What is it about DST...?

[thelovelyone]

I'm not good at these things but I'll try to give it a shot...

From sixth grade until my freshman year of college I only knew about AKAs so I thought that I would get to college and follow in those pink and green footprints. A girl who I was kinda close to in high school crossed AKA and would always give me invites to their get-togethers, private parties and functions. I faithfully attended every event and while I thought they were nice girls, I just couldn't see myself as "one of them".

One night at a PJ party, the AKAs were doing a "get to know me" game when a small group of ladies quietly came in through a side door. Everyone had their eyes on the girls in pink and green and hardly noticed the newcomers but I couldn't stop staring at the ladies who had just entered the room carrying red bags with "triangles" on them. I didn't know who they were or what they were but something about them made me want to be a part of them.

When I got to my room I searched on FaceBook until I came across a page of one of those women. I learned the words Delta Sigma Theta and when I read 'em something in my heart told me that Delta is where I should be. I looked through her albums and saw pictures of her and her sisters in sweatpants and hairwraps while hammering away at walls and painting doors. After that I must've became something like a "Delta Stalker"! I watched what they did on campus, how they behaved and how they treated other students/workers on campus. During Christmas break I read In Search of Sisterhood and read all that I could about the history of this wonderful organization that I desperately want to be a part of.

One of the greatest disappointments that I've ever felt came at the Spring probate when I watched ladies cross over into Delta. I watched as the girls threw up pyramids and hooks and felt nothing but pure jealously. (I was also angry that none of them cried! I whispered to my friend "How can you stand there with a straight face and you've just became a part of something so great?!") Sweet Baby Jesus, when I got to my room that night I think I cried more than when I got my heart broke for the first time. After that night I promised myself that I would do everything I could to make my way into Delta. I wrote "FOCUS" in red marker on my mirror and said "Come Hell or hot water I WILL at least TRY to go through MIP before 2012."

I can't wait until I can get the chance to roll up my sleeves and dive deep into the world of Delta.

[Cre8tiveSoul]

I hardly know where to begin...so please excuse me if my thoughts seem unorganized

I have never been more sure of anything in my life than wanting to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Words can't describe the level of admiration and respect that I have for each woman around the world who has the ultimate pleasure of being able to say that they are proud members of what I consider to be the greatest sorority of all.

Now, I have always been the type of girl who had big dreams; I have always felt as though I was destined for greatness, for bigger and better things. Therefore, I'm not one to just settle for anything; I'm always looking for a more efficient method, an even better solution, etc. So once I came to college (I'm in my junior yr. now) and was introduced to "greek life", I took it upon myself to research all of the sororities, even though my thoughts were already biased after watching the Deltas around campus. They just appreared to be elite to me, but not in a snobby way. They set a bar on campus that was unmet by any other organization. These women made a point to be the most respected and well-known, and not necessarily by having the biggest parties or wearing the most 'nalia. No, their celebrity was earned by their active presence when it came to student concerns, their persistence in helping students gain knowledge about local/world-wide issues, their warm spirits when hosting a "pillow-talk" or a "movie night". They simply cared about the role they were playing on campus and how their efforts would make a difference for others.

Like I said, I'm not one to settle, therefore once I read about the history of Delta and how it came to be, my heart leapt out of my chest. To learn that 22 women refused to settle for what was being placed before them and chose to instead get up, get out, and build something much more enriching to not only the Black community, but the human race---blew my mind! Here were these women who could have easily just remained where they were and put their own feelings aside, who instead said "Oh, no I value my people and my future much more than that." I immediately fell in love with everything the organization stood for and knew that at some point in my life I would want nothing more than to be a part of something so great.

The service, the sisterhood, the guidance, the compassion, the fight---all so profound, and all synonomous with the woman I wish to become. I have always been the outsider of my friends---the girl who thought too much about her future and what she wanted out of life and how she would change the world. What I have found in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a haven. A place where I feel I can be surrounded by women just like me---visionaries, catalysts, "movers and shakers"---and belong. I sit and read the posts here in the Delta forum and I find myself moved to tears at the level of respect and sisterhood each member has for each other. I see such a great amount of love and can only imagine how it must feel to know that you're a part of an enternal bond that no one can break. And it touches me, it truly does.

