Latino Greek Letter Organizations

[Private I]

this is kind of off-topic, but to phisigduchess I don´t think Belize is considered Latin American

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by phisigduchesscv
There is one aspect about Latino/a Greeks and whether they are multicultural that seems to be forgotten. I think non-latino/a people often lump anyone from Mexico, Central and South America as all one cultural. Truly they are all very different from country to country. Or at least here in Los Angeles differences are made about where people are from.

From the women I know at work, in my sorority and some of the Latina Greeks (CSUDH has KDChis, SIAs, and Sigma Lambda Gamma) the women don't only celebrate the fact that they are Latina but their distinct cultural heritage. Let me tell you I've heard some interesting discussions between Mexican, El Savadoran, Guatemalan, Chilean, Puerto Rican, and Belizian women and the differences in their cultures. I have also learned a lot from these women about the differences as well.

So in essence although they are celebrating Latino/a culture they are truly multicultural in every sense of the word.

I hear what you're saying which is why I don't understand why a predom. Latina sorority must be one(Latina) or the other(multi-cultural), but not both. Only here in the US is everyone lumped into the category of "Hispanic" with no regard to anything else (Dominicana, Puerto Rican, etc.). The Latino culture is so diverse within itself that to me, it would only seem natural that their programing would be (culturaly speaking in terms of the entire Latino community).

Oh yeah, the largest group of people in Belize is Hispanic, but the its really a mix of a lot of stuff (Creoles, etc.)

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by audaz49
It may just be me, but I see the answer to that question in the quote that you used from our national webpage.

"Sigma Lambda Gamma believes that Culture is Pride, Pride is Success. We explore the richness in the traditions of Latina culture. This encompasses the cultural heritages of Native Americans (North, Central and South), Europeans, Africans, Asians and their multiple and interesting mixtures. We celebrate the diversity of the backgrounds of all the members of our sorority. Through these efforts in cultural awareness, we expect that each woman will explore their roots and traditions and share those with other individuals so that cultural understanding and respect are promoted. We hope to create new traditions for future generations of women to celebrate their identity and heritage with pride and joy throughout the college years."

The bolded sections of the above quote show that while we do emphasize the Latina cultures as a rule, each woman must contribute her own cultural background and knowledge to truly fulfill the mission of Sigma Lambda Gamma. The focus of each chapter of our organization is shaped by the membership of that chapter. There are no limits on what cultures Sigma Lambda Gamma will learn and teach about.

Is that what you were asking?

Yes - this makes sense. I think rocketgirl may have said what I'm trying to say better than I did. How far will SLG go away from her Latina roots before either the sorority is no longer Latina or there is a huge overhaul to bring it back to a Latina focus?

I don't think that's something one person can answer. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

At Honeykiss --

Originally posted by Honeykiss Only here in the US is everyone lumped into the category of "Hispanic" with no regard to anything else (Dominicana, Puerto Rican, etc.). The Latino culture is so diverse within itself that to me, it would only seem natural that their programing would be (culturaly speaking in terms of the entire Latino community).

I couldn't agree more about lumping people together. But, I think we're confusing "race" and "culture" here. Within Latino culture, there are many, many races. But, there is some sort of tie that binds. And, there are specific concerns that a Latino person would be addressing that those outside the culture would not.

[phisigduchesscv]

Originally posted by Private I
this is kind of off-topic, but to phisigduchess I don´t think Belize is considered Latin American

Belize is in Central America and as such people from Belize are usually considered to be Latino. Belize is like a few other countries in Central and South America were there are large populations of people of African descent so much of their population is very much mixed. A couple of my old coworkers were Belizian so i learned a lot from them about their country and culture. Also, I studied Latin American history and politics as part of my undergrad Political Science degree.

Originally posted by preciousjeni
I couldn't agree more about lumping people together. But, I think we're confusing "race" and "culture" here. Within Latino culture, there are many, many races. But, there is some sort of tie that binds. And, there are specific concerns that a Latino person would be addressing that those outside the culture would not.

