Why So Many Greek Letter Orgs?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by CrackerBarrel

The niche was being met. The founders were originally initiated DKEs (except for one). Then they decided that they couldn't condone the way DKE was acting anymore, so they went out on their own.

I'd say that the niche or need of an organization that behaved in a way they believed they could condone and be part of was not being met -- otherwise they'd have stayed loyal Dekes.

But you say tomato, I say tomahto -- either perhaps misses the main point I was trying to make. That main point was this: Even 170 years ago, any time a new fraternity or sorority started on a campus that already had an existing one, the same question that PhiMu_Gator posed could be asked -- why start a new organization instead of just joining (or being part of) what's already there?

Originally Posted by Tom Earp

DKE one of the Union Triad to this day are not very active in expansion.

DKE is not part of the Union Triad; it was founded at Yale. The Union Triad is Kappa Alpha Society, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi.

[H0NEY1987]

I am a cofounder of a local organization. Before comitting myself and others to joining my sorority, I was told to take a wise look at other existing organizations. My campus is fairly moderate in size, with just 3npc groups, one service sorority and seven fraternities, a person in my situation felt that another organization could be beneficial to campus. The effort it takes to submit a request, petition, and gain status as a colony of another organization takes alot more time, nearly a full academic year, before granted status as a recognized chapter. Not to mention the paper work, but I had to make sure the already exsisted organization would fit me personally, even after I learned its history, ideals, and other important things. I would have needed approval from current members of the local ifc and other requirements. At the time the idea of beginning a new group altogether, with a purpose i personally knew fit my idea of greek life seemed very appealing. with encouragement from other students and close friends i pursued the second route. as my group developed more, i enjoyed the activities we perform and i prefer to maintain membership in this organization rather than to be absorbed into a larger group. While i know many offer the possibility to organizie chapters based on previous happenings of the local chapter, i know many nationals have guidelines, and some may not fit with the way my organization is run. Now that i learn more about other sororities that remind me of my own sorority, i can understand how it may appear newer organizations are not needed, but i know what i love about my sisterhood, and i dont feel like i could ever achieve that level in any other organization.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by H0NEY1987

The effort it takes to submit a request, petition, and gain status as a colony of another organization takes alot more time, nearly a full academic year, before granted status as a recognized chapter. Not to mention the paper work, but I had to make sure the already exsisted organization would fit me personally, even after I learned its history, ideals, and other important things. I would have needed approval from current members of the local ifc and other requirements.

I think this is the main reason for rampant founderitis. Attracting an established organization and founding a colony takes a lot of work, time, blood, sweat and tears. In far too many cases, it's easier to just start your own organization than to pursue one for...say...four years (like me) and longer for a number of people on GC.

As H0NEY1987 also mentioned, her group didn't want to be restricted by the rules of a national organization. While this is understandable, colleges and universities are beginning to measure all of their campus Greeks against the rules and regulations of national organizations. So, I foresee that many locals will either have to disband or fall in line in the very near future, if it hasn't already taken place.

In response to the thread in general, I believe everyone who has posted thus far has given great reasons for the abundance of Greek organizations. We just have to wait it out and see which organizations stand the test of time.

We also have to remember that Greek life has gone through some phases and movements, which is why you see lots of younger Latin, Asian and multicultural GLOs today. Just as it was in the beginning with NPC, some of these organzations will not make it and some have already disbanded.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I'd say that the niche or need of an organization that behaved in a way they believed they could condone and be part of was not being met -- otherwise they'd have stayed loyal Dekes.

But you say tomato, I say tomahto -- either perhaps misses the main point I was trying to make. That main point was this: Even 170 years ago, any time a new fraternity or sorority started on a campus that already had an existing one, the same question that PhiMu_Gator posed could be asked -- why start a new organization instead of just joining (or being part of) what's already there?

DKE is not part of the Union Triad; it was founded at Yale. The Union Triad is Kappa Alpha Society, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi.

MysticCat...i always enjoy your precise and well thought out posts!