Wearing letters

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by GDIfly

I love how Tom is consistently able to find a different emoticon for every sentence in each of his posts.

Thank You, I love the little smileys!

[agzg]

I think it's a little harsh to jump on alum and say "If you don't contribute, don't wear letters."

If they had disgraced the organization, maybe, but come on. I'm a new alum and I can't afford to contribute much to my organization. I can't even afford to contribute as much as I used to pay in dues. But, I contribute time, and in my mind that might be a more valuable contribution than just sending a wad of cash around every year.

Am I wrong in thinking this? I'd much rather organize a JDRF walk or help my chapter during recruitment time than just pinch pennies and send some small donation along. Plus, a lot of recent alum can't even spare enough time to contribute that way, because they're working hard at starting a career. Should they just not wear letters at all? I'd think they'd be rather deserving, especially if they're setting themselves up to be admirable for their hard work and good character.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam

I think it's a little harsh to jump on alum and say "If you don't contribute, don't wear letters."

If they had disgraced the organization, maybe, but come on. I'm a new alum and I can't afford to contribute much to my organization. I can't even afford to contribute as much as I used to pay in dues. But, I contribute time, and in my mind that might be a more valuable contribution than just sending a wad of cash around every year.

Am I wrong in thinking this? I'd much rather organize a JDRF walk or help my chapter during recruitment time than just pinch pennies and send some small donation along. Plus, a lot of recent alum can't even spare enough time to contribute that way, because they're working hard at starting a career. Should they just not wear letters at all? I'd think they'd be rather deserving, especially if they're setting themselves up to be admirable for their hard work and good character.

You suffer from the same condition that Tom Earp does. No one said these people can't do anything or that we would ostracize these people. We are saying that old and young members need to contribute to the organization before they run around thinking that putting on letters means they are "representing" something.

I have found that people typically can afford whatever they want to afford. I rubbed pennies together to pay dues as an undergrad and rubbed pennies together to pay dues for the 7 years after undergrad. I will continue to rub pennies together to pay dues as long as I manage to find pennies to spend on clothes and other things that I probably don't NEED.

Broke is relative and a state of mind. For instance, being a broke grad student is NO JOKE but most of us still manage to do STUFF. Whether that's going out on the weekends, buying some gooblygob to wear, or eating out. Contributing your time is a wonderful thing and sisterhood is about more than dues. But many organizations are non-profit businesses that could use our dues for some important things both administrative and philanthropy-wise.

[jojapeach]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

You suffer from the same condition that Tom Earp does. No one said these people can't do anything or that we would ostracize these people. We are saying that old and young members need to contribute to the organization before they run around thinking that putting on letters means they are "representing" something.

I have found that people typically can afford whatever they want to afford. I rubbed pennies together to pay dues as an undergrad and rubbed pennies together to pay dues for the 7 years after undergrad. I will continue to rub pennies together to pay dues as long as I manage to find pennies to spend on clothes and other things that I probably don't NEED.

Broke is relative and a state of mind. For instance, being a broke grad student is NO JOKE but most of us still manage to do STUFF. Whether that's going out on the weekends, buying some gooblygob to wear, or eating out. Contributing your time is a wonderful thing and sisterhood is about more than dues. But many organizations are non-profit businesses that could use our dues for some important things both administrative and philanthropy-wise.

Excellent post!

@ alphagamzetagam: It's not about jumping all over alum that don't financially support. It's more important to look at the fact that when you [in the general sense, not specific] were desiring to be a member of your org, you found a way to get that money together to become a member. It's possible to continue to find the money and time now that you are on the official membership rolls for XYZ.

In some cases, it really is a matter of being a brand new grown-up with your degree in hand but not the best paying job. In the case of my sister-in-law, she really does not give back to the org, but she's an executive-turned-stay-at-home mom pushing a beautiful Yukon XL with XYZ on the front and back. She and her two daughters carry beautiful handbags, and they stay fly in every way. She will tell you XYZ hasn't received a membership check from her in years. So, how can you proudly flaunt your membership to others when you "can't" support that national organization with your much needed membership dues? It's akin to pimping your letters.

At least in your case, you support activities and actually serve the community. I know a "seasoned" soror who did the same thing when she couldn't afford the dues. It happens, but you shouldn't stop supporting your org all together just because life happens.

