So is imitation really the sincerest form of flattery?

[SWTXBelle]

Continuing with what Gypsyboots said - why can't NPC and NPHC sponsor a speaker - on any of a variety of women's issues - cervical and breast cancer, self-defense, STDs, abusive relationships, etc. - and make sure all the groups are encouraged to attend? That way, you are providing a service to the community which doesn't rely on numbers (so both groups would get equal credit, and no group would feel slighted) and provide a positive opportunity to present ALL greeks as united in a common cause? I'm not currently involved on a college campus, or I would be on this!

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Continuing with what Gypsyboots said - why can't NPC and NPHC sponsor a speaker - on any of a variety of women's issues - cervical and breast cancer, self-defense, STDs, abusive relationships, etc. - and make sure all the groups are encouraged to attend? That way, you are providing a service to the community which doesn't rely on numbers (so both groups would get equal credit, and no group would feel slighted) and provide a positive opportunity to present ALL greeks as united in a common cause?

Good idea.

This happens on some campuses. For the record, no one said it was a hopeless cause and that there's always a great divide on every campus.

We did joint programs on my campus but only after befriending people who so happened to be in the NPC or IFC. The befriending part is important because it requires people talking and relating to each other on a people level, Greek level, and then learning and understanding the NPHC and NPC or IFC similarities and differences. Not just orgs joining forces to fill some diversity quota or to say "we tried/did it," which I think happens in too many instances.

[SWTXBelle]

You know you love me . . .

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Continuing with what Gypsyboots said - why can't NPC and NPHC sponsor a speaker - on any of a variety of women's issues - cervical and breast cancer, self-defense, STDs, abusive relationships, etc. - and make sure all the groups are encouraged to attend? That way, you are providing a service to the community which doesn't rely on numbers (so both groups would get equal credit, and no group would feel slighted) and provide a positive opportunity to present ALL greeks as united in a common cause? I'm not currently involved on a college campus, or I would be on this!

I was respondind to a common them in this thread that the NPC has asked NPHC to partner with them on a parricular topic. The example given was cervical cancer. I was merely explaining a most likely reason why there was not participation.

Plus I don't see NPHCers complaining about being able to get NPCers to work with them--just the opposite. So my point is to the NPCers understand our structure amd our programming (just visit our websites) and then ask to partner on a topic that is within our national thrusts.

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

I was respondind to a common them in this thread that the NPC has asked NPHC to partner with them on a parricular topic. The example given was cervical cancer. I was merely explaining a most likely reason why there was not participation.

Plus I don't see NPHCers complaining about being able to get NPCers to work with them--just the opposite. So my point is to the NPCers understand our structure amd our programming (just visit our websites) and then ask to partner on a topic that is within our national thrusts.

Why can't you join us in something that we do? Do we have to put in 90% of the effort? Because that's what it sounds like you're saying.

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Why can't you join us in something that we do? Do we have to put in 90% of the effort? Because that's what it sounds like you're saying.

You don't have to do a damn thing and neither do we. I was never pressed to join in with the activities on campus because I thought they were silly (fight nights, foam parties, etc.) so I never pressed any of the members I brought in to either--didn't give a damn one way or the other. My chapter was so active with programs on campus and off. BUT, it bothered me that we when we were approached, we were asked to step.

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by MeezDiscreet

You don't have to do a damn thing and neither do we. I was never pressed to join in with the activities on campus because I thought they were silly (fight nights, foam parties, etc.)

You mean events like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkFVkDP1JxE

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Why can't you join us in something that we do? Do we have to put in 90% of the effort? Because that's what it sounds like you're saying.

Because you all seem to be the ones affected by this. We are not. And have you not read anything I have said? We have are own programmatic thrusts targeted to the Black community. We set our service calendars at the beginning of our program year, and trust they are full. And in most cases not conducive to adding anything later on that is not part of our focus for the sororal/fraternal year. The last part of the previous sentence is the KEY.

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Because you all seem to be the ones affected by this. We are not.

Of course we are. When we have our Chapter of Excellence reports at our schools, they tell us, "Why don't you do things with minority GLOs?" They ask us, "Why is your chapter 90% white?" [I go to a school with [I'd guess] about 95% WASPs.] We are being constantly told that we need to do as much as possible with NPHC groups, and our status as affiliated members on our campus can be affected by this. Yet, despite the fact that we try, we cannot gain any ground.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Of course we are. When we have our Chapter of Excellence reports at our schools, they tell us, "Why don't you do things with minority GLOs?" They ask us, "Why is your chapter 90% white?" [I go to a school with [I'd guess] about 95% WASPs.] We are being constantly told that we need to do as much as possible with NPHC groups, and our status as affiliated members on our campus can be affected by this. Yet, despite the fact that we try, we cannot gain any ground.

