Is YOUR NPHC Sorority Enough?

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Yes.

[hijack]

Where have you been Miss Missy or Dr. D?!? Hi!!!

[/end hijack]

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

[hijack]

Where have you been Miss Missy or Dr. D?!? Hi!!!

[/end hijack]

Hello, Lady!!

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Hello, Lady!!

Are you Dr. DSTChaos yet??? Or a few more pages and meetings to go?

Don't get about it, because it happens to EVERYONE I KNOW!!!

[DSTCHAOS]

Delta is more than enough for my social service and sisterhood needs.

I have friendship ties for other social and sisterhood needs. I join other organizations because they are professional memberships.

I don't like people enough to always be in meetings and stuff. Some people feel they have to have a hand in everything. I'd rather sit back and let others help the community and kick it without me.

I know that I'll reap the benefits from many other organizations' social networks and service projects directly or indirectly.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I don't like people enough to always be in meetings and stuff.

Ditto!

[rhoyaltempest]

I am an introvert for the most part and love my alone time (which is why many could not believe that I wanted to join a sorority) so I don't think joining other organizations is in my future unless the focus is on something that my sorority isn't offering and it doesn't require a lot of my time. I also like to put my all into whatever I'm involved in and if I had to split my time between two or more organizations, I would always wonder if I could be doing more in Sigma.

See that's the thing I wonder about. I think it's fine for people to join all of these organizations but you have to ask yourself, how important is the work that you do within your NPHC org and could you be doing more for your NPHC org if your time wasn't split between the different orgs? And regarding those who join other orgs because they are frustrated with their NPHC org, isn't it a cop out to seek another org as opposed to trying to work hard and fix what's wrong with yours? Or does the frustration come after they have worked hard to try and change things?

I wonder.

[TonyB06]

I think your fraternal/sororial organization ought to be an extention of what you believe in. My ideals and standards about what manhood and brotherhood are -- and what these ideas should push me to do in the community as a result -- are exemplified in my fraternity.

But my energies and desire go well beyond my frat. I work/serve in my church, within my profession, in community service with area youth; these are all key drivers for me. A 100 Black Men chapter recently started in my city. I was asked to join but I declined, not because their efforts aren't laudable but because I'm already involved in similar efforts through other organizations.

And trying to have some semblance of a social life, duplication, I do not need.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

I am an introvert for the most part and love my alone time (which is why many could not believe that I wanted to join a sorority) so I don't think joining other organizations is in my future unless the focus is on something that my sorority isn't offering and it doesn't require a lot of my time. I also like to put my all into whatever I'm involved in and if I had to split my time between two or more organizations, I would always wonder if I could be doing more in Sigma.

See that's the thing I wonder about. I think it's fine for people to join all of these organizations but you have to ask yourself, how important is the work that you do within your NPHC org and could you be doing more for your NPHC org if your time wasn't split between the different orgs? And regarding those who join other orgs because they are frustrated with their NPHC org, isn't it a cop out to seek another org as opposed to trying to work hard and fix what's wrong with yours? Or does the frustration come after they have worked hard to try and change things?

I wonder.

I agree with you wholeheartedly and I, too, often wonder about these things.

In a forum that I am a member of, there is a member of another NPHC Sorority that has about 15 orgs in her siggy - Greek, Masonic, social, etc. I am wondering how she ever has time to do ANYTHING other than list them on her resume

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

See that's the thing I wonder about. I think it's fine for people to join all of these organizations but you have to ask yourself, how important is the work that you do within your NPHC org and could you be doing more for your NPHC org if your time wasn't split between the different orgs? And regarding those who join other orgs because they are frustrated with their NPHC org, isn't it a cop out to seek another org as opposed to trying to work hard and fix what's wrong with yours? Or does the frustration come after they have worked hard to try and change things?

So, there are 2 issues you have going on here: So folks join as undergraduates when all they have is classes and school. Maybe they are active in their Student Unions and few other activities, but not "entrenched" in activities like that of being in a GLO.

The there are some members who join at the graduate level where they have started establishing their professional networks or other organizations that they are a part of and then kindly extended an invitation for membership to a NPHC organization and chose to pursue it. At the graduate level, the discussion of time management is not well described.

My issue is that SOME graduate members join without any concept of the time or monetary commitment because those kinds of things are not "firmly expressed" when members are inducted. Not to say that it is easy... No, just not firmly expressed as much as it ought to be.

Personally, IMHO, I think that folks should have a minimum community service hours requirement before, during and perpetually for membership. I know that the university I work for is considering a community service hour requirement to graduate...

As far as frustration within the organization: Well, my membership process--skrait out Pledge process--was hard, I narry got a long with my "co-initiatiates" (linesisters) ( ). So, essentially, I had to deal with it...

But the way it is now, I can see why folks are frustrated. It is like a marriage, communication is key. That is why we tell folks to do their research that when they are extended an invitation to join and pursue membership, then there are no surprises. In excellent, award winning chapters, it is like that, but in other requiring audits and under probation chapters it is not. That is the reality.

We all have to make a effort to help each other achieve the dreams of our founders. The reasons for the start of each of our GLO's are uniquely woven into the African American experience, just like a huge quilt and we must make sure this fabric does not fray...

So, what I am saying is: since the experiences of many African Americans has been lacking that still does not mean we fail the fight the good fight and quit. Sometimes we just have to show some Affirmative Action for our own folks and take in a less than stellar person to mold them into our Founder's vision. (That is what a Big Brother/Sister does).

