Thinking about becoming a Zeta

[jdd0014]

I’m a freshman and I’m thinking about becoming a member of Zeta Phi Beta my sophomore year because of the principles this sorority was based upon and I feel that I am an example of finer womanhood. In addition, most of the Zeta I see are sophisticated. I know that if I pledge, I would be the only one on line because most of the girls at my school want to pledge AKA or DST for all the wrong reasons. They avoid this sorority because of stereotypes or because people say “they look like” they would be a delta or an aka. However, if I decided to wait later, the chapter would have to be reestablished at my school because there is only one Zeta left. Truth be told, I actually thought about DST but I realized that would be nothing compared to DST. I was wondering if someone could give me a deeper perspective of Zeta Phi Beta because I’ve already looked at the site and Wikipedia can only do so much.

[dreamseeker]

LOL....those are the only two sources of info in TEH world right?

[jdd0014]

Every other site basically says the same thing. I just want an actual memeber to talk to so I can make sure I'm making the right choice

[tld221]

Originally Posted by jdd0014

Every other site basically says the same thing. I just want an actual memeber to talk to so I can make sure I'm making the right choice

pssh... come here...











*whisper* just talk to the "one Zeta left" at your school. there's a good chance she might have the "deeper perspective" you're looking for

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by jdd0014

I’m a freshman and I’m thinking about becoming a member of Zeta Phi Beta my sophomore year because of the principles this sorority was based upon and I feel that I am an example of finer womanhood. In addition, most of the Zeta I see are sophisticated. I know that if I pledge, I would be the only one on line because most of the girls at my school want to pledge AKA or DST for all the wrong reasons. They avoid this sorority because of stereotypes or because people say “they look like” they would be a delta or an aka. However, if I decided to wait later, the chapter would have to be reestablished at my school because there is only one Zeta left. Truth be told, I actually thought about DST but I realized that would be nothing compared to DST. I was wondering if someone could give me a deeper perspective of Zeta Phi Beta because I’ve already looked at the site and Wikipedia can only do so much.

I almost never do this, but QFP.

I also apologize for the lane swerve, but first, there are sophisticated women in every organization. You said that you don't like people to follow stereotypes; isn't speaking against women interested in pursuing AKA or DST is kind of the same thing?

Second, if there is "only one Zeta left", does that really constitute an active chapter? Can there be a "line" when there is only one active? Is this one woman responsible for EVERYTHING a chapter needs to do? I guess I am confused as to how a one-person chapter can exist. If it's fundamentally different because Zeta Phi Beta is an NPHC organization, that's fine. But organizations with even only five or ten members can have a hard time keeping themselves going (my chapter of GSS had this problem and closed after I graduated).

If a member of ZPhiB can or cares to comment on my questions regarding a one-person chapter, please do. If it's not a logistics issue and rather a proprietary issue, I apologize.

[Kevin]

[ree-Xi]

^^^^^^ lol ^^^^^^

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I almost never do this, but QFP.

I also apologize for the lane swerve, but first, there are sophisticated women in every organization. You said that you don't like people to follow stereotypes; isn't speaking against women interested in pursuing AKA or DST is kind of the same thing?

Second, if there is "only one Zeta left", does that really constitute an active chapter? Can there be a "line" when there is only one active? Is this one woman responsible for EVERYTHING a chapter needs to do? I guess I am confused as to how a one-person chapter can exist. If it's fundamentally different because Zeta Phi Beta is an NPHC organization, that's fine. But organizations with even only five or ten members can have a hard time keeping themselves going (my chapter of GSS had this problem and closed after I graduated).

If a member of ZPhiB can or cares to comment on my questions regarding a one-person chapter, please do. If it's not a logistics issue and rather a proprietary issue, I apologize.

First, we don't have lines anymore, we have intake and yes 1 person can go through intake all by themselves and become a member of an NPHC organization and yes, sometimes a chapter can get down to one person and yes that one person will do all that he/she can (the basics), which is usually quite impressive. Of course this is not the ideal situation but if there is one active person, then that 1 active person will do what he/she can to keep the chapter going and of course bring in new members, with the support and guidance of their advisor and advising alumnae chapter. It's not ideal but it is not unheard of. However, some schools are now requiring a certain number of active members on campus in order for a chapter to be active and recognized by the school.

