportunities offered by various groups. In the case of the Daughters of Norway, I just want to continue to make sure my children appreciate the land and traditions of my grandparents.
History comes to life when you see how your family figured into it. I think it's great that I have had family here since the 17th century, and other family members that immigrated in the 20th. EVERYONE has a historical story. Whether or not you feel pulled to do the research and find out your family's history, the fact of the matter is that we all come from somewhere, and our ancestors obviously did something right, or we would not be here today. Far from being more selective than NPC sororities, the fact is that just about anyone can find a historical group for which they qualify for membership if they but try. Open the Society of the Great Unwashed, and see if you don't find dozens of like-minded possible members!

My thoughts too.

VandalSquirrel · #4 03-09-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KappaKittyCat

The only org I qualify for is Daughters of the Unwashed Central European Immigrants to the Midwest. But that's okay because I don't really get the point of those groups. Aren't they just another kind of sorority with more exclusive criteria?

I really care more about a person does with her life than what her ancestors did with theirs. I mean, didn't we just do a chorus and two verses in the Greek Life forum on not considering mothers/wives to be "famous Greeks" just because of who they married/raised? This seems similar to me.

Feel free to set me straight and defend your groups, members.

Not everyone is meant to be in a sorority, not everyone is meant to be in a group created for people of a common background or historical event. Since my relatives who came here in the past 100 years have died or are dying I belong to my group because I care about who I am and where I came from, and though I am a proud natural born citizen of the United States I am not going to dismiss my food, my language, and my relatives.

There probably is a group out there for you, whether you decide to pursue membership or not is your choice but don't criticize those of us who decide to belong. If it isn't for you that's fine, but it is for us.

OleMissGlitter · #5 03-09-2008, 08:15 PM

I wouldn't even know where to start to join any of those orgs. I'm happy they exist but it seems rather overwhelming to me. My great uncle wrote 4 books about my family history on that side of the family. (When I say books I mean he didn't have them published or anything, just bound at the local copy shop and distributed to the family!) Also, what are the costs involved in joining these groups?

SWTXBelle · #6 03-09-2008, 08:29 PM

The costs are minimal - I'd have to look up the exact figures, but your first fee for registration, etc. is probably going to be between $50 - 75. National dues and local dues - $40+ . Compared to sorority dues, NOTHING.
As to where to begin - start with your great-uncle's books. Is there an ancestor whose story interests you? See if there is a group that coincides with the ancestor -whether from a historical time, a particular war, or certain nationality. Then see what the group requires. Some will require you to "prove" every generation - through birth, baptism, marriage and death certificates, U.S. census forms, applications for pensions and the like. Some will just take your word - if you apply to Daughters of Norway, they ask for your information, but basically take you at your word that you qualify. See what the application requires. You will usually have to be approved by a local group, which just means you attend a few meetings and are approved for membership. It's not nearly as nerve-wrecking as rush, I promise! The groups are usually THRILLED to have someone interested in joing them. Then, you submit your paperwork and wait for the offical word.

Beryana · #7 03-09-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OleMissGlitter

I wouldn't even know where to start to join any of those orgs. I'm happy they exist but it seems rather overwhelming to me. My great uncle wrote 4 books about my family history on that side of the family. (When I say books I mean he didn't have them published or anything, just bound at the local copy shop and distributed to the family!) Also, what are the costs involved in joining these groups?

I sent you a PM.

I have found costs for the groups ranging from $105 for the application fee and 1st years dues (DAR) to $25 for application and dues. Some groups only have lifetime dues and some are annual.