The Badge Task Force (now known as the "Crescent Catchers") is a group of Gamma Phi Betas who since the fall of 2002 have worked to educate our members on our badge policies, strengthen those policies, and track badges that show up for sale on ebay and other secondary markets.
We will also have quite a bit of information at Convention 2004!
The following is the text of an article that will be appearing in Fall Crescent in regards to the Badge Task Force. If you have any questions, or would like to join us and help out, let me know.
In IIKE,
Melanie Kelsey
Chair, Badge Task Force
Gamma Phi Beta Badge: Not just another piece of jewelry
In the Fall of 2002, a small group of members shared their growing concerns about our badge being sold on eBay. After a couple of days and numerous emails, the Badge Task Force was formed and immediately set out to determine why our badge was being sold on eBay and what, if anything, could be done about this disturbing trend.
After surveying our membership during the Fall and Winter, it became apparent that a major root of the problem was inadequate knowledge about our badge. Even recent graduates did not seem to retain the basic facts they were taught about our badge as new members, if they were taught anything at all.
What do you remember about our badge? Your badge is a symbol of your Gamma Phi Beta membership and it means much more than what a stranger sees. It symbolizes our four founders, the ideals of our sorority, and the bonds of sisterhood that have continued to grow strong since 1874. Only initiated members of Gamma Phi Beta are permitted to wear the badge, thus making it even more precious. It should be kept safe at all times.
The badge is to be worn at all events where ritual will be performed. It is never to be sold, loaned, or given to another party and is to be returned to International Headquarters by any member who resigns from our organization. It should also be returned upon the death of a member, unless it will be worn by a legacy. All members should make their families aware of what they want done with their badge in the event of their death, to insure it will be kept in the Gamma Phi family.
Do you want to replace a lost/stolen badge? What does International Headquarters do with the badges that are returned by members who resign? They sell them to other members who are looking for a replacement badge. If you are interested in obtaining one of those badges, contact IH to see what is available. Be sure to specify that you are looking for a replacement badge.
Are you interested in assisting with our cause? We are always looking for more members to assist our cause in any way possible, especially with a financial contribution. If you are interested in joining our group, or would like to contact the Task Force for any reason, please send an email to our Yahoogroups site at
GPhiBBadges-owner@yahoogroups.com. If you are requesting to join, all members need to be approved so be sure to send us your name and collegiate chapter for verification purposes. We will then add you to the group.
Do you want to bid on a badge? The Badge Task Force also tracks badges on eBay. If you are interested in bidding on a badge that you see on eBay, please contact us at the email address above. Prior to purchasing any badge, we attempt to locate the original owner to allow her the opportunity to purchase it herself as well as to check if it was stolen. We are not discouraging you from bidding, but by knowing who is bidding we can (hopefully) avoid Gamma Phis bidding against each other and raising the bid price unnecessarily.
Do you frequent estates sales and the like? Sadly, eBay is not the only place our badges are showing up for sale. If you frequent flea markets, estate sales, antique shops, or other secondary marketplaces, you will be surprised how many you might find. Any badge of “historical significance” can be donated to the Foundation for a tax write off and other badges, not meeting the criteria, can be returned to International Headquarters to be returned to the original owner, or sold to a member looking to replace her badge.
Have you lost your badge? The Badge Task Force has developed a database to track lost/stolen badges so we can try to reunite badges found on a secondary market with the original owner. If you have lost your badge, and would like the information added to our database, please send an email to the address above with a detailed description of your badge including the inscription on the back and your current contact information. In addition, if your badge is/was stolen, it is crucial that you file a police report with the exact description. If your stolen badge ends up on eBay, the report makes it much easier to get your badge back.
Look for more information in the upcoming months. In addition to our ongoing monitoring and rescue efforts, International Council and the Badge Task Force are working on improved badge education for our members.
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