Organizations founded AFTER 1930, Why did you pledge?

[TotallyWicked]

So there's a thread about those who pledged orgs founded BEFORE 1930, what about those folks who are members of Organizations founded after 1930? What was your reason for joining?

[preciousjeni]

Before 1930 (and actually much later than that) the time wasn't ripe for the multicultural organizations to develop. Our culture first had to grasp the concept of cultural organizations (for better or worse), those to which multicultural GLOs owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.

The first 'minority multicultural sorority' wasn't founded until the 1980s and inclusive multicultural sororities (founders were not majority Latina or Asian and the organizations are very open to non-'minority' members) were founded in the 1990s.

In Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., I saw the beginnings of a social movement - something different from "diversity" and "melting pots" - a place where people are situated in such a way that they can't avoid each other and they have to come to terms with their own perceptions of the world and the consequences that follow.

I suppose it sounds more idealistic than what generally occurs in reality, but my organization still provides something that I don't see very often and that is a place to openly learn, ask questions, realize how much bigger the world is than the self and have an opportunity to make a positive change in someone's life in the face of the oppression that still occurs in the U.S.

I wasn't joining a sorority for the social aspect although the networking is certainly a plus. I made the decision that if I were going to put my blood, sweat and tears into anything, it had to be progressive, inclusive, socially aware and willing to stand against the norm. For this reason, I personally take cues from and deeply respect NPHC sororities. I see that they are doing similar things in their contexts. I would like to see my organization grow to the level of influence that these organizations have though I realize getting there will be a drastically different process.

[SxyLambdaLady6]

hey wicked,

do you know anything about phi iota alpha?

[TotallyWicked]

Isn't Phi Iota Alpha's founding year still in question? There are many that say they are not the first Latino org founded since they are a product of two mainstream fraternities (one was a Hispanic society), an a product of Pan Americanism philanthropy. (this is the argument i've heard)

I know they didn't resurface until the 80's due to alot of Latinos being involved in all the wars.

[L.O.C.K.]

I've always put Phiotas founding (well the very beginnings) at RPI in 1898. Of course they went through a shitload of mergers and stuff and were inactive on the collegiate level for awhile.

[SxyLambdaLady6]

idk...I went on their main website and the history was very confusing so I'm just gonna stick to what I know..

[Ilaria Ame]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

...if I were going to put my blood, sweat and tears into anything, it had to be progressive, inclusive, socially aware and willing to stand against the norm...

beautiful...and exactly why i joined my org. i've grown up in the deep south where change is often talked about but rarely seen. i'm proud to be a soror in an organization dedicated to opening people's minds about what a sorority can be.

[SororSweeteePie]

I was approached to join a sorority by a teacher of mine way back in grammer school. I was actually so interested in it but I didn't have the time. It is only as of late that I have found out that the sorority Phi Delta Kappa was for women who wanted to become teachers/educators. That's the furthest thing from my mind... I just crossed in my sorority, Iota Theta Eta Christian Sorority and I could not be happier. I looked at the Divine Nine and just could not bring myself to endure some of the things that I had heard from people that had been on line. I love the sorority life, I love this sisterhood and I say for anyone who is interested in joining, go for it after you RESEARCH IT! Don't make a fool of yourself for something that your heart is not in. Iota Theta Eta was created in 2006 and this is what I have been waiting for, a true sisterhood!

Soror Sweetie Pie
Iota Theta Eta Christian Sorority Inc.
www.iotathetaeta.org
"How Pretty is she in purple and pink"
#8 FALL 2007 DELTA CLASS

[Lucky LAU]

Why did I join a Greek Org that was founded after 1930? Because there really wasnt a Latino Fraternity created before 1930. I am a proud Hermano of Lambda Alpha Upsilon!

[DreamfulSpirit]

I loved reading the stories on here, so I thought that I would share mine:

I never really had an interest in greek life. I started college in Fall '03 and the thought of joining a sorority had never crossed my mind. No one in my family has been in a GLO. Around my second year in college I had started to notice the presence of greek life on campus and started thinking that maybe I could be a part of it.

Spring '05, Delta Zeta colonized on campus and I went to their informational sessions and to a few of their events to get to know people, and scheduled an interview. Unfournately I wasn't called back for prefs. Afterwards, a friend of mine in one of my classes was an Alpha Gamma Delta and they were doing continual recruitment because their numbers were really low. I also had another friend in that sorority as well. I would have became a new member pledge with them, however their nationals closed that chapter down (I heard something about why, but I won't disclose it here) and I figured out that I wouldn't have been able to afford it.

Next semester, Fall '05, I didn't really think about going through formal recruitment or anything. I was in one of my classes and saw a girl with a tote bag that said "Omega Phi Alpha". I hadn't heard of them before, so I went home and did some research and really liked how they were a service sorority, and started sending out some emails to find out about the particular chapter on campus and some rush events. I went to the events, and immensely enjoyed the girls there. Turns out the girl in my class, she was the membership director! The other factor that I loved was that the dues were considerably lower than the other sororities (which honestly, was bonus points in my book!).

