To Groom or NOT to Groom

[AKA2D '91]

T.O.Ape started a thread in the Alpha forum (hey, free pub!)called "Other than yours". Anyway, I got to thinking...how do you ACTUALLY "groom" someone?

I have my take on the situation, but I want to know what other people think.

Is it ONLY ABOUT "skee-weeing", "a-phiing", "yo-yoing", "oo-ooping" and throwing up hand signs? or wearing a shirt that says, my MOM, DAD, SISTER, AUNT, UNCLE is a ABC OR XYZ?



[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited March 18, 2001).]

[AKA_Monet]

For some "legacies" it may be. For others, it's not. Some bring their chilluns' to Sorority meeting if they are "containable". 'Cuz I grew up in SoCal, not LA, there wasn't a huge BGLO contingent. So, the influential pressures of a say, "Philly Greekfest" or Black College Football Classics wasn't prevalent. I didn't get these experiences til I got to my HBCU. So, I didn't know what everything was--all I knew were just 4 BGLO's existed... Boy was I astounded!!!

[Discogoddess]

I think you can groom your child to be an outstanding scholar, community servant and to have impeccable character by environment in which they are raised. These qualities are prized by all of our organizations (I hope!). Of course, you, by your actions, outlook and experiences, can influence your child's choice of organization by taking them to community service events, meetings, conferences, step shows, etc.

However, just like exposing them to the elements that will help them develop their minds, spirits and hearts does not guarantee that they will heed your teachings, exposing them to your sorority/fraternity doesn't mean they will choose it (or that the organization will choose them...but that's another Oprah!).

I just hope that any daughters I may have will grow to be the type of women who would make excellent Alpha Kappa Alpha women based on their academic achievements, service contributions and moral character. I also hope that my daughters would find value in applying for membership based on those same merits and love THEY have for the organization THEMSELVES (not because of my love for it). If not, then so be it.