hey everyone.
this is my first post, but I've been reading this site religiously for the past few days. it's so interesting to hear everyone else's stories and opinions!
so, I obviously have a purpose for posting on this thread. I am part of a local at a small, private college where greek life is not huge, although present. we are the only local here, with the rest being NPC sororities. going though recruitment, I didn't truly identify myself with any of the other houses. yes, one or two mesmerized me with their glamor, looks, etc, but none were really me. I also hated rush, which surprised me, because I am a pretty social person and tried to put my best foot forward. anyway, to get to the point, my best friend was part of this local sorority and I knew some of her friends in it, who I liked. so, I got a bid and pledged. let me say that I absolutely LOVE my pledge class. we are a great group, and the more I researched and took part in events, the more I loved greek life. I was chomping at the bit to move into the house, get a position, and make myself a presence in the greek life here, even speak out about expanding the sororities and frats on campus.
however, I have lingering thoughts about my school as well as my sorority at times. perhaps some people aren't aware, but local sororities get the short end of the stick when it comes to recruitment, the house, special events because of the lack of money flowing in from a national organization, which puts a limit on what we can do. also, it's hard to not have that international connection that others feel through their national connection. I envy that a little. I feel that not having a national lets us skimp on our values or traditions a little, seeing as the only ones enforcing our rules are other active sisters--alumnae don't take too much of an active role in the house. as I look into being greek, I want that sense of tradition and sisterhood to foster as I get older, but many juniors and seniors seem to let things slide, which worries me. moreover, my sorority is known as the booze bags, a name I don't like to flaunt. it's not that I don't like to party, I really can enjoy it, but drinking every night of the week and being known as what I can only refer to as 'hot messes' isn't the label I desired when joining an organization.
now, I'm not trying to complain or undo my decision. but I am curious to see if I could, in the future, join an NPC organization at another school, say grad school or if I transferred, while still being part of my local? in case anyone is wondering, my local broke away from a prominent national a while ago and there is almost no chance that we will apply for any national status. my local is also part of the panhellenic council at my school and follows all NPC rules, so would I need to deactivate from my chapter to join an NPC? I'm sure this doesn't look to great to the new sororities I would be interested in. what is everyone's take on this issue?
again, I want to say that I'm just asking if this is possible and some opinions. I know some people might think I'm not loyal to my group or that I regret my decision, but I don't. I'm just interested in knowing the facts, as well as potential options. I apologize for this being so long!