Latino Greek Letter Organizations

[rocketgirl]

Based upon what I've seen those seem to be it. I don't know what you are using to confirm, but I definately can confirm that we are a multicultural org, with a multicultural focus and multicultural membership....check the website...www.zetasigmachi.com:)

I do wonder why almost every one on the list is not really multicultural is actually Latina...interesting...

I think it's interesting how many local/regional multicultural sororities there are. If you do a websearch on locals there seem to be over 50. I know I've always wondered why it seems that people are starting brand new sororities instead of joining one of the many established organizations. I understand that everyone wants a different focus, but from what I can tell, the 5 you have listed as national all seem to have a slightly different spin on things.

That leads to my next question...what do you think the future is for multicultural sororities. Obviously we all are expanding every year to new schools, but do you think that there will ever be a strong multicultural council with bonds like NPHC or NPC? I think it would be great, but, it doesn't seem like anything in the immediate future. I think that would help with a national understanding for who we are and what we stand for, instead of the confusion, especially with groups that seem to not fall under the definition of a multicultural sorority.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by rocketgirl
Based upon what I've seen those seem to be it. I don't know what you are using to confirm, but I definately can confirm that we are a multicultural org, with a multicultural focus and multicultural membership....check the website...www.zetasigmachi.com:)

I know ALL about y'all! Much love to ya! The only two orgs I, personally, can confirm are HWT and QNX. Now that you have solidly confirmed your org, I'll note that in the other post.

I think it's interesting how many local/regional multicultural sororities there are. If you do a websearch on locals there seem to be over 50. I know I've always wondered why it seems that people are starting brand new sororities instead of joining one of the many established organizations. I understand that everyone wants a different focus, but from what I can tell, the 5 you have listed as national all seem to have a slightly different spin on things.

Indeed. I love to see new organizations flourish, but I'm afraid that many new multicultural orgs are fizzling out as soon as they start. The founders get fired up but they don't seem to be able to bring new blood in at a good rate.

That leads to my next question...what do you think the future is for multicultural sororities. Obviously we all are expanding every year to new schools, but do you think that there will ever be a strong multicultural council with bonds like NPHC or NPC? I think it would be great, but, it doesn't seem like anything in the immediate future. I think that would help with a national understanding for who we are and what we stand for, instead of the confusion, especially with groups that seem to not fall under the definition of a multicultural sorority.

I would LOVE to hear people's ideas on the future of mc orgs. Honestly, the two most established councils (NMGC and NAGC) for mc orgs do not, in my opinion, serve the needs of these organizations appropriately.

I also believe that, since mc sororities and fraternities don't really have a common foundational bond, we should be focusing on separate - but mutually supportive - councils for fraternities and sororities. I'd like to see the founding of a National Multicultural Sorority Council (NMSC) but of the national sororities I listed DXF is already NMGC and ZCF is NAGC.

That leaves ZSC, DGP and QNX.

To be honest, I would be happy to see these three sororities involved in national governing body. However, I'd prefer to see a "conference" with agreements that we promise to follow rather than a "council" that makes laws for our orgs. I think a conference would remain more sisterly.


ETA: NEWSFLASH! Delta Xi Nu seems to have broken out of its region and gone national!!

So that means that we have ZSC, DGP, QNX and DXN for a potential council.

[wrussell]

Originally posted by
I'm interested in learning more about the Latino Fraternities and Sororities. Could some of you that have joined share your experiences, as well as, chapter and national websites?

Hey, homie. I wanted to respond because I think you would find my particular experiance intrigueing, since I am African American who joined the largest Latino-based Multicultural Organization in the nation - Sigma Lambda Beta. The formalities - my chapter website -www.sigmalambdabeta.com/zetabeta and the national website is www.sigmalambdabeta.com.

Overall, my experiance has been great. I crossed a little over a year a go and in that first year I accomplished a ton of things. I went from revamping a chair position (campus involvement) and doing things with it that has never been to becoming a highly important chair (community service) and leading my chapter to having done the most community service in our council. I finally have arrived at being the second inline from the top (External Vice President), maybe, hopefully, the next president of my chapter. That is just fraternity-wise...On my council I have been one of the most outspoken members especially in dealings with the issue of expansion. At UF, our coucil seemed to have an air of eliteness that was unfounded and a couple of groups (Theta Nu Xi and Pi Delta Psi) had trouble getting on here - I spoke out for them when they couldn't speak for obvious reasons, but I take no credit for their arrival, it was all them. I am now the Executive Vice President of the council and I look the make the changes necessary. OK OK OK ENOUGH ABOUT THAT....THE PARTIES ARE BANANAS! And last but not least - self-improvement...my experiance has brought me to higher level. I am doing better in school (once the dust settle from my early months as brother, IT IS HARD FOR NEO, AM I LYING MY FELLOW GREEKS?) I am getting better physically, mentally, and spiritally. I wear my letters proud, but they did not make me. The made me better.

