Coming out Greek

[SAEalumnus]

My parents were never anti-Greek, but weren't exactly thoroughly supportive of the idea at first either. I let them read through our pledge manual (it's a public book anyway) to satisfy themselves of what the organization was about and that seemed to work. Later as I held various offices and attended various leadership schools, they began to see the additional value besides just the social aspect.

[REE1993]

When I was an undergrad, my family never paid much attention to it, except when I was overloading on activities and commitments and I wasn't feeling well (I have Cystic Fibrosis).

Ten+ years later, being active in my alum chapter (I moved back to my home state last summer), my older sister and mom think that the work I do and connections I have are great. They thought it was cool that I was in our quarterly newsletter.

Gamma Sig is an important part of my life, but it never defined me. So it was never an issue to my family. In fact, outside of my mom and blood sisters, it doesn't register on anyone's radar, and I wear para every so often.

This makes me think of when I told my dad I was joining a sorority. The coversation went something like this:
"So, are you going to live there?"
"Where, Dad?"
"At the sorority."
"Dad, a sorority isn't a place!"

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

I don't even remember how I first told my parents, I'm guessing my dad was there when I signed up since he flew to St Louis to move me in. But then, my parents have always been teh type to just let me do whatever.

And considering I have pictures of myself in letters at various conventions, my affiliation is definitely not a secret and definitely not something I need to "tell" people. That and my favorite football team are pretty obvious.

[fantASTic]

My older sister [biological] is Greek as well at a different school, so my parents weren't at all upset about it. Then again, they let us make our own choices for the most part. One thing that we do that helps parents understand the system more, though, is Man's Weekend in the fall and Women's Weekend in the winter. You invite one or two people to it [men to man's weekend, women to Women's] and we do activities or volunteer or something and then we do a ritual that they participate in, so that they can see what it's REALLY about. THe ritual is made specially to explain the sorority to them. It works really well.

[DSTCHAOS]

I only know one person who struggled to "come out" as a member of a GLO. This person's parents were opposed to Greekdom for religious reasons.

Other than that, the people I know don't require a "coming out" other than the coming out ceremonies that many organizations hold.

[1908Revelations]

Originally Posted by jessicaelaine

This makes me think of when I told my dad I was joining a sorority. The coversation went something like this:
"So, are you going to live there?"
"Where, Dad?"
"At the sorority."
"Dad, a sorority isn't a place!"

That is sooo cute!

[SxyLambdaLady6]

My mom wasn't too excited about it but she supports everything that I want to put my heart into..She supported and was there for me thru my process and when my parents came to my probate they realized how proud I was for making it thru so they were proud too. They know my sisters care a lot about me so they understand more.

[Educatingblue]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I only know one person who struggled to "come out" as a member of a GLO. This person's parents were opposed to Greekdom for religious reasons.

You must be talking about my mother! She was really opposed to the whole idea. She went to a Bible college that had no greek life. She said that her school justified no greek system with "We do not want any organization that separates man." I can't really see how that is the case when most orgs pride themselves on unity.

The good part is she is "slowly" changing her way of thinking.

[LTA4]

i think that being greek is something to be proud of-- an accomplishment, a commitment, and a lifestyle that at its best is not only beneficial to those that are Greek but also to those surrounding them. And I'm sure that most everyone who is Greek feels the same way, or else they wouldn't have joined their org.

I would just try to stress the positive aspect of Greek life-- the service, philanthropy, sisterhood/brotherhood, networking, and positive life experiences. Typically people who are anti-Greek have only been exposed to the negative/stereotypical idea of Greek life, and perhaps trying to educate them will help. Otherwise, I would just let them feel the way they feel and still be proud of it, because obviously if they care about you then hopefully it won't affect your relationship with them either way.

[SnuKnight172]

When I rushed I got the "why are you doing that you should concentrate on school" from my Dad. My Mom was cool with it she didn't have any problems or concerns. My Grandparents were a little concerned as well. I guess everyone was concerened about the partying, drinking, etc.... My Grandfather went as far as to say "you are already Greek (by blood) why join a fake Greek group."

All of the critisism stopped when they realized there was a philanthropical side to being Greek. My Dad actually hired some of my Bros and they were the best employees he has ever had. He still calls asking for phone numbers of guys looking for jobs.

My Grandparents became cool with it when they meet my wife (girlfriend at the time) who was an Aphi.

To add to my Dad's approval, he coaches a traveling men's baseball team and 50% of his players are from the Fraternity. He also plays in the chapter's golf tourney every year.

My family was so supportive come time for my sister to go to school (my Senior year) they wanted to make sure she rushed. She is now an Aphi. The only thing that concerns them about her is the Spring Breaks in Mexico..

You just have to get everyone over the initial shock and stand your ground. You joined a worldclass organization and they will see that in a short amount of time.