With my current coworkers and fellow students quite a few would disagree with you about all the races within the Latino culture being one "Latino culture". As I said earlier there's been some pretty interesting discussions between my current coworkers who are Panamanian, Mexican, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan. They all make sure that we understand they are different cultures. Many of them have different Indian cultures mixed in with the Spanish influence that have major influences on their cultures as a whole.

Same thing within my chapter, a couple years ago when we discussed the differences between cultures and they made a point that the Chilean, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, etc cultures are all very different. they may speak a similar language but they stress that their cultures are very different. One of the sisters said to think of it as between being American, Canadian, British, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Australian, etc. Very much caucaisan based countries with English as a similiar language but the cultures are all different and even the languages have slight differences



Regarding Sigma Lambda Gamma, at CSUDH in Los Angeles they are very proud that they are a Latina sorority and it is mentioned in their advertisements. But they are also proud that they are open to women regardless of race and prove it by their membership. i wonder if on some of the campus in areas without a large Latina population, where infact the Latina population is very small (CSUDH is over 26% Latino/a so we are have a large population) they emphasize more of the multicultural aspect in order to be able to continue to succed on these campuses at the same time they are teaching women more about Latinas as a whole (does that make sense?)

[Private I]

It is very interesting to read how different people view themselves in regardes to race, culture, etc. One of my majors is Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Belize is always taught as a Caribbean country rather than a Latin American one-probably because the language spoken is English, unlike most of the other countries of Central and South America. It is lumped in the similar category as Guyana, Surinam, etc. (being countries that do not fit the usual Latin American stereotype as Spanish-speaking).

Haiti and Brazil were also focused upon separately (especially Brazil).

If anyone on GC is from Belize I'd love to hear your perspective.

[Private I]

I just re-read the last couple of posts and wanted to stress the difference between race and culture again. There are also countries with high percentages of Latin Americans of African descent (example Panama) and then there are arguments over whether that country is considered Latin American or Caribbean. I think there will always be people who will be very much in favor of one or the other opinion.

[audaz49]

To rocketgirl:

You are absolutely correct, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. is a Latina sorority with multicultural membership. The ladies of Sigma Lambda Gamma are free to do as they please with regard to the naming of lines, etc. Some chapters have all lines named in Spanish, some all in English, some do it as following a tradition, some as to reflect the woman or group of women that it represents. I can't say what will happen with the future standing of SLG as a Latina sorority, what I know is that currently we are just what I have said time and again, and I am proud to be a part of this sorority. The future of Sigma Lambda Gamma is in the hands of every woman who becomes a member, and I most definately cannot speak for all or even most of them. I can speak for me, and I can honestly say that whether SLG becomes Multicultural or stays Latina, I will always uphold the principles and motto of my beloved sisterhood.
A woman of distinction stands for Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness, Morals & Ethics, and Social Interaction.
Culture Is Pride, Pride Is Success!

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by phisigduchesscv
With my current coworkers and fellow students quite a few would disagree with you about all the races within the Latino culture being one "Latino culture". As I said earlier there's been some pretty interesting discussions between my current coworkers who are Panamanian, Mexican, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan. They all make sure that we understand they are different cultures. Many of them have different Indian cultures mixed in with the Spanish influence that have major influences on their cultures as a whole.

While I understand what you're saying, there is something that Latino organizations are founded on. There is a common bond among Latino-Americans or there would be no need for these organizations.

We're talking about the cultures in the U.S. not necessarily worldwide. So, while there are elements that European Americans share culturally, there are also sub-cultures (British American, Dutch American, Swedish American, etc.) just as Latino Americans share certain common bonds, but are also diverse in sub-cultures (Panamanian American, Mexican American, etc.)

