Congrats to Michelle Obama

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

I would direct your attention to the recent Sheryl Underwood thread for an example of what I am talking about(!) (and yes, I noticed that the dirt was NOT coming from GC regular Zetas) I've also noticed before - (and if I get more time, I'll try and look up examples) one member will accuse another GLO of being formed from rejects of their GLO, they have disputed the circumstances of their founding and argued that their group is more philanthropically active, insult another group as being or not being linked with another, etc. It's interesting that you note that this rivalry is talked about. I wonder where the perception is coming from, and why. It's intriguing from a PR perspective. I think Michelle's possible membership - especially if she really is active with all of the groups - could go a long way to counter it.

You're right. I was going to point this out. You beat me to it.

My experience with D9 is limited, so I honestly didn't know if this is just internet trash-talking, or if there is indeed animosity between some of the groups. I'm glad to learn that the groups do work together, and that any discussion of "rivalry" is overblown and without foundation.

The "trash talk" usually is at the undergrad level. Sometimes it spills over into the grad / alumnae level.

The fact that there is even a discussion of whether or not Michelle should accept made me wonder. I hope she does go through with it, because win, lose, or draw, I think she will be in a postion to do a lot of good for all of the groups, and focus some media attention on all of the positive things the D9 is doing for their members and their communities.

You have to understand the perception and history behind the cultural significance of joining a D9 org. It's not just joining a GLO, for many it also establishes rank and status in the Black community. Historically, that is how it has been perceived.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

You have to understand the perception and history behind the cultural significance of joining a D9 org. It's not just joining a GLO, for many it also establishes rank and status in the Black community. Historically, that is how it has been perceived.

You mean, the same way it's perceived in the white community, right?

Or at least, certain regions of white communities.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

You mean, the same way it's perceived in the white community, right?

Or at least, certain regions of white communities.

I did not grow up in a white community in terms of knowing exactly how they perceive cultural standing and what is and is not significant. I said that to say that while yes, I did grow up in a white neighborhood, attended white schools and had white friends, I never picked up on the intimate social nuances that are in the white community because I am not white nor are my family members.

I only speak from a Black perspective because that is how I grew up.

But, if it is the same in the white community, then I guess so.

[SWTXBelle]

Thanks for the information. GC has been great for learning about D9.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Thanks for the information. GC has been great for learning about D9.

PLEASE!!!! Don't take what you get from GC as the *only way* the D9 is!!!!

If you have an opportunity to interact with D9 orgs within your own community I would urge you to do so.

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

PLEASE!!!! Don't take what you get from GC as the *only way* the D9 is!!!!

If you have an opportunity to interact with D9 orgs within your own community I would urge you to do so.

As I have posted elsewhere, I'd love to have more interaction, but any and all invitations to D9 groups to do projects with the alumnae groups I am active with have been refused. It was explained to me that D9 have very specific goals in terms of philanthropy, and if a project is not perceived as meeting those goals the chapter will not be interested. However, it has meant that we really have no personal interaction with D9, which I lament.

I am very careful to whom I attribute standing in regards to information about D9, or any other GLO, here on GC. There are those I trust, and those who I wouldn't if they tried to tell me the sky was blue. GC has been informative in letting me know the way D9 groups operate. It's easy to assume that all GLOs operate the way in which your group does, and I think it is important to realize that not all groups operate the same way.

I asked my initial question because I didn't want to give credence to some of the more outrageous "trash talking",(and that's why I'm not going to post examples - why give it any more space?) and it turns out I was right to be suspicious. I also was sincere in wondering why there was any debate about Michelle accepting AKA - it would seem to me to be a good thing for all D9 groups.

Follow-up question - do D9 groups have the equivalent of our NPC Alumnae Panhellenic groups?

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

As I have posted elsewhere, I'd love to have more interaction, but any and all invitations to D9 groups to do projects with the alumnae groups I am active with have been refused. It was explained to me that D9 have very specific goals in terms of philanthropy, and if a project is not perceived as meeting those goals the chapter will not be interested. However, it has meant that we really have no personal interaction with D9, which I lament.

I am very careful to whom I attribute standing in regards to information about D9, or any other GLO, here on GC. There are those I trust, and those who I wouldn't if they tried to tell me the sky was blue. GC has been informative in letting me know the way D9 groups operate. It's easy to assume that all GLOs operate the way in which your group does, and I think it is important to realize that not all groups operate the same way.

I asked my initial question because I didn't want to give credence to some of the more outrageous "trash talking",(and that's why I'm not going to post examples - why give it any more space?) and it turns out I was right to be suspicious. I also was sincere in wondering why there was any debate about Michelle accepting AKA - it would seem to me to be a good thing for all D9 groups.

Follow-up question - do D9 groups have the equivalent of our NPC Alumnae Panhellenic groups?

Yup, that's what I was referring to really when I said we work and socialize together at the alumnae level. The NPHC Alumnae chapters usually represent cities: ex. Philadelphia NPHC, Atlanta NPHC, etc. These chapters consist of delegates from all the local Alumnae chapters that wish to participate.