Is YOUR NPHC Sorority Enough?

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by neosoul

me too... there is soo much to do in Zeta, I'm considering not retaining my community leadership roles in 2008 so I can focus more on the work of Zeta.

I would suggest scaling back but not completely letting go. I am sure that you can achieve the balance you are looking for.

[ladygreek]

Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.

And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."

[PhDiva]

Yes, Sigma is enough for me given my multiple commitments related to my full-time job, consulting business, volunteer service (apart from Sigma), advisory board participation, etc. I am committed to remaining financial and active in my chapter so that means I personally can't take on an additional obligation if I wish to do well in all of my current responsibilities.

I do think that joining at the grad level has some bearing on my attitude toward service. I came in expecting to be about the work of the organization. I served on committees, will be heading a committee for the next sorority year and I support our national, regional and chapter programs as much as I can. It can be a juggling act but through the work I do for Sigma, I get to both work with and socialize with like-minded black women that I wouldn't have the opportunity to do in my faculty position.

But I know within my own chapter there is at least 1-2 major programs per month plus our regular chapter meetings so with my other commitments (including family), I just can't take on another obligation. I am a neo but my attitude is that if you are unsatisfied with your NPHC, work to change it instead of complaining about it and not participating in moving it forward. To me, folks who don't try to make their orgs. better completely undermine our whole concept of NPHC membership as being members "for life".

PhDiva

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.

And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."

Sister Ladygreek,

Don't you think though that if our organizations had a "more focused membership"--i.e. attainable goals to achieve by the amount of service rendered for a certain number of years, like say, 25 years? If folks cannot serve in the smallest of ways, then they should pay...

Not to diminish the Links, Inc. but people see our member's behavior and make judgments on the segregation between groups. But, look, we have representatives from all NPHC sororities posting here AND we have a few fraternities and other GLO's that are participating. So outsiders views become irrelevant.

Personally, I think that most folks who are intimidated by us are insecure with themselves. So, they have to say hateful statements to justify why they do like to join as an antisocial behavior.

Folks think they are joining a unified group when they join a church, a social group or whatever. But once entrenched with the daily tasks, they stand back on the sidelines and run off at the mouth rather than rolling up sleeves and being part of the solution...

I think that at least with the current intake process, we dispel some the myths about our respective organizations. So if someone goes inactive, for bogus reasons (i.e. it not their thing, etc.), then it is really his/her fault, not the GLO's. They should have done their research before they accepted the invitation to join.

Where I am from, some members serve both organizations. Where I live, most folks are the same way it is in your city. It sounds like it has to do with money and mandatory assessments at least in my current location. Folks where I live think they are hot to trot, but are really not. Otherwise, the city where I am from, you would see it universally. I am sure there are a few. But most serve both organizations and their churches.

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

I would suggest scaling back but not completely letting go. I am sure that you can achieve the balance you are looking for.

just the leadership roles ... but I know I'm just kidding myself, I'm not going anywhere

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Personally, I think that most folks who are intimidated by us are insecure with themselves. So, they have to say hateful statements to justify why they do like to join as an antisocial behavior.

Folks think they are joining a unified group when they join a church, a social group or whatever. But once entrenched with the daily tasks, they stand back on the sidelines and run off at the mouth rather than rolling up sleeves and being part of the solution...

I support both statements 1920%

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.

Yeah so many people can't multitask.

You can be an elitist and serve the community.

Originally Posted by ladygreek

And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."

I only respect them if they are doing it because their heart's in it versus just trying to be different. I hate it when people always say or do anything just to make themselves the loner. It's like the punk rockers who do it to be "oohhhh soo different" when, in fact, they're just like every other "different" punk rocker.

I also know people who joined the "road less traveled" orgs and when you talk to them they'll say things like "if I had to do it all again, I'd stay GDI" or "I just wasn't feeling XYZ." As if their organization doesn't stand on its own and always has to be compared to another.
You can be an elitist and serve the community.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

You can be an elitist and serve the community.

Yep, I know you elitist can as long as you don't do it in a patronizing way. But then on the other hand what "community" are we talking about?

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I also know people who joined the "road less traveled" orgs and when you talk to them they'll say things like "if I had to do it all again, I'd stay GDI" or "I just wasn't feeling XYZ." As if their organization doesn't stand on its own and always has to be compared to another.

Yeah, that bothers me, too.

[Conskeeted7]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Personally, IMHO, I think that folks should have a minimum community service hours requirement before, during and perpetually for membership. I know that the university I work for is considering a community service hour requirement to graduate...

One way to do it is require attendance to all functions prior to membership. Mentorship with Golden/Diamond members. Allow interests to assist in the planning and implementation of some public programs at the graduate level. Etc.

Not all chapters do that. Most that I have seen in my area, like to look cute... And we are talking GRADUATES/ALUMNI--undergrads are trying to graduate...

I agree that attending planning sessions with the graduate chapter before initiation will give a prospective graduate initiate a realistic idea of the tasks and time needed to accomplish the goals of the chapter, region, and organization as a whole. However, if they have been watching the chapter in the community and are truly connecting with sorors in a proper way to make their interest known, they will have some insight to the time it takes and the variety of programs to coordinate within the chapter.

Unfortunately, I don't think that mandatory community service will help. Those who are already doing community service and who joined their orgs to support their founders' vision are going to continue, whether its required or not. Those are the people who are going to work for their organizations no matter how many other memberships they hold.

