Do many people join Greek organizations that aren't Nationals?

[Gusteau]

LOL - I love the "we don't haze as bad as they do" excuse.

And if you beat your wife, but your neighbor beats his wife even more than you do, does that make it okay?

[DGTess]

Gotta love those who have to pick up on that. For all I know (and what I presume) is that you do things that some consider hazing because someone might consider it demeaning. I'm thinking thinks like pledges answering the door at the house, or answering the phones, or actually having to hold a conversation with every sister prior to her initiation.

I come from a very small chapter, though of a national, that guarded our independence fiercely, and tolerated visits from headquarters (mind you, this was long ago and far away). I may understand what you mean. I like the idea of freedom to do what one feels is necessary for the health of the chapter and the sisterhood without NPC or even a national determining how you'd do something. There's something to be said for independence.

But there's something, also, to be said for having a network of thousands of sisters across the country, and an instant network and bond wherever you may go. Running into a sister while on a family to trip to Europe, for example, or in the mall where you had to stop on a cross-country trip 'cause you ruined your jeans.

Each has its pros and cons. The important thing is that your sorority gives you the bond and home that's right for you.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DGTess

But there's something, also, to be said for having a network of thousands of sisters across the country, and an instant network and bond wherever you may go.

I'd agree. And I'd add that my experience was of good relations between chapter and national HQ, so from that perspective, there's much to be said for the support that a national organization can provide to a chapter. YMMV.

Each has its pros and cons. The important thing is that your sorority gives you the bond and home that's right for you.

Exactly.

[misscherrypie]

Originally Posted by DGTess

.

I come from a very small chapter, though of a national, that guarded our independence fiercely, and tolerated visits from headquarters (mind you, this was long ago and far away). I may understand what you mean. I like the idea of freedom to do what one feels is necessary for the health of the chapter and the sisterhood without NPC or even a national determining how you'd do something. There's something to be said for independence.

But there's something, also, to be said for having a network of thousands of sisters across the country, and an instant network and bond wherever you may go. Running into a sister while on a family to trip to Europe, for example, or in the mall where you had to stop on a cross-country trip 'cause you ruined your jeans.

Each has its pros and cons. The important thing is that your sorority gives you the bond and home that's right for you.

I completely agree with this.
I have to admit that I was scared witless of going to the Sorority City Council Meeting a few weeks back with our chapter President. The meeting was held in a large local hall and we were sitting there and waiting for our sisters from the Sorority City Council to arrive because no one currently in the hall knew where to direct us to for the meeting (we were running a bit early). I wasn't sure what they'd think of us or whether we'd all get along. Bundle of nerves, I was.

I remember looking up suddenly and getting this feeling that the group of women entering the main hall entrance at that moment were my sisters, and got up to ask them if they were also Beta Sigma Phi. As it turned out, they were.

Of course, as it turned out....I had nothing at all to worry about. Our sisters, even we didn't know them from Adam, immediately made us feel at home and were eager to reach out to us, the new kids on the block.

That's my take on one extremely positive experience that has happened in my short time of being a member of a national sorority.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by DGTess

Gotta love those who have to pick up on that. For all I know (and what I presume) is that you do things that some consider hazing because someone might consider it demeaning. I'm thinking thinks like pledges answering the door at the house, or answering the phones, or actually having to hold a conversation with every sister prior to her initiation.

My original answer explained that because of hazing, locals were on their way out because every single one of them is a lawsuit away from extinction and generally, they're going to have an awfully hard time finding an insurance carrier when they explain among their reasons for independence are that they want to haze a little bit.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by Kevin

My original answer explained that because of hazing, locals were on their way out because every single one of them is a lawsuit away from extinction and generally, they're going to have an awfully hard time finding an insurance carrier when they explain among their reasons for independence are that they want to haze a little bit.

!!!

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by 33girl

In her neck of the woods, from what I understand, the tradition of local sororities is very strong . . .

I think it is very important to remember that this is the case in some places and at some schools. Statements similar to this one:

Originally Posted by summer_gphib

. . . I joined an NPC for a lot of reasons, one of the biggest being the rich history and traditions. There is something sacred to know you are participating in the same ritual that has been handed down for so many years, and was written when women were not even allowed to vote. The struggle that they had to even be given an education and the things they went through means a lot to me. . . . And the ideals it represents. Every time I see my badge it reminds me of those ideals, and that I must do my best every day to live up to them.

can be made by members of some locals.