GreekChat.com Forums  

Go Back   GreekChat.com Forums > GLO Specific Forums > Alpha > Alpha Kappa Alpha


Register Now for FREE!
Join GreekChat.com, The Fraternity & Sorority Greek Chat Network. To sign up for your FREE account INSTANTLY fill out the form below!

Username: Password: Confirm Password: E-Mail: Confirm E-Mail:
 
Image Verification
Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

  I agree to forum rules 

» GC Stats
Members: 325,124
Threads: 115,503
Posts: 2,196,044
Welcome to our newest member, znathanhulzeo24
» Online Users: 1,329
2 members and 1,327 guests
Cookiez17, JayhawkAOII
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 09-01-2007, 12:03 PM
mccoyred mccoyred is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Greater Philadelphia Metro Area
Posts: 1,835
Quote:
Originally Posted by neosoul View Post
me too... there is soo much to do in Zeta, I'm considering not retaining my community leadership roles in 2008 so I can focus more on the work of Zeta.
I would suggest scaling back but not completely letting go. I am sure that you can achieve the balance you are looking for.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 09-01-2007, 01:12 PM
ladygreek ladygreek is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the fraternal Twin Cities
Posts: 6,433
Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.

And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."
__________________
DSQ
Born: Epsilon Xi / Zeta Chi, SIUC
Raised: Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae
Reaffirmed: Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae
All in the MIGHTY MIDWEST REGION!

Last edited by ladygreek; 09-01-2007 at 01:16 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 09-01-2007, 04:20 PM
PhDiva PhDiva is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 185
Yes, Sigma is enough for me given my multiple commitments related to my full-time job, consulting business, volunteer service (apart from Sigma), advisory board participation, etc. I am committed to remaining financial and active in my chapter so that means I personally can't take on an additional obligation if I wish to do well in all of my current responsibilities.

I do think that joining at the grad level has some bearing on my attitude toward service. I came in expecting to be about the work of the organization. I served on committees, will be heading a committee for the next sorority year and I support our national, regional and chapter programs as much as I can. It can be a juggling act but through the work I do for Sigma, I get to both work with and socialize with like-minded black women that I wouldn't have the opportunity to do in my faculty position.

But I know within my own chapter there is at least 1-2 major programs per month plus our regular chapter meetings so with my other commitments (including family), I just can't take on another obligation. I am a neo but my attitude is that if you are unsatisfied with your NPHC, work to change it instead of complaining about it and not participating in moving it forward. To me, folks who don't try to make their orgs. better completely undermine our whole concept of NPHC membership as being members "for life".

PhDiva
__________________
Sigma Gamma Rho
Beautiful Girls Wear 10 Pearls and 2 Rubies
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 09-01-2007, 04:53 PM
AKA_Monet AKA_Monet is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Beyond
Posts: 5,092
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladygreek View Post
Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.

And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."
Sister Ladygreek,

Don't you think though that if our organizations had a "more focused membership"--i.e. attainable goals to achieve by the amount of service rendered for a certain number of years, like say, 25 years? If folks cannot serve in the smallest of ways, then they should pay...

Not to diminish the Links, Inc. but people see our member's behavior and make judgments on the segregation between groups. But, look, we have representatives from all NPHC sororities posting here AND we have a few fraternities and other GLO's that are participating. So outsiders views become irrelevant.

Personally, I think that most folks who are intimidated by us are insecure with themselves. So, they have to say hateful statements to justify why they do like to join as an antisocial behavior.

Folks think they are joining a unified group when they join a church, a social group or whatever. But once entrenched with the daily tasks, they stand back on the sidelines and run off at the mouth rather than rolling up sleeves and being part of the solution...

I think that at least with the current intake process, we dispel some the myths about our respective organizations. So if someone goes inactive, for bogus reasons (i.e. it not their thing, etc.), then it is really his/her fault, not the GLO's. They should have done their research before they accepted the invitation to join.