If we start talking about people who don't necessarily identify themselves as American, that's a completely different conversation.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by audaz49
I can speak for me, and I can honestly say that whether SLG becomes Multicultural or stays Latina, I will always uphold the principles and motto of my beloved sisterhood.

This statement really helps to answer a lot of questions, especially when we consider that other women in your organization feel the same way. Great response!

[rocketgirl]

I agree with preciousjeni...that is a great answer audaz and it definately makes since.

In reguards to the race vs. culture issue. I agree with preciousjeni again. There must be something that binds the Latino culture together because there are thriving Latino/a based organizations.

The point is that of any racial group, as we classify it here in America, is composed of people from different cultures. It seems that Americans have a reverse definition of race than other countries do. If you go to other countries...you're American, because that's where you're from and that's your "culture". French people come here and they are considered caucasian because of their race. See the difference?

Example, look at the common mistake that all black people share the same "culture." There are people considered black who are British, Canadian, American, African, Dominican, Caribbean, and the list goes on. These people would not necessarly share the same culture and/or language. However, in American, if you look black, you're considered black. Period. Nobody cares if YOU consider yourself something else.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by rocketgirl
Example, look at the common mistake that all black people share the same "culture." There are people considered black who are British, Canadian, American, African, Dominican, Caribbean, and the list goes on. These people would not necessarly share the same culture and/or language. However, in American, if you look black, you're considered black. Period. Nobody cares if YOU consider yourself something else.

Absolutely. The U.S. is a strange place - where the people you mentioned would not necessarily consider themselves part of the same culture, a "black culture" is thrust upon them. So, at some point, it becomes your culture (or at least part of what you consider yourself.)

This is also what makes it difficult to be anything but white in the U.S. As the demographics in this country change over the next few years, it will be VERY interesting to see how we relate to our accepted culture, our assumed culture and other cultures.

[rocketgirl]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
Absolutely. The U.S. is a strange place - where the people you mentioned would not necessarily consider themselves part of the same culture, a "black culture" is thrust upon them. So, at some point, it becomes your culture (or at least part of what you consider yourself.)

This is also what makes it difficult to be anything but white in the U.S. As the demographics in this country change over the next few years, it will be VERY interesting to see how we relate to our accepted culture, our assumed culture and other cultures.

It will be interesting. Especially as the minority groups grow. I was watching the news the other day and they said that Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in America and that 1 out of every 7 people is Latino/a. You can already see how it changes politics..look at the increase of minorities in power. It will only serve to help our country to get the input of all groups to make the government truly of the people.

[Ch2tf]

Quoting Preciousjeni:
(N,M) Omicron Lambda Pi
Founding Date: April 13, 2003
*This organization is rather cryptic, but the organization has very early ties to a BGLO.

Preciousjeni would you mind elaborating on this comment? I am not a member of the org, just trying to school myself on multicultural sororities: history, missions, etc.

Also, would you consider Omega Phi Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. national or regional? (They have a newer chapter in Florida now)

***edited because I forgot something***

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by Ch2tf
Quoting Preciousjeni:
(N,M) Omicron Lambda Pi
Founding Date: April 13, 2003
*This organization is rather cryptic, but the organization has very early ties to a BGLO.

Preciousjeni would you mind elaborating on this comment? I am not a member of the org, just trying to school myself on multicultural sororities: history, missions, etc.

Also, would you consider Omega Phi Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. national or regional? (They have a newer chapter in Florida now)

***edited because I forgot something***

If you visit the Omicron Lambda Pi website, you'll see how mysterious these ladies are. However, I have spoken to members and I know a bit of the history that I'm not going to elaborate on until they do. I feel that they have that right, not I.

Omega Phi Chi has done a great job of maintaining a multicultural membership (in line with their name and mission). Until the Kappa Chapter was founded in Florida, I categorized them as Regional. But, now I'd say they are National Multicultural.

[preciousjeni]

For Ch2tf:

I can't guarantee that all of the websites are functional (I check them about once every four months but I haven't checked them in a while).