Go back and read my edit. Plus, your problem with your school should not become ours. And from what you just said you only want us to participate with you to keep your status as an affiliate from being negatively impacted. We are not here to be your saviours.

[PrettyInPink777]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Of course we are. When we have our Chapter of Excellence reports at our schools, they tell us, "Why don't you do things with minority GLOs?" They ask us, "Why is your chapter 90% white?" [I go to a school with [I'd guess] about 95% WASPs.] We are being constantly told that we need to do as much as possible with NPHC groups, and our status as affiliated members on our campus can be affected by this. Yet, despite the fact that we try, we cannot gain any ground.

Well that is your imperative, not ours. We are accountable to accomplish our own missions ..... You are accountable to accomplish yours. It would be time well spent to have 'real' conversations with the 'real' BGLOs with whom you are unsuccessfully trying to collaborate. There are certainly reasons that perhaps can be addressed and resolved, bridges that can be built ....If you are being rebuffed, it's for a reason. Can you honestly say that you know the reason and have attempted to address it? It's easier to make up a story about why it's happening instead of finding out why.

"Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding."

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Of course we are. When we have our Chapter of Excellence reports at our schools, they tell us, "Why don't you do things with minority GLOs?" They ask us, "Why is your chapter 90% white?" [I go to a school with [I'd guess] about 95% WASPs.] We are being constantly told that we need to do as much as possible with NPHC groups, and our status as affiliated members on our campus can be affected by this. Yet, despite the fact that we try, we cannot gain any ground.

Dang, you just gonna show us your "hole card" and what not. *lol*

There's (in part) your problem. From what you just posted, it appears that your desire to work and socialize with our orgs isn't genuine, nor are you taking the initiative to do so unless there is an external incentive(s). To NPHC org members, that comes off as insincere and condescending. Because oftentimes, once the mission is accomplished, the joint events and fellowships cease.

If you want to get to know us and work with our groups, it must be with a genuine desire and intent to know, understand, and accept what we're all about and why we do (and don't do) certain things that you might do the opposite of.

Don't patronize our orgs. Be sincere, but also be patient.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

Of course we are. When we have our Chapter of Excellence reports at our schools, they tell us, "Why don't you do things with minority GLOs?" They ask us, "Why is your chapter 90% white?" [I go to a school with [I'd guess] about 95% WASPs.] We are being constantly told that we need to do as much as possible with NPHC groups, and our status as affiliated members on our campus can be affected by this. Yet, despite the fact that we try, we cannot gain any ground.

LOL.

This is that superficial diversity initiative and quota bullcrap that I referenced earlier. If there is no genuine interest, don't bother. Because many NPHCers can tell the difference between nonNPHCers who sincerely want to work with us and nonNPHCers who are afraid their membership is at stake.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Right!

The school does have a point but it's really hard to maintain members at schools where they were struggling for members in the first place, the students there won't attend programs, etc. Sometimes the campus even takes it upon itself to decide it no longer wants the organization there (often not for liability reasons, either) and works towards that by refusing to let the group reserve rooms for programs and post informational fliers. Whenever there's a policy, there's a way to get shafted by it.

Believe me I'm aware of the plethora of ways that student orgs can get shafted. It's an interesting dilemma and not one that I see an easy solution to, except perhaps with schools that allow non-campus based orgs access... or something.

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

LOL.

This is that superficial diversity initiative and quota bullcrap that I referenced earlier. If there is no genuine interest, don't bother. Because many NPHCers can tell the difference between nonNPHCers who sincerely want to work with us and nonNPHCers who are afraid their membership is at stake.

Honestly, I agree. I'm not aware of our chapter ever being required to have diversity quotas or diverse activity quotas or whatever. The reason I think it is something to be worked toward is because a lack of (constructive) contact with each other means there's a lot of ignorance. Greater contact = Greater knowledge/understanding. I think it would mean that NPC/IFC doesn't just see NPHC as good at stepping and NPHC wouldn't only see NPC/IFC social events.

[12dn94dst]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

We set our service calendars at the beginning of our program year, and trust they are full. And in most cases not conducive to adding anything later on that is not part of our focus for the sororal/fraternal year.

In other words: Poor planning on "your" part does not constitute an emergency on "our" part.