NPHC Secretiveness, Insularity, Etc.

[nwu43]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Acculturation is different from assimilation... And desegregation is different from integration...

If I thought that a "unity rally" really would change people's hearts, I would attend with full support. But how many NPHC organization were verbally requested to attend during the planning stages of the rally? How many of its members were requested to speak? What solutions are available to make the difference?

More focus groups and talk therapy to discuss what is going on? More research and statistics that say where each of us lie on the artificial scale on which unleveled playing field we reside?

That is pointless to most of us. We have been marching and singing "We shall overcome" for years and still we have obliteration of affirmative action in all universities and colleges nationwide as well as now degregation mandates in public schools.

And you want US, those who are part of the NPHC, that were part of the civil rights movement to fighting for busing and affirmative action to participate in a rally we deem as BS?

You aren't interested in changing until your actions say so...

No no no this isn't about "you guys" and "us" at all! The unity rally was jointly organized by NPHC and MGC Greeks (that's what I meant by "our" unity rally), and in fact Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta probably took on the most active role. Please don't think I was trying to call you guys out, if that's what you were thinking! It just happened to be that not all NPHC organizations felt that protesting by rally was the best idea, and some decided that it was simply a waste of time. And that's why I'm asking about it here because I want to know what you think is the better way to deal with this type of stuff.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by nwu43

No no no this isn't about "you guys" and "us" at all! The unity rally was jointly organized by NPHC and MGC Greeks (that's what I meant by "our" unity rally), and in fact Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta probably took on the most active role. Please don't think I was trying to call you guys out, if that's what you were thinking! It just happened to be that not all NPHC organizations felt that protesting by rally was the best idea, and some decided that it was simply a waste of time. And that's why I'm asking about it here because I want to know what you think is the better way to deal with this type of stuff.

I can only give you my personal opinion not what my Sorority says because I am not a part of the governing body that oversees my entire organization...

Firstly, all things MUST be scheduled accordingly with the Graduate Advisors. Your school may not have an NPHC Graduate Advisory Council. My graduate school did.

Secondly, what does this have to with my Sorority's International Program Platforms: Extraordinary Service Programs? There are 5 of them, 1 that the undergraduates are required to do as chapters that deals with technology, computers and the less fortunate.

The issue is you have to EXPLAIN that to the graduate advisor(s) and all they see if they are working professionals is GRADES, GPA and UNITS and if they upholding their commitments to my Sorority...

Also, in our International bylaws and as dictated by our 501c3 status we are to remain apolitical. Basically, saying if we are not serving, we cannot support it...

Now, I can go out there and rally and protest, but I am NOT allowed to do it in my Sorority's paraphrenalia that do not directly support an International Program... I am going at "Monet"--NOT Dr. AKA_Monet...

No matter who I think I am being independent, I STILL represent myself, my family, my church and my Sorority--HAYLE my Race for that matter. ALWAYS!!! So, I don't have to wear paraphrenalia, I still am judged by what I do...

That is OUR reality. Some folks may choose to ignore it. I do not have that luxury...

One way to do it differently is cities like to have health runs/walks or physical activities. I would have incorporated that theme into my rally, then I would invite various speakers to focus on the rally topic as it relates to health. Moreover, I would have gotten a major health society or organization to support my efforts and all proceeds would have gone to the children. It is a win-win situation and gets people out exercising... Like the American Cancer, American Heart Assn, or Susan G. Komen Affiliate... The issue with Health in an of itself is a political one of ACCESS... Health DISPARITIES break the 1965 Civil Rights Act. When poor mothers and people are not healed, it affects the upbringing of children to the loss of intellectual assets to this country. If you had a "silent protest" that had poster boards/signs with heinous stats, most of those you all encountered who mocked you all might have looked silly.

The alternative is to have plain fun. Have a block party with various kinds of music and food. Have 2-3 top acts during nighttime. A festival of sorts. But participation is not a big thing these days with young people... I dunno why? The expectation that others will organize?

But plainly protesting poor conditions without professional consultations? Did you achieve your objective(s)?