Is YOUR NPHC Sorority Enough?

[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."

[PhDiva]

Yes, Sigma is enough for me given my multiple commitments related to my full-time job, consulting business, volunteer service (apart from Sigma), advisory board participation, etc. I am committed to remaining financial and active in my chapter so that means I personally can't take on an additional obligation if I wish to do well in all of my current responsibilities.

I do think that joining at the grad level has some bearing on my attitude toward service. I came in expecting to be about the work of the organization. I served on committees, will be heading a committee for the next sorority year and I support our national, regional and chapter programs as much as I can. It can be a juggling act but through the work I do for Sigma, I get to both work with and socialize with like-minded black women that I wouldn't have the opportunity to do in my faculty position.

But I know within my own chapter there is at least 1-2 major programs per month plus our regular chapter meetings so with my other commitments (including family), I just can't take on another obligation. I am a neo but my attitude is that if you are unsatisfied with your NPHC, work to change it instead of complaining about it and not participating in moving it forward. To me, folks who don't try to make their orgs. better completely undermine our whole concept of NPHC membership as being members "for life".

PhDiva

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by 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."

Sister Ladygreek,

Don't you think though that if our organizations had a "more focused membership"--i.e. attainable goals to achieve by the amount of service rendered for a certain number of years, like say, 25 years? If folks cannot serve in the smallest of ways, then they should pay...

Not to diminish the Links, Inc. but people see our member's behavior and make judgments on the segregation between groups. But, look, we have representatives from all NPHC sororities posting here AND we have a few fraternities and other GLO's that are participating. So outsiders views become irrelevant.

Personally, I think that most folks who are intimidated by us are insecure with themselves. So, they have to say hateful statements to justify why they do like to join as an antisocial behavior.

Folks think they are joining a unified group when they join a church, a social group or whatever. But once entrenched with the daily tasks, they stand back on the sidelines and run off at the mouth rather than rolling up sleeves and being part of the solution...

I think that at least with the current intake process, we dispel some the myths about our respective organizations. So if someone goes inactive, for bogus reasons (i.e. it not their thing, etc.), then it is really his/her fault, not the GLO's. They should have done their research before they accepted the invitation to join.

Where I am from, some members serve both organizations. Where I live, most folks are the same way it is in your city. It sounds like it has to do with money and mandatory assessments at least in my current location. Folks where I live think they are hot to trot, but are really not. Otherwise, the city where I am from, you would see it universally. I am sure there are a few. But most serve both organizations and their churches.

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Personally, I think that most folks who are intimidated by us are insecure with themselves. So, they have to say hateful statements to justify why they do like to join as an antisocial behavior.

Folks think they are joining a unified group when they join a church, a social group or whatever. But once entrenched with the daily tasks, they stand back on the sidelines and run off at the mouth rather than rolling up sleeves and being part of the solution...

I support both statements 1920%

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by 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.

Yeah so many people can't multitask.

You can be an elitist and serve the community.

Originally Posted by ladygreek

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."

I only respect them if they are doing it because their heart's in it versus just trying to be different. I hate it when people always say or do anything just to make themselves the loner. It's like the punk rockers who do it to be "oohhhh soo different" when, in fact, they're just like every other "different" punk rocker.

I also know people who joined the "road less traveled" orgs and when you talk to them they'll say things like "if I had to do it all again, I'd stay GDI" or "I just wasn't feeling XYZ." As if their organization doesn't stand on its own and always has to be compared to another.
You can be an elitist and serve the community.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

You can be an elitist and serve the community.

Yep, I know you elitist can as long as you don't do it in a patronizing way. But then on the other hand what "community" are we talking about?

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Yep, I know you elitist can as long as you don't do it in a patronizing way. But then on the other hand what "community" are we talking about?

That depends on who/what I encounter. I even have to remind myself not to be patronizing when I'm talking to people who are "elite" sometimes. Dumb is everywhere.

We're talking about whatever "community" interests me and will make the most use of the services.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I also know people who joined the "road less traveled" orgs and when you talk to them they'll say things like "if I had to do it all again, I'd stay GDI" or "I just wasn't feeling XYZ." As if their organization doesn't stand on its own and always has to be compared to another.

Yeah, that bothers me, too.