Like we say here at the Revolutionary Seta Beta Chapter at University of Florida....The true essence of a Beta man isn't perfection...but the desire to attain it.

BUT WE ALL SO SAY ( AND THIS IS FOR ALL GREEKS)....REP YOU SH!T OR GIVE IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!

[wrussell]

Originally posted by ambición6
At my school, we are the only latino co-ed fraternity and there are 2 latino fraternities and 2 latina sororities. (as far as i remember) We sorta got along with the other latino orgs. We got along perfectly fine with the other non-latino greeks. but there was definitely tension with the latino orgs (mostly the sororities). we tried to be nice to everyone when we first started on campus but for some reason we couldn't play together.

that is hilarious...I guess it really is worldwide that sororities have the most problems everywhere! LOL LOL

[wrussell]

Latina Alumna,


I had a question about your sorority. I used to date (and I still talk to a bunch of) LTAs...and I have heard a lot of distain from them about your sorority. I don't really care, but do want to know what you think about them or about the whole situation because this seems like stupid girl stuff. Let me know what the deal is...

[wrussell]

Originally posted by deuika
*Applauds*

Latino Greeks...

I was wondering...can a Latino Greek Organization be also MultiCultural?
I don't know if I'm saying that right. But I have some friends who are XYZ's, it's multicultural nationally, but all the members I have met are Latina, they do a lot of Latin activities as well, like most of their community service is done with Latin interest in mind, geesh I think I'm saying that wrong.
Anywhoodolini, Can they be in two councils? I know a couple of Greek orgs are.

I personally think that Latino orgs shouldn't rep the Multicultural banner just because they have a couple of non latino/as...
I think that you can have multicultural orgs that have culture specified chapters because of the region of the country or the compostion of the schools students.

At my Chapter of SLB, we are mostly latino but I got on board because of the multiculturalism that they said they were about...and once I got in I saw that it wasn't completely true...but then again it is hard to have mostly latino members and they have enough push to go out and do other things with other cultures...I pushed for this and as a chapter we have become much better and we are PROUD to be a multicultural organization, not only member wise but in thought and action.

[audaz49]

I am a member of a Historically Latina Greek Letter Organization with Multicultural Membership. What does that mean? It means that we were founded by Latinas, for the advancement of Latinas and ALL WOMEN. Further explanation: We, as a nation, have members representing 107 different cultural backgrounds (this is lumping all Native Americans into one group, otherwise it is over 150) and encourage women of all cultural backgrounds to become members of our sisterhood, further, we were founded on 5 principles, one of them being Cultural Awareness, therefore, we do promote not only the Latina culture, but multiculturalism and awareness and action on the part of all cultures.

To address the original question, what has my experience as a member of a LGLO been like?
As a member who has just completed her "Neo Period" (first year), I have seen a lot. My experience within my organization has been wonderful, and I have truly seen it stand up to all of the things I expected and exceed those expectations time and again. We interact with the BGLOs on our campus for many reasons, mostly because we relate to them best, being the only Latina (or mulicultural) sorority on our campus, we relate better to the NPHC orgs than the NPC ones. There has been some friction from time to time, because of the differences chapter size, D - G relations (the call thing, mostly) and other factors, but we are, for the majority, well accepted. Due to recent developments, we may have a change in relations coming, but only time will tell. For now, we enjoy and look forward to continuing to work with our local NPHC.

[wrussell]

Originally posted by audaz49
I am a member of a Historically Latina Greek Letter Organization with Multicultural Membership. What does that mean? It means that we were founded by Latinas, for the advancement of Latinas and ALL WOMEN. Further explanation: We, as a nation, have members representing 107 different cultural backgrounds (this is lumping all Native Americans into one group, otherwise it is over 150) and encourage women of all cultural backgrounds to become members of our sisterhood, further, we were founded on 5 principles, one of them being Cultural Awareness, therefore, we do promote not only the Latina culture, but multiculturalism and awareness and action on the part of all cultures.

PREACH ON SISTA, PREACH....Honestly, multicultural breaks down....there many Hispanic cultures, black cultures, asian cultures...In that sense...EVERY SINGLE ORGANIZATION WITH A CULTURAL BACKGROUND is multicultural, unless your membership is of all mexicans or colombians...or all haitians or jamacians...or all chinesee or korean. We should take this into consideration...

[Private I]

Hi wrussell.

Could you elaborate on what you meant by "everyone with a cultural background." Wouldn't that mean everyone?

Thanks,

P.I.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by wrussell
PREACH ON SISTA, PREACH....Honestly, multicultural breaks down....there many Hispanic cultures, black cultures, asian cultures...In that sense...EVERY SINGLE ORGANIZATION WITH A CULTURAL BACKGROUND is multicultural, unless your membership is of all mexicans or colombians...or all haitians or jamacians...or all chinesee or korean. We should take this into consideration...

