Is YOUR NPHC Sorority Enough?

[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.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by tld221

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.

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.

Yeah, you are right, those are the things you mentioned that undergrad members are doing. My point was they are generally focusing on being in and graduating from school, rather than doing things that graduate chapters usually do: i.e. HUGE fundraisers with gross receipts of $20,000+ with high school student programs attached and mandatory chapter assessments for these things.

The other thing is most members who join at the graduate level are probably well qualified and would serve as excellent members throughout their lives. Some serving as International officers.

For every member taken in, there are numerous reasons why some are financially inactive and do not serve graduate chapters. Aside from a heavy work schedule, graduate education or family obligations that seems understandable, avoiding serving at any level of membership in the organization hinders than helps, especially for those members who are under 5 years of membership.

[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.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by Conskeeted7

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.

AND FINANCIALLY support. :smirk:

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by Conskeeted7

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.

true story

[Little32]

I am a neo and Alpha Kappa Alpha is enough for me. Doing sorority work, in addition to my job, my other service activities, and so forth, is more than enough to fill my time--and I don't even have a family yet.

Not to mention that, more than anything else, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha for the sisterhood. As I have said elsewhere, I served my community before I became a soror, and I would have continued to serve my community even if I never become a soror. So it was not that I was looking for a way to serve in joining Alpha Kappa Alpha; it is that my sorority offers me more avenues to be of service as a perk of the sisterhood.

I can say that right now that I have no plans to pursue membership in any of the other organizations mentioned. I am not much of a joiner anyway, and as others have said, I enjoy my down time.

[AKA_Monet]

Yes, Soror Conskeeted, even if there was a mandatory service requirement, folks will weasel their way out of it. All I am saying is if sorors do not want to do it upon joining our Sorority whose motto is "By merit and culture to be of service to ALL mankind", then refrain from submitting your name into the applicant pool. Moreover, if you just cannot serve, because your a neurosurgeon, an astronaut or part of the CIA, Secret Service, Homeland Security, special forces Black ops mission specialist, then, hey, PAY to the Educational Advancement Foundation whatever hours you are unable to serve.

Hayle, if you have served consistently for 25 years and have the requirements for Life Membership, I would even give you a break.

But if you just joined and dropped out after 3 years because you say "it is not for you", then the concept of "living your day after your locks are grey" says to me, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was NEVER in your heart. And I doubt any other NPHC sorority for that matter can fulfill your needs. And you will always be in that first circle of Hell in Dante's Inferno as a T-shirt wearer.

Because, I know sorors who have zero time that make it on time to adjudicate Sorority Meetings as presidents. And I know sorors who actually do a triple bypass surgery with the anesthesiology for the patient, and still show up for the walks. Then I actually do know Rocket Scientist Sorors, that drive over 100 miles to attend a grad chapter meeting, with 4 babies. And I hear NARY a peep from them. They just serve.

Hayle, I know a sorors right now who moderates this board and lost EVERYTHING over some craziness, but STILL shows up for her beloved Sorority with a smile...

This is what it takes to do "things that are worthwhile"... And outright full hazing with pledging is not going to do it. Our current MIP is not yet there. But if the major universities are starting to require a minimum 300 hours of community service to graduate, then how come we cannot incorporate those rules?

If you commit a low level felony, you still get some level of community service...

And from my viewpoint of the cities, we NEED people to serve... And from my chapter, some sorors who need to be out there serving--either walking a walk give too much talk about what Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is not... They show up to all the hoity-toity stuff or they come outta the wood works for MIP, but when we need to feed the homeless, or when we need to see the sick and infirmed--that's another story.

We can either make them do it or make them pay for it. Especially, if they are under 25 years...

We can say we join for sisterhood, and that's cool. But, realistically, it is the service to ALL mankind which is what we are about. One of the largest perks is Sisterhood. Can you serve without AKA--or another sorority? Certainly! People do it with their church all the time. But IMHO, "pushing the clods of dirt aside..." with your sorors makes the heart-wrenching work more meaningful to me, rather than arguing with people about what the communion drink should actually be--grape/cranberry juice vs. red wine.

When we work together to fulfill the true vision of our Founders, we solidify our bonds of sister to brighten our lights and heighten our flames. When we serve our character is strengthened and we become closer to envisioning His true meaning for our lives. An isolated soror cannot get that feeling if she is hurt, alienated, or choses to only where T-shirts for the accolades. An isolated soror must be reclaimed!

Let's be honest: Haft the crap that is said to me on GC affects me somewhat. But it has no comparision of the fury inflicted on my by own "co-initiates" (linesisters) and current chapter sorors. I get told all kind of craziness by these women. And I am one of the few that has a buffer zone with soror-family members. And sometimes, my sister and brother greeks come into the fold when craziness happens. Oh, I have vented. But that is a part of family. At the same time, we have decorum, and if it is not about the best interests of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. then it is not right. Let's avoid making this a history lesson. As members, we have to be realistic about our expectations of people. My experience as a professor, has taught me, that I just can randomly organize a quiz without giving all students a fair chance. The same must be done with our sorors. What is the minimum basic requirement for ALL sorors?

That is why we are to KNOW our documents.

The public sees us an exacts judgment by our actions. So, if we say we are about service, then shut up and start walking...

[Little32]

Soror AKA_Monet, I have been feeling all of your posts in this thread. This part especially.

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

But IMHO, "pushing the clods of dirt aside..." with your sorors makes the heart-wrenching work more meaningful to me...

When we work together to fulfill the true vision of our Founders, we solidify our bonds of sister to brighten our lights and heighten our flames. When we serve our character is strengthened and we become closer to envisioning His true meaning for our lives. An isolated soror cannot get that feeling if she is hurt, alienated, or choses to only where T-shirts for the accolades. An isolated soror must be reclaimed!

Skee-Wee Soror!

[Conskeeted7]

I do think that community service helps to solidify the bonds that we share as a sisterhood. It should be something that members want to do simply to better themselves and represent the programs of their beloved sorority. Realistically, there are sorors who do not participate much (or at all), for whatever reason.

If community service is added to the membership requirements, people will just find a way to get enough done to submit the application. People have been doing that for years.

I don't just want to be the dissenter here, I just think that with the variety of reasons that people join it is difficult to mandate what they are going to make of their membership.

[Confucius]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Hayle, I know a sorors right now who moderates this board and lost EVERYTHING over some craziness, but STILL shows up for her beloved Sorority with a smile...

Even though you are not speaking/referencing me......I am still one of the above mentioned sorors...but I make it do it what it do b/c I have this organization in my heart and it means so much to me. Plus, serving the community always heals the heart, no matter what you are going through.