I am so very sincere and humble when I say that I would be so honored to be a member of this great organization who has such an amazing impact on people all over the world. You all are truly admired and it is my hope that I too will be so proud to one day call myself a Delta. Lots of love!

Cre8tiveSoul

[treblk]

That make me smile when I see another Soror, and to see the feelings it bring out in people, especially SF's. Delta is an enigma , it's strong, delicate, compassionate, supportive and will take you to places you weren't awear of.

I'm proud of my Sisterhood, proud of my Sorors and blessed to be a member.

All of my love, peace and happiness.....

[DST_philoso4]

Originally posted by candygirl
I understand that you may be disheartened by the responses to the question but the question was "What is it about DST". I'm sure if the a question was posed about what could an interest offer DST than you would receive responses geared toward what the we can do for the organization.

It is true that Delta is full of accomplished leaders. However, I disagree with the statement that the organization doesn't need followers. Everyone can't be a leader. In order for an organization to function properly somoeone has to follow, otherwise everyone will be bumping heads. I took a leadership class in undergrad and one of the most important concepts was that a leader must first learn how to follow.

First of all, I am not "disheartened" by anyone's responses, unsatisfied, disgusted and hopeful that some of you would have a change of heart about your interest in DST.... YES!! Secondly, you need to figure out the difference between someone who is able to follow directions, or take heed from a leader, and someone who is a follower. Any great leader is definitely able to follow directions, and learn from others, however, a "Follower" is someone who takes little or no initiative, and whose judgment is a string of contingencies based on in whoms presence they are. If your class didn't teach you that, then I suggest you ask for a refund! Follow, but not "blankly", which is what was insinuated by some of you! Because someone you know is a Delta has told me NOTHING about your reasons for wanting to be a member of DST! Before your next feeble attempt to contradict what I say, you may want to fully grasp the concept of the idea I convey.

[so anxious]

Sadly, for me I didn't really know what sorority I really wanted to join or even if I wanted to join one. In the past I had heard horror stories about different MIP so I was kind of scared. But I go to a critical HBCU and in my freshman year so many peers of mine where claiming to pledge XYZ when they were sophomores. I kept wondering what was the big deal so; I did my research on all 4. For reasons I won't discuss I quickly ruled out 2 out of the 4. Now with two narrowed down I started to read intense information about them both and compare some of the characteristics of what the org represented (on and off campus) with myself. Needless to say Delta Sigma Theta won my vote. What attracted me the most are the five thrusts---esp. Political Awareness and Involvement (I'm an Political Science student) and the commitment to public service. I LIKE to think of myself as a strong African American woman that likes to take risk. The members of DST that I have had the pleasure to meet are bold and trailblazers and hopefully I can also be apart and contribute to their legacies.

[dojo]

I have spent the last two years seriously researching the four sororities in the D9. Like in most other posts that I have read, I narrowed my selections down to two. I began more extensive research from that point and my final selection was obvious to me.

Since childhood, I have always been involved in giving back to my area communities in some way, shape or form. From the Girl Scouts to the Key Club, the volunteer days with my Mom at the Cabrini Green Housing Projects (Chi-town folks know about that area) helping with the underprivileged youth as a child, it was instilled in me that I must never forget where I come from and always, always serve. I still hold those values dear to my heart.

To this day, I have continued to serve in various ways, going as far as being a volunteer foster parent of a 12-year old girl - this was one of my greatest challenges; working with her to build self esteem and help her understand that the opportunities placed in front of her should be used to her advantage to gain the empowerment to be confident, educated and self-sufficient. There are so many young women that need guidance to keep from slipping into the "stereotypical buckets" given to our people and prepare them for the future. Dr. Betty Shabazz's Delta Academy works to do just that.

I know that I can continue to serve my community without belonging to an organization to do it and that what I do creates an impact, however I believe that strength is in numbers, and I would love to be a part of a larger, louder voice working together toward common goals tackling the problems of our society. With Delta being as service-driven as she is, one cannot help but to want to know her, to love her and be a part of her.

