Switching from a Local Sorority to a National (National Panhellenic Conference)

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Yes, I was referring Mevara to our national bylaws. I'm not sure we agree on the interpretation. I could ask someone at HQ, but I've probably said too much anyway on a public message board.

[Tangent]

Are your bylaws confidential?

[/Tangent]

[amIblue?]

Membership selection info is a slippery slope.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Membership selection info is a slippery slope.

I understand, but it seems to me that if something is in the bylaws and the bylaws are available for public consumption, one is usually well clear of the slipperiness. The slipperiness comes when one gets into things not in publically available documents.

No biggie -- I was just curious.

[glittergal1985]

I'm just wondering, why do you desire to be a member of an NPC? Is the school you're transferring to very far away from your current one? Could you still hang out with your local sorority sisters and participate in rituals and events even after you transfer? I ask this because trying to join a second sorority can be a very tricky situation, and as others have pointed out, you should definitely notify your current sisters of your intentions (who may then react in a number of different ways.) Understand that while they will most likely be somewhat hurt, their reactions could range from ultimately supporting your decision , to (worst case scenario) revoking your membership. I don't know what your local's policies are in such a matter, or if there even are any. I was in a local myself, and while this situation never occurred with our sisters who transferred, the idea had been discussed and to say that a sister joining an NPC would be "frowned upon" would be a huge understatement.(Obviously this didn't apply when we decided to join Theta Phi Alpha as a group ) I would suggest discussing this idea with your current sisters, and then decide where to go from there. Good luck.

[Mevara]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I understand, but it seems to me that if something is in the bylaws and the bylaws are available for public consumption, one is usually well clear of the slipperiness. The slipperiness comes when one gets into things not in publically available documents.

No biggie -- I was just curious.

I don't know if they are confidential but they are not publicly available.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Mevara

I don't know if they are confidential but they are not publicly available.

Thanks.

[TSteven]

...a member may not be pledged to or a member of any similar organization, other than honorary or professional org.

For some NIC fraternities (and I suspect some other GLOs), the phrase “any similar organization” may refer to any fraternity (GLO) that may be viewed as “general” or “social” and not just members of the NIC.

Also, these GLOs are viewed as being inter/national (regional) in scope with multiple chapters and with some sort of headquarters or governing body. And they may also be a member of another umbrella (governing) council/conference/association other than the NIC. Or not. (Kappa Sigma and Phi Delta Theta for example.)

As such, I suspect this may be the reason the caveat “other than honorary or professional origination” is often added (needed).

[haley36]

Originally Posted by glittergal1985

I'm just wondering, why do desire to be a member of an NPC? Is the school you're transferring to very far away from your current one? Could you still hang out with your local sorority sisters and participate in rituals and events even after you transfer? I ask this because trying to join a second sorority can be a very tricky situation, and as others have pointed out, you should definitely notify your current sisters of your intentions (who may then react in a number of different ways.) Understand that while they will most likely be somewhat hurt, their reactions could range from ultimately supporting your decision , to (worst case scenario) revoking your membership. I don't know what your local's policies are in such a matter, or if there even are any. I was in a local myself, and while this situation never occurred with our sisters who transferred, the idea had been discussed and to say that a sister joining an NPC would be "frowned upon" would be a huge understatement.(Obviously this didn't apply when we decided to join Theta Phi Alpha as a group ) I would suggest discussing this idea with your current sisters, and then decide where to go from there. Good luck.

Yes, unfortunately I will be moving to a different state and won't be able to come back as much as I want to. I do understand why it would be "frowned upon" though; if I had a choice in transferring, I wouldn't. And if I knew that this situation would come up, I would have waited to pledge into an organization. And I do feel terrible that I have to leave so many great people behind, but in the end, I still want the sisterhood bond at my new school (which might mean joining a NPC). If there isn't any violation against me doing that, I think it would be a matter of personal preference for me - I just wanted to know if I had that option.

[haley36]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Yes, I was referring Mevara to our national bylaws. I'm not sure we agree on the interpretation. I could ask someone at HQ, but I've probably said too much anyway on a public message board.

To the original OP, what will your status be with your local when you transfer? As far as Kappa is concerned, when a collegiate member in good standing transfers to a new school where there is no chapter, we become alumnae. I think this is fairly standard for NPC groups.

I get that you'll miss sorority life at your new school (I had to transfer after my third year because of family issues, and it stunk seeing all the groups wearing their letters and having fun), but didn't you make a promise to your organization?

Anyway, you are definitely free to go through recruitment, and the chapters at your new school will figure out if they want you and if you are eligible for membership.

I'm not sure what my status would be; I wouldn't be affiliated with the school anymore, which means I'd be leaving the local sorority as well. And I do understand that I made this commitment, but at that time, I was not aware that I would have to leave it behind. I'm still taking into consideration about re-rushing; I just wanted to know if there was an option for it because I've enjoyed being part of a sisterhood and the Greek community. And that's something I really value in my college experience. My situation is a bit tricky since I joined a local sorority with affiliations only around our neighborhood. But thanks for the info.

[haley36]

Originally Posted by aephi alum

It's worth a shot.

NPC doesn't have any rules stipulating that an initiate of a local sorority can't join an NPC sorority. There is a rule that, once initiated into one NPC sorority, you can never join another - but that isn't the case here. Some campus Panhellenics stipulate that if you join a local you cannot also join an NPC on the same campus - again, that isn't the case here.

So, if you choose, rush, and see what happens. Don't lie if asked whether you were in a local, but don't volunteer the information either.

Good luck.

Thank you for your advice, I certainly will take it to heart. And I hope that I find a new home, but not forgetting about my old one, either.

[ElieM]

Originally Posted by Mevara

I don't know if they are confidential but they are not publicly available.

a quick google says yes, they are.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by ElieM

a quick google says yes, they are.

I'm pretty sure that these things have to be publicly available for NFP's.

[ElieM]

That's what I thought too so I went and checked it out. I promise I am only a legal governance geek rather than a creepy KKG stalker