Where I am from, some members serve both organizations. Where I live, most folks are the same way it is in your city. It sounds like it has to do with money and mandatory assessments at least in my current location. Folks where I live think they are hot to trot, but are really not. Otherwise, the city where I am from, you would see it universally. I am sure there are a few. But most serve both organizations and their churches.
__________________
We thank and pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha to remember...
"I'm watching with a new service that translates 'stupid-to-English'" ~ @Shoq of ShoqValue.com 1 of my Tweeple

"Yo soy una mujer negra" ~Zoe Saldana
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 09-01-2007, 07:43 PM
neosoul neosoul is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: La vie boheme
Posts: 1,360
Quote:
Originally Posted by mccoyred View Post
I would suggest scaling back but not completely letting go. I am sure that you can achieve the balance you are looking for.
just the leadership roles ... but I know I'm just kidding myself, I'm not going anywhere
__________________
...and yet I rise from crushed dreams and broken promises, armed with self love, self preservation and self balance to achieve the impossible... learning to be ME... ©

ZΦB

Last edited by neosoul; 09-01-2007 at 07:51 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 09-01-2007, 07:54 PM
neosoul neosoul is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: La vie boheme
Posts: 1,360
Quote:
Originally Posted by AKA_Monet View Post

Personally, I think that most folks who are intimidated by us are insecure with themselves. So, they have to say hateful statements to justify why they do like to join as an antisocial behavior.

Folks think they are joining a unified group when they join a church, a social group or whatever. But once entrenched with the daily tasks, they stand back on the sidelines and run off at the mouth rather than rolling up sleeves and being part of the solution...

I support both statements 1920%
__________________
...and yet I rise from crushed dreams and broken promises, armed with self love, self preservation and self balance to achieve the impossible... learning to be ME... ©

ZΦB

Last edited by neosoul; 09-04-2007 at 11:39 AM. Reason: grammar
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 09-03-2007, 10:44 PM
DSTCHAOS DSTCHAOS is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Down the street
Posts: 9,791
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladygreek View Post
Okay, I'll come right out and say it. Too many folx join orgs, including the NPHC, because they are elitist. They aren't thinking about service or sisterhood/brotherhood. They are thinking of status. A prime example is here in the Twins, the majority of the members of the Links become inactive in their NPHC group and devote all of their time to the Links. Why? It is given more status, because it is considered more selective.
Yeah so many people can't multitask.

You can be an elitist and serve the community.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ladygreek View Post
And also let's be honest about why some folx want to join certain NPHC orgs v. another. That is why I do respect those that take the "road less traveled."

I only respect them if they are doing it because their heart's in it versus just trying to be different. I hate it when people always say or do anything just to make themselves the loner. It's like the punk rockers who do it to be "oohhhh soo different" when, in fact, they're just like every other "different" punk rocker.

I also know people who joined the "road less traveled" orgs and when you talk to them they'll say things like "if I had to do it all again, I'd stay GDI" or "I just wasn't feeling XYZ." As if their organization doesn't stand on its own and always has to be compared to another.
You can be an elitist and serve the community.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 09-03-2007, 11:14 PM
ladygreek ladygreek is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the fraternal Twin Cities
Posts: 6,433
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS View Post
You can be an elitist and serve the community.
Yep, I know you elitist can as long as you don't do it in a patronizing way. But then on the other hand what "community" are we talking about?
__________________
DSQ
Born: Epsilon Xi / Zeta Chi, SIUC
Raised: Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae
Reaffirmed: Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae
All in the MIGHTY MIDWEST REGION!
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 09-03-2007, 11:16 PM
ladygreek ladygreek is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the fraternal Twin Cities
Posts: 6,433
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS View Post
I also know people who joined the "road less traveled" orgs and when you talk to them they'll say things like "if I had to do it all again, I'd stay GDI" or "I just wasn't feeling XYZ." As if their organization doesn't stand on its own and always has to be compared to another.
Yeah, that bothers me, too.
__________________
DSQ
Born: Epsilon Xi / Zeta Chi, SIUC
Raised: Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae
Reaffirmed: Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae
All in the MIGHTY MIDWEST REGION!
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 09-04-2007, 09:37 AM
Conskeeted7 Conskeeted7 is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: In a state of excellence
Posts: 1,221
Quote:
Originally Posted by AKA_Monet View Post
Personally, IMHO, I think that folks should have a minimum community service hours requirement before, during and perpetually for membership. I know that the university I work for is considering a community service hour requirement to graduate...