This is exactly what I was talking about! I think for people who aren't part of the multicultural Greek phenomenon, it's hard to understand...going back to my previous post

1) Organizations devoted primarily to one culture do have members of and welcome the inclusion of different cultures and sub-cultures (i.e. a Latina sorority with members from various Latin cultures as well as non-Latina women). So, these orgs are still Latina/Black/Asian, etc but they make a point to be inclusive and supportive of all.

-Example: Sigma Lambda Gamma

*Specific culture; multicultural membership

2) Organizations that began either as a group devoted to one culture or as a group that did not specify any specific culture (but were not specifically bringing attention to cultural issues.) Perhaps a more recent push to diversify has been incorporated and members are excited to bring in members with different backgrounds and experiences.

-Example: most NPC sororities

*Not originally intended to be specifically multicultural; current diverse membership

3) Organizations founded on multiculturalism. Specific chapters are often representative of cultures in the particular region. Programs are designed to bring education and sensitivity to the understanding of any number of cultures.

-Example: Theta Nu Xi, Zeta Sigma Chi

*Originally and intended to be multicultural

Would you say that your organization falls under the first definition? (I feel like we should have a special website to refer people to when they don't realize that there ARE varying definitions.)

[wrussell]

Originally posted by Private I
Hi wrussell.

Could you elaborate on what you meant by "everyone with a cultural background." Wouldn't that mean everyone?

Thanks,

P.I.

I was talking about organizations. Organizations that are culturally based...latina based, asian based, and so on...

[wrussell]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
This is exactly what I was talking about! I think for people who aren't part of the multicultural Greek phenomenon, it's hard to understand...going back to my previous post

Would you say that your organization falls under the first definition? (I feel like we should have a special website to refer people to when they don't realize that there ARE varying definitions.)

First I want to say what an honor it is to talk to you jeni because I have read alot of your posts and I agree on so many levels and yes my org does fit into the first one. I think the issue is when you say you are multicultural...you have to prove it. Especially those of the first def, if you are going to say "we are a multicultural org" then act the part. I believe that SLB and SLG (because I know first hand) are organizations doing that.

[Private I]

I think what I meant to point out is that some orgs focus on certain cultures and aim relatively exclusively on a certain one in their events, community service, membership, etc...and others are started with multiculturalism and multiculturalism awareness both as a core value and aim.

I guess my question is-you said your org. is primarily latino based, and that since you joined, your chapter has become more multicultural focused (correct me if I'm incorrect). Is this the same throughout the country, or would you say only certain chapters? Do you believe that as your org. grows, it will eventually change from Latino Based and Multicultural to simply Multicultural?

Just curious, because we do have a chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta at my school, and although there are several members from various backgrounds, it is still primarily Hispanic.

By the way, I think I met one of your chapter brothers a few months ago, Cesar.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by wrussell
First I want to say what an honor it is to talk to you jeni because I have read alot of your posts and I agree on so many levels and yes my org does fit into the first one. I think the issue is when you say you are multicultural...you have to prove it. Especially those of the first def, if you are going to say "we are a multicultural org" then act the part. I believe that SLB and SLG (because I know first hand) are organizations doing that.

I enjoy the dialogue!! I think we're getting somewhere in this thread. My soror posed a question that I too have been pondering:

Originally posted by Private I
Do you believe that as your org. grows, it will eventually change from Latino Based and Multicultural to simply Multicultural?

wrussell, I appreciate the way you've handled yourself in here!

[wrussell]

Originally posted by Private I
I think what I meant to point out is that some orgs focus on certain cultures and aim relatively exclusively on a certain one in their events, community service, membership, etc...and others are started with multiculturalism and multiculturalism awareness both as a core value and aim.

I guess my question is-you said your org. is primarily latino based, and that since you joined, your chapter has become more multicultural focused (correct me if I'm incorrect). Is this the same throughout the country, or would you say only certain chapters? Do you believe that as your org. grows, it will eventually change from Latino Based and Multicultural to simply Multicultural?

Just curious, because we do have a chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta at my school, and although there are several members from various backgrounds, it is still primarily Hispanic.

By the way, I think I met one of your chapter brothers a few months ago, Cesar.

First, I agree with you first statment, but I don't believe my chapter operates this way. The more we do for one culture, we should feel obligated to do the same for the next culture. I think we are the only organization to table at every single cultural student assembly here at UF during the Weeks fo Welcome for the freshman.

Second, I can't truely speak for other chapters, but I feel that our intention is to reach out for all cultures but wheter we are following through I would bring into question. I don't think my organization will leave the latino-based title because 16 of our 18 founders are latinos so I feel that we will continue to have the latino-based multicultural title, but I think we just need to make the moves to live up to it.

LOL Cesar is my pops (or big, not sure how you guys do it, but he is in my family tree). He got me to join this org. He is a great guy, doing big things.