I was installed as a pledge that semester, and was activated in December. I got to spend one semester as an active before I transferred out of state (long story). I loved my time then, and miss my sisters sooo much! At the school I transferred to, I tried to start a chapter here, but couldn't get enough interest needed .

I love this organization so much, and they not only focus on service, but have such a strong focus on sisterhood as well! Every girl I've met has been amazing! We do have a smaller number of girls, but everyone knows everyone better than having larger numbers, and I think the closeness is stronger! I also love how diverse everyone is, its great to be connected through this strong sisterhood bond that we have! I can't be prouder to be a sister of OPA!!!

[MsDGP007]

Well I was a transfer student living off campus. At first I was looking for a way to quickly find a group that could expand my social life options. At my first school, a friend of mine was a Delta Sigma Theta soror...but since that school was predominantly male (and the Black student population was also pretty small)...she often went to other schools to participate in Greek life events. That did not really appeal to me...but at my second school, it was a different story. Greek life was pretty popular on-campus.

However, the schools were not so different in that they both had a really small number of Black students percentage-wise. What I noticed among the Black Greek organizations is that they sort of all lumped together; which was needed and important in order to get things done. I was friends with a Zeta Phi Beta and found those women interesting...but in my limited exposure...it just was not something I could see myself comfortable in.

Through some of my own research, I found out about my sorority. Back then, it has only been in existence for a few years. But I was excited to see that other women had actually pulled together to found a totally new undertaking. I also was impressed that the sorority did not start in a metro area far away....and many of the founders were just like me; Black women who grew up and involved themselves in many activities that did not mainly focus on their cultural background. Again, I have only the utmost respect for the Divine 9 NPHC groups -- it just wasn't my thing (and I'm sure they are not interested in women who are not totally on board with their mission and purpose).

The NPC groups looked interesting. But I wasn't interested in all in all of the costs and the aspect of living in a house. Yeah...again, not really my thing. But I love NPC groups too...especially the ones at my alma-mater. They are really cool and supportive, you know?

The past 10 years have been great; given I had practically nothing to do with my sorority in the years right after my graduation. It was amazing to get back involved and see what type of women had joined our sisterhood in the meantime. I couldn't be more proud really . Now instead of just "expanding my social options" I have a network of women all over the country I can just call up for help or for advice or just to say "hey". It's an awesome feeling really. Plus, I just love busting the "sorority girl" stereotypes too.

[zchi2]

Originally Posted by MsDGP007

Well I was a transfer student living off campus. At first I was looking for a way to quickly find a group that could expand my social life options. At my first school, a friend of mine was a Delta Sigma Theta soror...but since that school was predominantly male (and the Black student population was also pretty small)...she often went to other schools to participate in Greek life events. That did not really appeal to me...but at my second school, it was a different story. Greek life was pretty popular on-campus.

However, the schools were not so different in that they both had a really small number of Black students percentage-wise. What I noticed among the Black Greek organizations is that they sort of all lumped together; which was needed and important in order to get things done. I was friends with a Zeta Phi Beta and found those women interesting...but in my limited exposure...it just was not something I could see myself comfortable in.

Through some of my own research, I found out about my sorority. Back then, it has only been in existence for a few years. But I was excited to see that other women had actually pulled together to found a totally new undertaking. I also was impressed that the sorority did not start in a metro area far away....and many of the founders were just like me; Black women who grew up and involved themselves in many activities that did not mainly focus on their cultural background. Again, I have only the utmost respect for the Divine 9 NPHC groups -- it just wasn't my thing (and I'm sure they are not interested in women who are not totally on board with their mission and purpose).

The NPC groups looked interesting. But I wasn't interested in all in all of the costs and the aspect of living in a house. Yeah...again, not really my thing. But I love NPC groups too...especially the ones at my alma-mater. They are really cool and supportive, you know?

The past 10 years have been great; given I had practically nothing to do with my sorority in the years right after my graduation. It was amazing to get back involved and see what type of women had joined our sisterhood in the meantime. I couldn't be more proud really . Now instead of just "expanding my social options" I have a network of women all over the country I can just call up for help or for advice or just to say "hey". It's an awesome feeling really. Plus, I just love busting the "sorority girl" stereotypes too.

If you don't mind saying, what school did you go to?

[DSTCHAOS]

Strange thread. For a few reasons.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by AOEforme

Combatting prolly is too strong a word... the older your organization is, the more red tape that exists, and the harder it is to make changes....

This can be for better or worse.

Isn't your organization going to be around long enough to get old and have a lot of members and history?

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by AOEforme

It's just what you want. To inherit or to create....

I chose both.

Originally Posted by AOEforme

To each their own!

I'd believe this if most of the responses in this thread didn't reference other organizations.