One way to do it is require attendance to all functions prior to membership. Mentorship with Golden/Diamond members. Allow interests to assist in the planning and implementation of some public programs at the graduate level. Etc.

Not all chapters do that. Most that I have seen in my area, like to look cute... And we are talking GRADUATES/ALUMNI--undergrads are trying to graduate...
I agree that attending planning sessions with the graduate chapter before initiation will give a prospective graduate initiate a realistic idea of the tasks and time needed to accomplish the goals of the chapter, region, and organization as a whole. However, if they have been watching the chapter in the community and are truly connecting with sorors in a proper way to make their interest known, they will have some insight to the time it takes and the variety of programs to coordinate within the chapter.

Unfortunately, I don't think that mandatory community service will help. Those who are already doing community service and who joined their orgs to support their founders' vision are going to continue, whether its required or not. Those are the people who are going to work for their organizations no matter how many other memberships they hold.

There are some people who might become more active if service was mandatory. However, there are several categories of people who will not change their behavior. The fact is that once you get your letters, you can do whatever you want with them. If you want to wear nalia and never serve a day in your life, it's really up to you. I'm not in favor of that, but some people are ok with not going to regionals or knowing who the new President of their org is or what the national programs are. They just want letters and status. And these people will join whatever organization they can to attain that.
__________________
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Founded 1908 - First and Finest
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 09-04-2007, 10:06 AM
DSTCHAOS DSTCHAOS is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Down the street
Posts: 9,791
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladygreek View Post
Yep, I know you elitist can as long as you don't do it in a patronizing way. But then on the other hand what "community" are we talking about?
That depends on who/what I encounter. I even have to remind myself not to be patronizing when I'm talking to people who are "elite" sometimes. Dumb is everywhere.

We're talking about whatever "community" interests me and will make the most use of the services.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 09-04-2007, 11:27 AM
AKA2D '91 AKA2D '91 is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Homeownerville USA!!!
Posts: 12,897
Quote:
Originally Posted by Conskeeted7 View Post
I agree that attending planning sessions with the graduate chapter before initiation will give a prospective graduate initiate a realistic idea of the tasks and time needed to accomplish the goals of the chapter, region, and organization as a whole. However, if they have been watching the chapter in the community and are truly connecting with sorors in a proper way to make their interest known, they will have some insight to the time it takes and the variety of programs to coordinate within the chapter.
AND FINANCIALLY support. :smirk:
__________________
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED Just Fine since 1908.
NO EXPLANATIONS NECESSARY!
Move Away from the Keyboard, Sometimes It's Better to Observe!
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 09-04-2007, 11:38 AM
neosoul neosoul is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: La vie boheme
Posts: 1,360
Quote:
Originally Posted by Conskeeted7 View Post
Unfortunately, I don't think that mandatory community service will help. Those who are already doing community service and who joined their orgs to support their founders' vision are going to continue, whether its required or not. Those are the people who are going to work for their organizations no matter how many other memberships they hold.
true story
__________________
...and yet I rise from crushed dreams and broken promises, armed with self love, self preservation and self balance to achieve the impossible... learning to be ME... ©

ZΦB
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 09-04-2007, 11:50 AM
Little32 Little32 is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: At my new favorite writing spot.
Posts: 2,239
I am a neo and Alpha Kappa Alpha is enough for me. Doing sorority work, in addition to my job, my other service activities, and so forth, is more than enough to fill my time--and I don't even have a family yet.

Not to mention that, more than anything else, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha for the sisterhood. As I have said elsewhere, I served my community before I became a soror, and I would have continued to serve my community even if I never become a soror. So it was not that I was looking for a way to serve in joining Alpha Kappa Alpha; it is that my sorority offers me more avenues to be of service as a perk of the sisterhood.

I can say that right now that I have no plans to pursue membership in any of the other organizations mentioned. I am not much of a joiner anyway, and as others have said, I enjoy my down time.
__________________
You think you know. But you have no idea.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 09-04-2007, 03:17 PM
AKA_Monet AKA_Monet is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Beyond
Posts: 5,092
Wink Long

Yes, Soror Conskeeted, even if there was a mandatory service requirement, folks will weasel their way out of it. All I am saying is if sorors do not want to do it upon joining our Sorority whose motto is "By merit and culture to be of service to ALL mankind", then refrain from submitting your name into the applicant pool. Moreover, if you just cannot serve, because your a neurosurgeon, an astronaut or part of the CIA, Secret Service, Homeland Security, special forces Black ops mission specialist, then, hey, PAY to the Educational Advancement Foundation whatever hours you are unable to serve.