[agzg]

I don't know, I'd just rather not feel like a "money train" when money is a resource I don't have much of (and I don't believe in skimping on food just so I can pay alumnae dues), while I have plenty of time that I can donate. I'd rather spend that money on food, school supplies, classes, paying student loans, rent, car insurance, gas, etc, and if I want to go out to dinner or to get a drink one night a month, then I want to go out one night a month. A person cannot be expected to completely cut out a healthy social life in order to pay alumni dues. When I can live comfortably enough to have an extra hundred dollars or so a month, then I'll start sending in dues. When I can't, or I have to make extra sacrifices in order to be able to pay them, I'm not going to pay them. It's not like I live a super glamerous life (I've never even touched a designer handbag or designer pair of shoes in my life), but I'm not cutting out getting a new suit so I can go on interviews or going out to dinner with a close friend just so I can pay dues.

I think you're not getting my point though, it's not like I'm going out and buying a whole bunch of alpha gam stuff to wear or put on my car. I have the same sticker I recieved when I got my sister-mother. I wear the same sweatshirt I bought when I was a sophomore, the same jacket, the same t-shirts, bid day t-shirts, and most anything that I've got that's got letters or Alpha Gamma Delta written on it was either A. Part of a purchasing project through the chapter, which gives better rates on paraphenalia, B. something I bought shortly after my initiation, C. something that was given to me. I don't even have much of anything after passing everything down to my sister-daughter and granddaughter.

I just don't see how alumni that don't donate every year or pay alumni dues should be judged for wearing letters, especially if those judging them have no idea where they got those lettered items. Pride is pride. It's free advertisement, no matter what way you slice it, no matter if it's good or bad. Hopefully, it's good.

[DSTCHAOS]

We're all adults and it really boils down to choices.

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam

I don't know, I'd just rather not feel like a "money train" when money is a resource I don't have much of (and I don't believe in skimping on food just so I can pay alumnae dues), while I have plenty of time that I can donate. I'd rather spend that money on food, school supplies, classes, paying student loans, rent, car insurance, gas, etc, and if I want to go out to dinner or to get a drink one night a month, then I want to go out one night a month. A person cannot be expected to completely cut out a healthy social life in order to pay alumni dues. When I can live comfortably enough to have an extra hundred dollars or so a month, then I'll start sending in dues. When I can't, or I have to make extra sacrifices in order to be able to pay them, I'm not going to pay them. It's not like I live a super glamerous life (I've never even touched a designer handbag or designer pair of shoes in my life), but I'm not cutting out getting a new suit so I can go on interviews or going out to dinner with a close friend just so I can pay dues.

People either make it happen or they don't. You chose to fly in this thread and defend something that may or may not have pertained to your situation. Just like you choose to not make extra sacrifices to pay your dues. Everyone has an excuse or an explanation. Just don't be a "I will pay dues when I have the money" type person for longer than you know is excusable.

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam

I think you're not getting my point though, it's not like I'm going out and buying a whole bunch of alpha gam stuff to wear or put on my car. I have the same sticker I recieved when I got my sister-mother. I wear the same sweatshirt I bought when I was a sophomore, the same jacket, the same t-shirts, bid day t-shirts, and most anything that I've got that's got letters or Alpha Gamma Delta written on it was either A. Part of a purchasing project through the chapter, which gives better rates on paraphenalia, B. something I bought shortly after my initiation, C. something that was given to me. I don't even have much of anything after passing everything down to my sister-daughter and granddaughter.

I just don't see how alumni that don't donate every year or pay alumni dues should be judged for wearing letters, especially if those judging them have no idea where they got those lettered items. Pride is pride. It's free advertisement, no matter what way you slice it, no matter if it's good or bad. Hopefully, it's good.

We didn't miss your point but you certainly missed ours if this is what you choose to spend your time explaining to us. Own as much of your organization's paraphernalia as you choose. We aren't so much fixated on that as we are with people understanding that we have enough walking billboards. So, no, we don't feel the need to form a cheer squad around your displays of pride and advertisement if spirit fingers are all your organization will have to show for it.