There are some people who might become more active if service was mandatory. However, there are several categories of people who will not change their behavior. The fact is that once you get your letters, you can do whatever you want with them. If you want to wear nalia and never serve a day in your life, it's really up to you. I'm not in favor of that, but some people are ok with not going to regionals or knowing who the new President of their org is or what the national programs are. They just want letters and status. And these people will join whatever organization they can to attain that.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Yep, I know you elitist can as long as you don't do it in a patronizing way. But then on the other hand what "community" are we talking about?

That depends on who/what I encounter. I even have to remind myself not to be patronizing when I'm talking to people who are "elite" sometimes. Dumb is everywhere.

We're talking about whatever "community" interests me and will make the most use of the services.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by Conskeeted7

I agree that attending planning sessions with the graduate chapter before initiation will give a prospective graduate initiate a realistic idea of the tasks and time needed to accomplish the goals of the chapter, region, and organization as a whole. However, if they have been watching the chapter in the community and are truly connecting with sorors in a proper way to make their interest known, they will have some insight to the time it takes and the variety of programs to coordinate within the chapter.

AND FINANCIALLY support. :smirk:

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by Conskeeted7

Unfortunately, I don't think that mandatory community service will help. Those who are already doing community service and who joined their orgs to support their founders' vision are going to continue, whether its required or not. Those are the people who are going to work for their organizations no matter how many other memberships they hold.

true story

[Little32]

I am a neo and Alpha Kappa Alpha is enough for me. Doing sorority work, in addition to my job, my other service activities, and so forth, is more than enough to fill my time--and I don't even have a family yet.

Not to mention that, more than anything else, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha for the sisterhood. As I have said elsewhere, I served my community before I became a soror, and I would have continued to serve my community even if I never become a soror. So it was not that I was looking for a way to serve in joining Alpha Kappa Alpha; it is that my sorority offers me more avenues to be of service as a perk of the sisterhood.

I can say that right now that I have no plans to pursue membership in any of the other organizations mentioned. I am not much of a joiner anyway, and as others have said, I enjoy my down time.

[AKA_Monet]

Yes, Soror Conskeeted, even if there was a mandatory service requirement, folks will weasel their way out of it. All I am saying is if sorors do not want to do it upon joining our Sorority whose motto is "By merit and culture to be of service to ALL mankind", then refrain from submitting your name into the applicant pool. Moreover, if you just cannot serve, because your a neurosurgeon, an astronaut or part of the CIA, Secret Service, Homeland Security, special forces Black ops mission specialist, then, hey, PAY to the Educational Advancement Foundation whatever hours you are unable to serve.

Hayle, if you have served consistently for 25 years and have the requirements for Life Membership, I would even give you a break.

But if you just joined and dropped out after 3 years because you say "it is not for you", then the concept of "living your day after your locks are grey" says to me, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was NEVER in your heart. And I doubt any other NPHC sorority for that matter can fulfill your needs. And you will always be in that first circle of Hell in Dante's Inferno as a T-shirt wearer.

Because, I know sorors who have zero time that make it on time to adjudicate Sorority Meetings as presidents. And I know sorors who actually do a triple bypass surgery with the anesthesiology for the patient, and still show up for the walks. Then I actually do know Rocket Scientist Sorors, that drive over 100 miles to attend a grad chapter meeting, with 4 babies. And I hear NARY a peep from them. They just serve.

Hayle, I know a sorors right now who moderates this board and lost EVERYTHING over some craziness, but STILL shows up for her beloved Sorority with a smile...

This is what it takes to do "things that are worthwhile"... And outright full hazing with pledging is not going to do it. Our current MIP is not yet there. But if the major universities are starting to require a minimum 300 hours of community service to graduate, then how come we cannot incorporate those rules?

If you commit a low level felony, you still get some level of community service...

And from my viewpoint of the cities, we NEED people to serve... And from my chapter, some sorors who need to be out there serving--either walking a walk give too much talk about what Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is not... They show up to all the hoity-toity stuff or they come outta the wood works for MIP, but when we need to feed the homeless, or when we need to see the sick and infirmed--that's another story.

We can either make them do it or make them pay for it. Especially, if they are under 25 years...

We can say we join for sisterhood, and that's cool. But, realistically, it is the service to ALL mankind which is what we are about. One of the largest perks is Sisterhood. Can you serve without AKA--or another sorority? Certainly! People do it with their church all the time. But IMHO, "pushing the clods of dirt aside..." with your sorors makes the heart-wrenching work more meaningful to me, rather than arguing with people about what the communion drink should actually be--grape/cranberry juice vs. red wine.

When we work together to fulfill the true vision of our Founders, we solidify our bonds of sister to brighten our lights and heighten our flames. When we serve our character is strengthened and we become closer to envisioning His true meaning for our lives. An isolated soror cannot get that feeling if she is hurt, alienated, or choses to only where T-shirts for the accolades. An isolated soror must be reclaimed!

Let's be honest: Haft the crap that is said to me on GC affects me somewhat. But it has no comparision of the fury inflicted on my by own "co-initiates" (linesisters) and current chapter sorors. I get told all kind of craziness by these women. And I am one of the few that has a buffer zone with soror-family members. And sometimes, my sister and brother greeks come into the fold when craziness happens. Oh, I have vented. But that is a part of family. At the same time, we have decorum, and if it is not about the best interests of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. then it is not right. Let's avoid making this a history lesson. As members, we have to be realistic about our expectations of people. My experience as a professor, has taught me, that I just can randomly organize a quiz without giving all students a fair chance. The same must be done with our sorors. What is the minimum basic requirement for ALL sorors?

That is why we are to KNOW our documents.

The public sees us an exacts judgment by our actions. So, if we say we are about service, then shut up and start walking...