Symbol?

[LeslieAGD]

Hey girls, this is kinda a dumb question since I think the answer is probably no, but has AGD ever had a symbol (i.e.: anchor, torch, quill). I've noticed that quite a few sororities have a jewel, mascot, AND symbol, so I wondered if we ever had a symbol?

[greeklawgirl]

That's a really good question. I don't think there ever has been a paticular symbol...if there was, its not in my Quarterly. As far as I know, the pearl is our jewel and Skiouros is our mascot. Whenever I see anything 'symbol' like--i.e. a keychain, magnet, etc., its always in the shape of a squirrel.

PS: There is NO such thing as a dumb question! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

[Katey Alpha Gam]

Well, even tho there may have never been one, if you could choose a symbol for us, what kind of symbol do you think would best represent the way you feel about AGD?? I think a Sun would be a really good symbol b/c we are always bright and cheery but also powerful and we shine the beauty of AGD on all we see. What do you think would be a good symbol?

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Katey, ZA chapter of AGD
"Could I have been anyone other than me?"-Dave Matthews

[greeklawgirl]

Okay girls, don't laugh at me, but this is the first thing that popped into my head: an acorn.

At first , I thought it was good because its along the same theme as Skiouros and our 'autumn tints.' http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif I also liked it because the acorn grows into a tree, which is strong but still shelters everyone underneath it.

But then I did a quick yahoo search on the symbolism behind the acorn. It symbolizes: authority, victory, and maturity. In ancient Celtic times it was the ultimate symbol of potential, fertility and immortality.

Pretty cool, huh?

[Emilitab]

I always thought that the mascot was like a symbol. So, i've always thought it was the squirrel! But, I'd be curious to know if we had a symbol and a mascot. I think most GLOs have one or the other...good question though, Leslie! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Emily

[Katey Alpha Gam]

Wouldn't it be cool if somehow through this thread we got a symbol?? Think of it, we would be a major part of AGD history and prolly the first org to make a major decision online!!! Just a silly thought!!

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Katey, ZA chapter of AGD
"Could I have been anyone other than me?"-Dave Matthews

[greeklawgirl]

Originally posted by Katey Alpha Gam:
Wouldn't it be cool if somehow through this thread we got a symbol?? Think of it, we would be a major part of AGD history and prolly the first org to make a major decision online!!! Just a silly thought!!



Okay ladies! Start hunting for acorns!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I don't see why we can't start using a symbol at the local level. Remember that Skiouros started with Gamma chapter and spread from there. If they could do it so can we!

[JenAGD]

I absolutely love the idea of the acorn as our symbol. I think it ties in our jewel, the pearl, with our mascot, Skiourous, nicely. Think of the symbolism of the pearl, how it starts out as a grain of sand & then becomes something strong and beautiful over time. I am definitely going to start implementing acorns now, too! Good idea, Girls!!

[greeklawgirl]

I don't know. Maybe we could ask someone at IHQ about what the process would be for that. I know that Sigma Kappa made the heart and the dove their official symbols only within the last 10 or 15 years. I believe that they passed it at their convention.

I think the best bet is to start using the symbol at the chapter level on an 'unofficial' basis. Spread the word to all the chapters and start using it! Hopefully the chapters would be using the symbol extensively by 2004. The legislation making it an official symbol could be then passed at the Centennial Convention. It has almost a perfect sense of timing to it. We could call it "A New Symbol For A New Century"

LOL, what do you girls think?

[Emilitab]

I think thats a great idea to use the acorn as a symbol at the local level. Also, i never knew the acorn had so many meanings--I thought it was just a nut that grows on trees for squirrels to eat! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Boy, was i ever wrong!

[greeklawgirl]

Oooh, oooh! Just found a really good slogan for everyone looking for Bid Day shirts!

"From little acorns, mighty oaks grow"
Alpha Gamma Delta
Bid Day Fall 2001

You could put the image of an acorn on the front pocket of the T-shirt. LOL, I have WAY too much time on my hands!

[KEZ-AGD]

Awesome Gals! You have come up with a great symbol idea. I am sure all the sisters at ZU with love the idea too. I just went to an art show this past weekend and saw a box with an acorn on it, and was thinking of getting for my badge. Now I wish I did! Go figure!

Kristen

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"Character is who you are in the dark when no one but God is watching"
-Anonymous

[Laine4JC]

About the FEATHER...I looked it up to see it's symbolism and this is what I got: The feather can mean soul/heart, charity, faith and justice. Three feathers often represents power, divinity, and Light. Well, I was just curious and I thought I would throw that out at y'all. And here's one I kinda like as a symbol...a bridge...I know it sounds kind of weird, but it stands for communications and union/unity...kind of like sisterhood. =) But I like the acorn meaning too. =)

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Whitney

[greeklawgirl]

Girls, all of these ideas are great: suns, bridges, feathers, acorns. Our sorority experience is what we make of it! If you want something, then go for it. Its up to you to make things happen!

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

[greeklawgirl]

Awesome, Leslie! I'm going to check it right now!

[AGDLynn]

Hey, I don't know if this is a coincidence, but I got an email from our Province 5 Alumnae Director. Her newsletter's title was "Acorn Alley"!!

[greeklawgirl]

Too funny! Three days and already the word is spreading. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

[Unregistered-]

A Symbol for the new Century sounds like a fabulous idea.

Right now's a great time to start working on a proposal to IHQ. I know I'd be willing to help...and I'm sure our GC AGDs would want to help too!

You know what I was thinking? Let's see if this rings a bell..

"It started as a dorm room discussion of college friendships between two sisters.."

Okay, fast forward about a century..

