Dual memberships

[gamma_girl52]

I am also in the Order of the Eastern Star (PHA), which isn't greek obviously, but still....

The only big difference for me was that I did join at different points of my life. When I pledged Gamma Sig, I was a 19 year old college student. When I joined OES, I was a bit older at 26. I was more mature when I joined OES which was a good thing. I don't think I would have been ready for it if I'd joined at a younger age.

I don't indentify more with one or the other--both are very important to me and I do equal amounts of work with both. I represent for both at all times and both organizations have contributed to who I am as a young woman.

I guess my only concern with Gamma Sigs joining other organizations that are more "prominent" is that they tend to "forget where they came from" and don't give GSS a second thought; thus you have many Gamma Sigs that are leery of those who join the organization just to get service hours to pledge another sorority (it happens). There's not a lot we can do about that other than continue to encourage those members to continue to be active with us.

I too am interested in joining another sorority, but I'm at the point in my life in which I'd really have to be sure if it is something I can handle both time-wise and financial-wise as well. For the moment I'm perfectly happy with my GSS and OES membership; they both keep me equally busy!

[REE1993]

Originally Posted by gamma_girl52

I guess my only concern with Gamma Sigs joining other organizations that are more "prominent" is that they tend to "forget where they came from" and don't give GSS a second thought; thus you have many Gamma Sigs that are leery of those who join the organization just to get service hours to pledge another sorority (it happens). There's not a lot we can do about that other than continue to encourage those members to continue to be active with us.

Wow, I have never heard of that. Of course, I have been out of college for over 10 years. I do worry about dwindling commitment as the years go on. I know that we are growing in the south, and that is so exciting. I wish I knew the secret to doing so. I would love to see us recolonize some of our old chapters. In my district, I think we have only 2 active collegiate chapters (that might be down to one), and that makes me sad. But, I am proud of our collegiates who continue to thrive.

I am happy to be active in my alumnae chapter, but unfortunately I cannot make convention. I need to find some ways to give more back to the sorority, in addition to service projects. If I was hoping to get some ideas from convention. you have any ideas, let me know. I am the youngest in my alum chapter by about 20 years, and I would hate to see us disappear.

Thanks for the insight.
Hugs!

[gamma_girl52]

Originally Posted by REE1993

Wow, I have never heard of that. Of course, I have been out of college for over 10 years. I do worry about dwindling commitment as the years go on. I know that we are growing in the south, and that is so exciting. I wish I knew the secret to doing so. I would love to see us recolonize some of our old chapters. In my district, I think we have only 2 active collegiate chapters (that might be down to one), and that makes me sad. But, I am proud of our collegiates who continue to thrive.

It does happen sis. There are some chapters that have that issue, particularly with those members who go on to pledge an NPHC sorority. Some of that is just because of how GSS may be perceived on that campus. There are some chapters of GSS that have many members that are in other sororities, and that is okay. There are still other chapters in which it's already known on campus, "If you join GSS, you can forget about joining any other sorority". Thus you have the "stepping stone" label that is placed on our sorority. But I do think that is something that the sorority needs to address overall (the dwindling commitment)--because there are a few factors into why that is.

I'm in Georgia, and we are experiencing lots of growth here (there are 4 groups in Atlanta alone!!) as well as in the South. It's because we travel--whether to another chapter in support or to other schools that don't have GSS there. A lot of the inquiries I get are from people who say "I know x person from ABC University and she is a Gamma Sig--I like what they are about" to seeing pics of us on Facebook! That would be something I would encourage members in other areas to do. Get outside of the comfort of your chapter and travel, travel, travel. But I also understand how difficult it can be when you don't have but so many people in that area.

[REE1993]

Originally Posted by gamma_girl52

I'm in Georgia, and we are experiencing lots of growth here (there are 4 groups in Atlanta alone!!) as well as in the South. It's because we travel--whether to another chapter in support or to other schools that don't have GSS there. A lot of the inquiries I get are from people who say "I know x person from ABC University and she is a Gamma Sig--I like what they are about" to seeing pics of us on Facebook! That would be something I would encourage members in other areas to do. Get outside of the comfort of your chapter and travel, travel, travel. But I also understand how difficult it can be when you don't have but so many people in that area.

That's a great suggestion. I do try to wear para more, now that aI am in my home state where we had a chapter. Where I lived for the past 10 years, I was in a very rural area. I still wore letters but doing so alone, people are not likely to talk to someone about them. I am soooo bummed I can't go to Convention - imagine the stir all our letters are going to make at the airports! I am hoping that I can go in 2009 (health pending).

I am going to talk to my alum sisters and see what they think. I am the youngest by 20 years, so I can learn from their experience. I just hope that I am not too late in my area. Thanks for the advice!