To be perfectly honest, it bothers me to see women take their membership in your illustrious Sorority for granted; for if I were ever given the opportunity to become a member, I would value and cherish my lifetime endeavor with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

[candygirl]

Originally posted by DST_philoso4
First of all, I am not "disheartened" by anyone's responses, unsatisfied, disgusted and hopeful that some of you would have a change of heart about your interest in DST.... YES!! Secondly, you need to figure out the difference between someone who is able to follow directions, or take heed from a leader, and someone who is a follower. Any great leader is definitely able to follow directions, and learn from others, however, a "Follower" is someone who takes little or no initiative, and whose judgment is a string of contingencies based on in whoms presence they are. If your class didn't teach you that, then I suggest you ask for a refund! Follow, but not "blankly", which is what was insinuated by some of you! Because someone you know is a Delta has told me NOTHING about your reasons for wanting to be a member of DST! Before your next feeble attempt to contradict what I say, you may want to fully grasp the concept of the idea I convey.

Okay, you don't like the word disheartened it all means the same thing. As for follower, I wanted to convey the idea that being a follower is not always a bad thing. It seems as if you're so vested in the idea that being a follower means you don't have purpose. Of course DST or any organization doesn't want members who take little to no initiative. I understand that.
My dictionary defines follower as an adherent or disciple. Which means that a follower is someone who supports a leader or a particular cause. This definition goes way beyond someones ability to follow directions or to take head to a leader.

As for your comment about my class. I don't need a refund or your snide remarks about feeble attempts and what I need to do.
I completely understood your point. I just wanted you to see it from a different perspective. You stated that DST doesn't need followers. Well, in my eyes I feel that every great organization needs followers. Followers support the leader as well as the cause and are often the back bone of the organization. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. You may disagree and thats okay but I don't appreciate you trying to belittle me like my opinions aren't valid or valued.

"Because someone you know is a Delta has told me NOTHING about your reasons for wanting to be a member of DST!"

I don't understand this comment. Was this comment directed toward me or was it a general statement. If so I would love for you to tell me who that person may be.

[DST_philoso4]

Originally posted by candygirl
Okay, you don't like the word disheartened it all means the same thing. As for follower, I wanted to convey the idea that being a follower is not always a bad thing. It seems as if you're so vested in the idea that being a follower means you don't have purpose. Of course DST or any organization doesn't want members who take little to no initiative. I understand that.
My dictionary defines follower as an adherent or disciple. Which means that a follower is someone who supports a leader or a particular cause. This definition goes way beyond someones ability to follow directions or to take head to a leader.

As for your comment about my class. I don't need a refund or your snide remarks about feeble attempts and what I need to do.
I completely understood your point. I just wanted you to see it from a different perspective. You stated that DST doesn't need followers. Well, in my eyes I feel that every great organization needs followers. Followers support the leader as well as the cause and are often the back bone of the organization. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. You may disagree and thats okay but I don't appreciate you trying to belittle me like my opinions aren't valid or valued.

"Because someone you know is a Delta has told me NOTHING about your reasons for wanting to be a member of DST!"

I don't understand this comment. Was this comment directed toward me or was it a general statement. If so I would love for you to tell me who that person may be.

And guess what, Delta doesn't need you, which is why you are NOT a member! And by the way, thanks for further proving my points. I hesitate to entertain debate with someone who is clearly an intellectual inferior (anyone who cannot understand disheartened insinuates there was some hope there initially, and you dear are one of those who really needs to rethink your interest in Delta) but here goes. The comment about people knowing Deltas as part of their interest reason was directed toward anyone who wrote that as part of her response (yet another example). And again, try READING what I write before you repeatedly embarass yourself. I wrote "Any great leader is definitely able to follow directions, and learn from others, however, a "Follower" is someone who takes little or no initiative, and whose judgment is a string of contingencies based on in whoms presence they are." and you wrote "It seems as if you're so vested in the idea that being a follower means you don't have purpose..... Well, in my eyes I feel that every great organization needs followers. Followers support the leader as well as the cause and are often the back bone of the organization." Here's a new word "consistency" if you're going to use the dictionary definition of one word, why not use them for all? You used "your" definition for the word "disheartened vs. disgusted etc." but the dictionary version of follower. Now, I gave you my definition of a follower (which is widely socially accepted) and still..no comprehension, we conveyed similar ideas, however, I guess since your aim was to get me to "see it from a different perspective" vs. actually conceptualizing what I wrote, you never bothered to remain consistent. So, basically stated, your comments, to me, are not valid, valued, warranted, solicited nor intelligible (there's a whole slu of words for you to "look up" in your dictionary). And, if you're really so interested in being a member of MY organization, how about you do some research instead of negating members, and "hanging out" online?