And by the way, many NPHC chapters function quite well with 5-10 members. There are pros and cons to both small and large chapters.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

First, we don't have lines anymore, we have intake and yes 1 person can go through intake all by themselves and become a member of an NPHC organization and yes, sometimes a chapter can get down to one person and yes that one person will do all that he/she can (the basics), which is usually quite impressive. Of course this is not the ideal situation but if there is one active person, then that 1 active person will do what he/she can to keep the chapter going and of course bring in new members, with the support and guidance of their advisor and advising alumnae chapter. It's not ideal but it is not unheard of. However, some schools are now requiring a certain number of active members on campus in order for a chapter to be active and recognized by the school.

And by the way, many NPHC chapters function quite well with 5-10 members. There are pros and cons to both small and large chapters.

Thank you for the info. I only used the word "line" because the OP did.

I can't imagine what a feat it would be to be the only member, and then revive the chapter. It is impressive, to say the least. I know that there are chapters of all types of orgs that sustain on 5-10 members, but logistically, I couldn't wrap my head around *1* "active member"/sister.

Thank you for sharing how things work in your organization and governing body.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

Thank you for the info. I only used the word "line" because the OP did.

I can't imagine what a feat it would be to be the only member, and then revive the chapter. It is impressive, to say the least. I know that there are chapters of all types of orgs that sustain on 5-10 members, but logistically, I couldn't wrap my head around *1* "active member"/sister.

Thank you for sharing how things work in your organization and governing body.

I've heard of it done in my organization as well. However the only case I know of the alumni association was really active and took over pretty much all responsibilities until they initiated more people.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

I've heard of it done in my organization as well. However the only case I know of the alumni association was really active and took over pretty much all responsibilities until they initiated more people.

This actually happened to my undergrad chapter after I graduated. The chapter got down to 1 member and you would've thought that she would need more help from alumnae but she didn't. In fact, our lone members are known for working really hard and she did just that and it was her last semester in school but she was determined to not leave the chapter with no members. She hosted events, programs, did community service, brought in new members, and graduated with a 3.0. Quite impressive indeed but then I guess, it could actually be a plus not to have so many opinions to deal with.

[MexicanMami0286]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

Second, if there is "only one Zeta left", does that really constitute an active chapter? Can there be a "line" when there is only one active? Is this one woman responsible for EVERYTHING a chapter needs to do? I guess I am confused as to how a one-person chapter can exist. If it's fundamentally different because Zeta Phi Beta is an NPHC organization, that's fine. But organizations with even only five or ten members can have a hard time keeping themselves going (my chapter of GSS had this problem and closed after I graduated).

I'm not a Zeta, but a member of a NPHC sorority and there can and have been successful one-active-member chapters. I am the result of one.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

And by the way, many NPHC chapters function quite well with 5-10 members.

And it's the norm in many areas.

[jdd0014]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I almost never do this, but QFP.

I also apologize for the lane swerve, but first, there are sophisticated women in every organization. You said that you don't like people to follow stereotypes; isn't speaking against women interested in pursuing AKA or DST is kind of the same thing?

Second, if there is "only one Zeta left", does that really constitute an active chapter? Can there be a "line" when there is only one active? Is this one woman responsible for EVERYTHING a chapter needs to do? I guess I am confused as to how a one-person chapter can exist. If it's fundamentally different because Zeta Phi Beta is an NPHC organization, that's fine. But organizations with even only five or ten members can have a hard time keeping themselves going (my chapter of GSS had this problem and closed after I graduated).

If a member of ZPhiB can or cares to comment on my questions regarding a one-person chapter, please do. If it's not a logistics issue and rather a proprietary issue, I apologize.

I'm not speaking against them. I want to feel comfortable knowing that I'll have a bond with the people who are pledging because they are pledging for the same reason I am. Not because its the "biggest" sorority or "prettiest" sorority. Also, the aka's at my school aren't really friendly and even if I try to avoid using that stereotype, its hard because they act stuck up. In addition, I want to avoid the AKA vs Delta controversy

[tld221]

Originally Posted by jdd0014

I'm not speaking against them. I want to feel comfortable knowing that I'll have a bond with the people who are pledging because they are pledging for the same reason I am. Not because its the "biggest" sorority or "prettiest" sorority. Also, the aka's at my school aren't really friendly and even if I try to avoid using that stereotype, its hard because they act stuck up. In addition, I want to avoid the AKA vs Delta controversy

why dont you get out they neck and mind yours?