[agzg]

You're choosing to ignore the fact that I'm presenting the other side of the issue, which is just as fair as presenting the idea that fewer people need to be blowing cash on t-shirts and investing themselves in their organization. I'm just presenting the idea that maybe not everyone who wears letters is actively choosing to not give anything back to their organization. You may know people like that, but certainly not everyone does that. Otherwise, there would be no alumnae dues in the first place, because organizations would realize that they can't collect.

You're also choosing to reject the idea that maybe I can get your point without your snarky bolding the word you're repeating over and over in your post. If you're going to point out that we're all adults, please remember that you're taking the debate to a childish level by adding in snark.

[jojapeach]

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam

I just don't see how alumni that don't donate every year or pay alumni dues should be judged for wearing letters, especially if those judging them have no idea where they got those lettered items. Pride is pride. It's free advertisement, no matter what way you slice it, no matter if it's good or bad. Hopefully, it's good.

There is no free advertisement. Somebody paid for the shirts.

And everything that's free isn't good because if you think about it, a hazing trial and/or lawsuit is also free advertising.

But back to the point, maybe NPC and NPHC sororities are different in this area. As an NPHC sorority woman, it's irksome to have someone get their letters and never be seen at a chapter meeting handling sorority business, but you will see her at every step show or picnic. Being Greek is fun, but there's business to take care of. So, for me, my sorority is a sisterhood that I value and cherish, and we hope to instill this in members. We also hope to instill that the sorority is not a status symbol to sport across a t-shirt when it's convenient and "cute". I'm asking a real question when I ask if circumstances are that different for NPC sororities. Seriously.

Maybe there's much more to this than I or DSTCHAOS are willing to put out there, but being an inactive alumnae soror is not so "cute" as the years roll by.

[UGAalum94]

Wow: is it the expectation that you pay as much as an alumna as you do as an undergraduate? That does show a serious life-long committment.

Do any of NPC groups have that expectation? Mine doesn't seem to. You are encouraged to give, and some ladies do get recognized for giving large amounts.

When I was an undergrad, I was at a campus where we had big houses, so I think the dues were a lot higher than they would have been at a chapter that lived on a dorm floor.


(I think that if I were paying in annual dues what the girls at my chapter do today, it'd be more than 1,000 a year ( maybe not, though, I don't know). If you all are paying that at the alum level, and that's just be be in good standing, I salute you!)

[agzg]

Ours are actually ridiculously low, you have nothing to worry about and they are not mandatory to remain in good standing.

[UGAalum94]

I'm afraid of being accused of being completely out of touch with my group again, as I was in a different thread.

I knew that our alumnae dues are super affordable; that's part of what amazed me that in some orgs. you might pay what you did as an undergrad.

[KSUViolet06]

Alumnae dues in NPC are significantly lower than undergraduate fees. I'm talking like $50 or so compared to like $1,000.

[AXO Alum]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

You suffer from the same condition that Tom Earp does. No one said these people can't do anything or that we would ostracize these people. We are saying that old and young members need to contribute to the organization before they run around thinking that putting on letters means they are "representing" something.

Good Lord in heaven - I have found my soul mate If only I had more room in my siggy to put this!! Alas, my proclamation to the world that:

HAIR TRANSPLANTS ARE THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE!

takes up too much space

DSTChaos - you are really making my week here in GC land

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by AXO Alum

Good Lord in heaven - I have found my soul mate If only I had more room in my siggy to put this!! Alas, my proclamation to the world that:

HAIR TRANSPLANTS ARE THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE!

takes up too much space

DSTChaos - you are really making my week here in GC land

You are simply marvelous!

[aopirose]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

You suffer from the same condition that Tom Earp does. No one said these people can't do anything or that we would ostracize these people. We are saying that old and young members need to contribute to the organization before they run around thinking that putting on letters means they are "representing" something.

I have found that people typically can afford whatever they want to afford. I rubbed pennies together to pay dues as an undergrad and rubbed pennies together to pay dues for the 7 years after undergrad. I will continue to rub pennies together to pay dues as long as I manage to find pennies to spend on clothes and other things that I probably don't NEED.

Broke is relative and a state of mind. For instance, being a broke grad student is NO JOKE but most of us still manage to do STUFF. Whether that's going out on the weekends, buying some gooblygob to wear, or eating out. Contributing your time is a wonderful thing and sisterhood is about more than dues. But many organizations are non-profit businesses that could use our dues for some important things both administrative and philanthropy-wise.

Snaps!