[ladygreek]

Every organization needs leaders AND followers. What they don't need are blind leaders or blind followers, and I am not referring to the sight impaired.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by ladygreek
Every organization needs leaders AND followers. What they don't need are blind leaders or blind followers, and I am not referring to the sight impaired.

Very well stated, Soror. If all Delta had was leaders, who would follow the leaders to get the work done.


I am still trying to figure out the madness in this thread. I do not like what I see. I had been "ignoring" certain threads because they have very little harm in them but now it is clear that I need to whip some stuff into shape.

[Krisco]

Yes a SISTERHOOD, needs a wide array of indivduals, from the strong-willed, audacious political leaders to the quiet, comforting arms of a pastors wife. A good leader knows when to follow. Which is why my heart chose DST, and DST in turn 'called' me.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Very well stated, Soror. If all Delta had was leaders, who would follow the leaders to get the work done.


I am still trying to figure out the madness in this thread. I do not like what I see. I had been "ignoring" certain threads because they have very little harm in them but now it is clear that I need to whip some stuff into shape.

I should have known you were on it.

I just read this thread yesterday and as I watched it get out of hand I was like whoa, what is going on here. But then I thought if CT4 hasn't stepped in then who am I to say anything. And you are right sometimes we need to let things run their course and hope that folx will see what they are doing and self-correct.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by ladygreek
I should have known you were on it.

I just read this thread yesterday and as I watched it get out of hand I was like whoa, what is going on here. But then I thought if CT4 hasn't stepped in then who am I to say anything. And you are right sometimes we need to let things run their course and hope that folx will see what they are doing and self-correct.

I was WONDERING why you and a few others had not stepped in and said something. I thought maybe when I first read it that I was the one who was tripping, but I see that I wasn't.


ATTENTION!!

This thread is NOT to chastize folks for their reasons on why they believe DST is the sorority for them. Since this thread was started almost 2 years ago, I have been very impressed with the vast majority of responses in this thread and have never felt that it was WARRANTED to criticize an interest's reasons or philosophy.

Any further responses that do not answer the question will be deleted.

[mccoyred]

I think that there is indeed a difference of definition here. The description of 'follower' has a negative connotation such as a mindless robot. I think that we can safely say that Delta needs 'supporters' and 'workers' NOT necessarily 'followers'.

Okay, you don't like the word disheartened it all means the same thing. As for follower, I wanted to convey the idea that being a follower is not always a bad thing. It seems as if you're so vested in the idea that being a follower means you don't have purpose. Of course DST or any organization doesn't want members who take little to no initiative. I understand that.
My dictionary defines follower as an adherent or disciple. Which means that a follower is someone who supports a leader or a particular cause. This definition goes way beyond someones ability to follow directions or to take head to a leader.

Secondly, you need to figure out the difference between someone who is able to follow directions, or take heed from a leader, and someone who is a follower. Any great leader is definitely able to follow directions, and learn from others, however, a "Follower" is someone who takes little or no initiative, and whose judgment is a string of contingencies based on in whoms presence they are.

In addition, I feel that knowing someone who is a member can have a HUGE impact on whether someone evens give us a second look. However, keep in mind that you cannot pledge your heart to an organization such as ours that demands a lifetime committment for your mother, your teacher, your girlfriends, your boyfriend, etc. You must seek Delta on your own and stand on your own merits!

I trust that this conversation has inspired much more intense thought on the several questions posed in the beginning posts of this thread.

[ladygreek]

Good points, McCoyRed

So just for clarification of my take on the word follower, I prefer to look at it in the positive as in a "follower of Christ" versus the negative as in a "blind follower." But maybe the terms supporters and workers would be more appropriate for the sake of this discussion.