"It started as a message board forum discussion between Internet addicts..."

Who knows Maria? This could be AlphaGam history right here.

[greeklawgirl]

Originally posted by OohTeenyWahine:
\"It started as a dorm room discussion of college friendships between two sisters.."

Okay, fast forward about a century..
"It started as a message board forum discussion between Internet addicts..."


OTW, ROTFLMAO! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif We'll have to make an addendum to my Quarterly.

[AGDLynn]

Leslie, at Convention, the Georgia chapters decided to change the IRD format from yearly statewide to every 4 years. The other 3, each chapter would host their own. Travel from chapters can range from 1-5 hours. Plus it is hard to find space for 400 or so people. It is getting to be that most of the time the only attendees are the collegiates (b/c they have to be there) and a handful of alumnae (usually only advisor-types). So, GTau will host it in about 2012!! Hopefully with the new format, locals can get more alumnae as IRD was originally intended.

[Laine4JC]

I'm from GA and that makes me sad that IRD was changed...I know it was hard on everyone, but I think it's kind of neat how everyone from the GA chapters get together. I got to meet some girls last year, and I think it's great to hear how the other chapters are doing. I think this is a bad move...it kind of limits our boundaries to our own chapters. Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way...oh well.

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Whitney

[Lisa Fishman]

IRD May have been changed for GA because Brenau (Mu) Gainesville, GA has May Day Weekend (Alumnae Weekend)the 3rd Sat. in April. However, there are at least three other chapters (UGA, Noth Ga. and Ga. Tech)with in an hour or so in north Georgia.

[AGDLynn]

Hey, don't forget Gamma Tau at the State University of West Georgia in Carrollton!! We are about an hour west of Atlanta.

I know that we would love to have AGD's from other chapters come to our IRD in the "off years".

[AlphaGam1019]

Are you serious?? My chapter was set to host next year's GA IRD and I was looking foward to everyone ELSE driving 2-6 hours to visit us. lol. I enjoyed this past IRD @ Brenau. It's always nice to see what other chapters are up to. I'm disappointed to hear that GA chapters decided on this! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

[Lisa Fishman]

Sorry, Gamma Tau, West Ga.

[Katey Alpha Gam]

GO US!!! I am so happy that we are getting on the ball with this!!! The acorn is a great idea!!! YAY!!!

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Katey, ZA chapter of AGD
"Could I have been anyone other than me?"-Dave Matthews

[AGDLynn]

Hey, Valdosta!! GTau already has your IRD on our schedule for next spring!!

There were Valdosta alumnae in the room when it was discussed (sorry, I don't remember their names) so it wasn't like y'all weren't represented.

The IRD plan isn't written in stone so, who knows, it could be changed in 2 years, lol!

If Georgia didn't have 159 counties, maybe we could all be closer!

[AlphaGam1019]

I hope all the GA chapters get to come down to South GA! It's quite a little road trip (I drive it at least once a mth to get home to L'ville!!...bout 3.5 hours...)

Some of my chapter sisters and I were joking around about having a big BBQ for IRD- complete with icey drinks with umbrellas in them http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Nothing like a lazy day in South GA! lol But seriously, we plan to host IRD at the Valdosta Conference Center- which is only 2-3 years old. It's a nice place. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[Laine4JC]

Hey, AlphaGam1019...I would much rather have a BBQ than the more formal luncheon we have. Ain't nothing like (pardon my bad grammer) kickin' back in a grassy field with a chicken wing in one hand and a glass of tea in another...and finish it off with some watermelon. lol Who knows...one day this dream could become a reality? =) Honestly though, I think IRD is a little too tense, and I wish we could become more laid-back...atleast a lot of the girls from my chapter wish we could feel more relaxed. But I do understand why IRD is the way it is, and I'm cool with it.

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Whitney

[This message has been edited by Laine4JC (edited August 08, 2001).]

[AlphaGam1019]

Laine4JC, I'd have to agree with having more fun in a casual setting. I've never been able to really MEET any other chapter members at IRD, only hear what they have accomplished from their president's speech. It would be nice if I could mingle, talk and party with them!

[GtownGirl98]

GC gets together with UK and EKU. We have had it at the Red Mile for the last two years but a problem we have is that we all sit with our chapters and don't mingle and meet. I know we could assign seats but anyone have any other suggestions.

[greeklawgirl]

Well, http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif on her! (Just kidding, girls.) If its true that the circle and 14 pearls are our symbols, then IMHO we haven't done a very good job of getting the word out.

Oh well. I suppose there's nothing to stop you from using an acorn if you like it (i.e, a local thing) so long as you're not actively harming our Ritual. Far be it from me to ruin anything our Founders wanted for us. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[AGDLynn]

On one hand, I can understand IHQ's reluctance to start the "acorn" movement. They've just spent thousands of research and marketing $$ to develop the Surrounded by Sisterhood theme.

On the other, acorns are easier to draw and find jewelry, shirts, etc.! Esp. each Fall season..

What's that saying, "A mighty oak grew from a small acorn" or something like that!

Let's surround our sisterhood with acorns (carefully, lol!).

[Laine4JC]

Ok ladies, I just thought that I would tell you that I talked to the International President yesterday about a symbol. I was helping out at UGA's Recruitment and she was also there. She began discussing with some of the alumnae about how she got an email about some girls on greekchat talking about AGD needing a symbol. I spoke up and said that I was one of the girls. To make a long story short, she does not see the point in creating a symbol. She said that we already have symbols such as the circle and the 14 pearls and that they already serve the purpose of a symbol. So, I just thought I would let y'all know. I tried to explain our reasoning but I guess I didn't do a very good job. Sorry ladies!

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Whitney