One way to do it is require attendance to all functions prior to membership. Mentorship with Golden/Diamond members. Allow interests to assist in the planning and implementation of some public programs at the graduate level. Etc.

Not all chapters do that. Most that I have seen in my area, like to look cute... And we are talking GRADUATES/ALUMNI--undergrads are trying to graduate...

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

So, there are 2 issues you have going on here: So folks join as undergraduates when all they have is classes and school. Maybe they are active in their Student Unions and few other activities, but not "entrenched" in activities like that of being in a GLO.

The there are some members who join at the graduate level where they have started establishing their professional networks or other organizations that they are a part of and then kindly extended an invitation for membership to a NPHC organization and chose to pursue it. At the graduate level, the discussion of time management is not well described.

My issue is that SOME graduate members join without any concept of the time or monetary commitment because those kinds of things are not "firmly expressed" when members are inducted. Not to say that it is easy... No, just not firmly expressed as much as it ought to be.

Personally, IMHO, I think that folks should have a minimum community service hours requirement before, during and perpetually for membership. I know that the university I work for is considering a community service hour requirement to graduate...

As far as frustration within the organization: Well, my membership process--skrait out Pledge process--was hard, I narry got a long with my "co-initiatiates" (linesisters) ( ). So, essentially, I had to deal with it...

But the way it is now, I can see why folks are frustrated. It is like a marriage, communication is key. That is why we tell folks to do their research that when they are extended an invitation to join and pursue membership, then there are no surprises. In excellent, award winning chapters, it is like that, but in other requiring audits and under probation chapters it is not. That is the reality.

We all have to make a effort to help each other achieve the dreams of our founders. The reasons for the start of each of our GLO's are uniquely woven into the African American experience, just like a huge quilt and we must make sure this fabric does not fray...

So, what I am saying is: since the experiences of many African Americans has been lacking that still does not mean we fail the fight the good fight and quit. Sometimes we just have to show some Affirmative Action for our own folks and take in a less than stellar person to mold them into our Founder's vision. (That is what a Big Brother/Sister does).

One way to do it is require attendance to all functions prior to membership. Mentorship with Golden/Diamond members. Allow interests to assist in the planning and implementation of some public programs at the graduate level. Etc.

Not all chapters do that. Most that I have seen in my area, like to look cute... And we are talking GRADUATES/ALUMNI--undergrads are trying to graduate...

You are saying a whole lot right here. A whole lot.

[tld221]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

So, there are 2 issues you have going on here: So folks join as undergraduates when all they have is classes and school. Maybe they are active in their Student Unions and few other activities, but not "entrenched" in activities like that of being in a GLO.

see, my experience when i came in as an undergrad, all my peers who crossed weren't just doing classes/school. they were holding job(s), on e-boards of student clubs, doing the RA thing, on student council and in addition, the honorary GLO of their respective major, and who knows what else... so essentially doing the same things - being "joiners." and that's not a bad thing at all.

i would hope that my sorors have something else going on aside from the Sorority. while your org should be more than enough to keep you busy, i would hope members have some additional outlet to serve and be social. For me, it was my RA circle (sounds silly but we rolled deep - 500+ of us campus-wide yearly), my mentoring group and student council. As a recent grad, it's my grad chapter... and well me. I havent found another organization to give myself to, but that doesn't mean i'm looking either. Right now, i'm about being the best i can be (OK i know corny... but it is what it is) for Sigma.

[Conskeeted7]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Personally, IMHO, I think that folks should have a minimum community service hours requirement before, during and perpetually for membership. I know that the university I work for is considering a community service hour requirement to graduate...

One way to do it is require attendance to all functions prior to membership. Mentorship with Golden/Diamond members. Allow interests to assist in the planning and implementation of some public programs at the graduate level. Etc.

Not all chapters do that. Most that I have seen in my area, like to look cute... And we are talking GRADUATES/ALUMNI--undergrads are trying to graduate...

I agree that attending planning sessions with the graduate chapter before initiation will give a prospective graduate initiate a realistic idea of the tasks and time needed to accomplish the goals of the chapter, region, and organization as a whole. However, if they have been watching the chapter in the community and are truly connecting with sorors in a proper way to make their interest known, they will have some insight to the time it takes and the variety of programs to coordinate within the chapter.

Unfortunately, I don't think that mandatory community service will help. Those who are already doing community service and who joined their orgs to support their founders' vision are going to continue, whether its required or not. Those are the people who are going to work for their organizations no matter how many other memberships they hold.

There are some people who might become more active if service was mandatory. However, there are several categories of people who will not change their behavior. The fact is that once you get your letters, you can do whatever you want with them. If you want to wear nalia and never serve a day in your life, it's really up to you. I'm not in favor of that, but some people are ok with not going to regionals or knowing who the new President of their org is or what the national programs are. They just want letters and status. And these people will join whatever organization they can to attain that.

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I don't like people enough to always be in meetings and stuff.

me too... there is soo much to do in Zeta, I'm considering not retaining my community leadership roles in 2008 so I can focus more on the work of Zeta.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by neosoul

me too... there is soo much to do in Zeta, I'm considering not retaining my community leadership roles in 2008 so I can focus more on the work of Zeta.

I would suggest scaling back but not completely letting go. I am sure that you can achieve the balance you are looking for.

[ladygreek]

Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.

And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."