Need as much advice as I can get!

[lyngon30]

I am starting a sorority for women who are survivors of domestic & sexual abuse. I have already incorp. the name, have mission statement, values, colors & motto. I am currently working on bylaws but needs some help. Also need help creating a shield. My sorority focus is on awareness & support of Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse. Probably in the next couple of years maybe a facility. I am a Counselor & also a survivor. Please any advise is requested & thanks in advance. :)

[knight_shadow]

I think the cause is commendable, but why does this need to be a sorority?

Also, the nuts and bolts of the organization should have been discussed prior to incorporation.

[33girl]

This doesn't need to be a sorority. There are many support groups out there - and they don't charge dues.

[lyngon30]

I incorp. & I am working on bylaws to start the non-profit process. It will be a non-profit with major principles similarities of a sorority. A sisterhood that relatively been through similar situations in life.

[lyngon30]

I have been to support groups where I still felt not wanted or like I did not belonged & have been in a sorority years ago. Its to make everyone feel comfortable in a sorority setting. While support is not the only purpose, awareness & prevention will also be our mission.

Think out the box. Not trying to step on any toes. Just need advise.

[Drolefille]

Is English your second language?

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

I think the cause is commendable, but why does this need to be a sorority?

Agreed. Seems like it would be difficult to sustain a sufficient level of membership. This type of organization doesn't seem to have wide spread appeal. Perhaps creating a sorority whose singular philanthropy or service area is domestic and sexual abuse might be more viable.

[KSUViolet06]

Some constructive criticism here: Think about what YOUR group would offer DV victims that other support groups don't.

Women will probsbly ask "well how is this different from *insert DV support group*?"

Some may say that they can find kinship/network/connect with other women at their local DV group meeting without having to go through "recruitment", be chosen, participate in a NM program, etc. It seems to be a bit much for someone who is already going through a tough situation.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Do you really want to start a sorority where you are defining yourselves as victims?

I know you are survivors, and I know this is a pivotal experience in your life, as in the lives of many victims, but you should really think long and hard about letting it be your major focus. You are SO much more than the things that have happened to you.

[Smile_Awhile]

Also- domestic violence awareness and support for victims of domestic violence is not a unique philanthropy. Alpha Chi Omega has been supporting this cause since 1988.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by lyngon30

I have been to support groups where I still felt not wanted or like I did not belonged & have been in a sorority years ago. Its to make everyone feel comfortable in a sorority setting. While support is not the only purpose, awareness & prevention will also be our mission.

Think out the box. Not trying to step on any toes. Just need advise.

You "were" in a sorority years ago? Why would you want to be in another?

And we don't need to think outside the box. We're not trying to create this organization. You asked for advice and you're getting it.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by NETrySIG89

I am going to think outside the box.

Are you going to have this organization on-campus? or like regionally/locally. I think it would work better that way. Your population for on campus would be much lower but you could really recruit if you go off campus and recruit from a regional population.

It doesn't have to be "Traditional" like a lot of posters are thinking it would be because this is not your normal sorority!!

GOOD LUCK!!

Or maybe even an online sorority so you could recruit people from all over the universe.

[Leslie Anne]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Is English your second language?

Really? You really felt the need to go there with this person? Unfuckingbelievable!

[AlphaFrog]

A big part of a sorority is that their members *IDENTIFY* themselves as part of the sorority. I just don't think this type of victim is the kind that wants to shout it from the rooftops. As it is, domestic/sexual crimes are severely under-reported due to the blame and stigma victims usually place on themselves. Being able to discuss what happened may be part of the healing process, but it seems like a group like this would push that on the victim before they're ready, under the pretense of helping them.

[lyngon30]

@Drolefille-Haha funny, not really, but if thats what you want to say.
@DeltaBetaBaby-Realizing you are a victim is the 1st step in getting help. I am very educated in this area from experience & I have majored in Counseling, currently working on my PhD.
@everybody else I thank you for all your advise, its greatly appreciated!