Hayle, if you have served consistently for 25 years and have the requirements for Life Membership, I would even give you a break.

But if you just joined and dropped out after 3 years because you say "it is not for you", then the concept of "living your day after your locks are grey" says to me, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was NEVER in your heart. And I doubt any other NPHC sorority for that matter can fulfill your needs. And you will always be in that first circle of Hell in Dante's Inferno as a T-shirt wearer.

Because, I know sorors who have zero time that make it on time to adjudicate Sorority Meetings as presidents. And I know sorors who actually do a triple bypass surgery with the anesthesiology for the patient, and still show up for the walks. Then I actually do know Rocket Scientist Sorors, that drive over 100 miles to attend a grad chapter meeting, with 4 babies. And I hear NARY a peep from them. They just serve.

Hayle, I know a sorors right now who moderates this board and lost EVERYTHING over some craziness, but STILL shows up for her beloved Sorority with a smile...

This is what it takes to do "things that are worthwhile"... And outright full hazing with pledging is not going to do it. Our current MIP is not yet there. But if the major universities are starting to require a minimum 300 hours of community service to graduate, then how come we cannot incorporate those rules?

If you commit a low level felony, you still get some level of community service...

And from my viewpoint of the cities, we NEED people to serve... And from my chapter, some sorors who need to be out there serving--either walking a walk give too much talk about what Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is not... They show up to all the hoity-toity stuff or they come outta the wood works for MIP, but when we need to feed the homeless, or when we need to see the sick and infirmed--that's another story.

We can either make them do it or make them pay for it. Especially, if they are under 25 years...

We can say we join for sisterhood, and that's cool. But, realistically, it is the service to ALL mankind which is what we are about. One of the largest perks is Sisterhood. Can you serve without AKA--or another sorority? Certainly! People do it with their church all the time. But IMHO, "pushing the clods of dirt aside..." with your sorors makes the heart-wrenching work more meaningful to me, rather than arguing with people about what the communion drink should actually be--grape/cranberry juice vs. red wine.

When we work together to fulfill the true vision of our Founders, we solidify our bonds of sister to brighten our lights and heighten our flames. When we serve our character is strengthened and we become closer to envisioning His true meaning for our lives. An isolated soror cannot get that feeling if she is hurt, alienated, or choses to only where T-shirts for the accolades. An isolated soror must be reclaimed!

Let's be honest: Haft the crap that is said to me on GC affects me somewhat. But it has no comparision of the fury inflicted on my by own "co-initiates" (linesisters) and current chapter sorors. I get told all kind of craziness by these women. And I am one of the few that has a buffer zone with soror-family members. And sometimes, my sister and brother greeks come into the fold when craziness happens. Oh, I have vented. But that is a part of family. At the same time, we have decorum, and if it is not about the best interests of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. then it is not right. Let's avoid making this a history lesson. As members, we have to be realistic about our expectations of people. My experience as a professor, has taught me, that I just can randomly organize a quiz without giving all students a fair chance. The same must be done with our sorors. What is the minimum basic requirement for ALL sorors?

That is why we are to KNOW our documents.

The public sees us an exacts judgment by our actions. So, if we say we are about service, then shut up and start walking...
__________________
We thank and pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha to remember...
"I'm watching with a new service that translates 'stupid-to-English'" ~ @Shoq of ShoqValue.com 1 of my Tweeple

"Yo soy una mujer negra" ~Zoe Saldana
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Can you pledge another sorority within the NPHC? BabyGyrlTiffanee Greek Life 41 08-15-2017 04:54 PM
NPC & NPHC Sorority poem ms_gwyn Greek Life 23 09-05-2007 08:40 PM
Largest NPHC and Non NPHC fraternity/sorority? NuThetaNupe Greek Life 31 10-19-2005 09:17 PM
NPHC Sorority Challenge KSUViolet06 Greek Life 20 03-17-2005 08:09 PM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:10 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.