Also, I personally don't consider all these sororities to be "multicultural" in the sense that Theta Nu Xi is, but since they claim to be multicultural, I include them.

FYI - the largest (chapters) organization currently is Theta Nu Xi with 32 total chapters and colonies.

ORGS:

Alpha Chi Lambda
http://www.geocities.com/axlambda

Alpha Delta Rho
http://www.uiuc.edu/ro/angels

Alpha Theta Gamma
http://www.alphathetagamma.org/

Beta Phi
http://www.geocities.com/betaphitest/

Chi Sigma Upsilon
http://www.angelfire.com/nj/csu93

Delta Chi Phi
http://www.geocities.com/deltachiphi/index.html (website down)

Delta Gamma Pi
http://www.deltagammapi98.8m.com/ (Alpha Chapter)

Delta Lambda Delta
http://www.deltalambdadelta.com/

Delta Omega Rho
http://www.deltaomegarho.com/

Delta Sigma Chi
http://www.deltasigmachi.ourfamily.com/

Delta Xi Nu
http://www.deltaxinu.org/

Delta Xi Phi
http://www.geocities.com/~deltaxiphi/

Delta Zeta Xi
http://hometown.aol.com/hautedream/Welcome.html

Eta Omega Tau
http://www.pinknblack.org

Gamma Delta Chi
http://gammadeltachi.tripod.com/gdc/index.html

Iota Psi Phi
http://www.csufresno.edu/StudentOrgs/IOTAPSIPHI/

Kappa Theta Lambda
http://www.kappasisterhood.org/index.html

Lambda Fe Uson
http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Clubs/divas/

Lambda Phi Xi
http://lambdaphixi.com/

Lambda Psi Delta
http://www.lambdapsidelta.org/

Lambda Sigma Gamma
http://www.lambdasigmagamma.org/

Lambda Tau Omega
http://www.seaquin.org/

Mu Sigma Upsilon
http://www.musigmaupsilon.org/

Omega Epsilon Society
http://www.omegaepsilon.org/

Omega Phi Chi
http://www.omegaphichi.org/

Omicron Lambda Pi
http://www.omicronlambdapi.org

Phi Gamma Theta
http://www.phigammatheta.org/

Sigma Alpha Zeta
http://www.sigmaalphazeta.org/

Sigma Chi Delta
http://www.geocities.com/hsuxihoneys/

Sigma Iota Sigma
http://www.sigmaiotasigma1994.org/

Sigma Omega Phi
http://www.sigmaomegaphi.org/main.html

Sigma Theta Psi
http://www.sigmathetapsi.org/ (under construction; see geocities.com/sigmathetapsi/)

Tau Epsilon Nu
http://www.tauepsilonnu.2ya.com/

Theta Chi Omega
http://www.uta.edu/student_orgs/tco/

Theta Nu
http://theta_nu.tripod.com/thetanusorority/

Theta Nu Xi
http://www.thetanuxi.org

Theta Rho Upsilon
http://life.calumet.purdue.edu/TRU/index.htm

Upsilon Kappa Delta
http://www.upsilonkappadelta.org/

Xi Gamma Lambda
http://www.xigammalambda.com/

Zeta Chi Phi
http://www.zetachiphi.com/

Zeta Delta Phi
No Website Available

Zeta Sigma Chi
http://www.zetasigmachi.com/

Zeta Sigma Phi
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~zetasphi/

Other Organizations for Further Research (These aren’t confirmed MCGLOs – I’m just remembering to look them up)

Omega Xi Phi – California Regional
Kappa Lambda Xi - http://kappalambdaxi.tripod.com/
Phi Gamma Chi - http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~phichi/herstory.html
Alpha Psi Sorority
Sigma Phi Iota - http://geocities.com/sigmaphiiota1012/index.htm
Alpha Pi - http://www2.sjsu.edu/orgs/alpha_pi/