In recent years, sororities have been put into a box of stereotypes and expectations that tend to diminish the accomplishments of sororities across the nation. Many people will think of sorority girls and see gorgeous blonde girls who can’t open jars and cry too much over boys not texting them back. People who think of sororities in that box also tend to think that sorority girls are weak.
Of all the stereotypes people have about sorority girls, I think that people believing that we are a culture of women who are weak in any aspect are by far the most detrimental and untrue stereotype of sorority girls there is today.
My four months as a sorority woman have made me feel incredibly empowered in a way that no other organization has ever made me feel, surrounding myself with a network, of not just sisters, but an entire community, of women that are working towards a greater good in our community. Every day, I am surrounded by the most generous, empathetic, and genuine people I have ever had the opportunity to meet. Being surrounded by such a supportive group has made me feel more confident in my endeavors and it gave me the opportunity to branch out in my interests. This community has made me a stronger individual because it has given me the confidence that I needed to go out and pursue my interests.
Not only does my sorority affect me on an individual level, but we are very big on Greek unity and lifting each other up. At my university, all of our new members are required to go to a group of events put on by our Panhellenic executive board called the New Member Series. The New Member Series uses videos, discussions, and activities to help empower young women that have recently joined the Greek community. Usually, these are centered around representation or objectification of women in the society. Being able to watch things like that and really understand the sexism and misogyny in our world have made me more aware of the wrongdoings that women face every day. It makes me more educated to fight it as well and demand that these injustices be faced. We are taught at these events how we can help combat the patriarchy and all of the disadvantages that women face.
It’s not just my university that is doing this, though. Across the nation, sororities are holding programs, community outreach, and philanthropic events that are promoting stronger women.
This women empowerment factor isn’t just from school to school; it is a unified front across the nation. In the past 50 years, many National Panhellenic Conference sororities have shifted their philanthropies to focus on helping empower, educate, and inspire women.
Alpha Chi Omega’s national philanthropy is domestic violence awareness. They are dedicated to educating women on how to build healthy relationships, not just for their members, but for members of the community. Members serve individuals and families impacted by domestic violence through fundraising and gifts of time and talents for shelters and other service-providing organizations. They raise awareness of domestic violence by educating others on the impacts of and work being done to end it.
The Alpha Phi Foundation’s mission is to empower women to be generous givers by raising and awarding funds for programs that advance leadership development, encourage academic excellence, improve women's heart health, support sisters in need, preserve heritage, and educate about the value of philanthropy.
Gamma Phi Beta’s philanthropy is dedicated to building stronger girls. Their mission is to provide experiences and resources that build spiritual, mental and social resiliency in girls. They conduct outreach programs that inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum.
The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation provides support for Breast Cancer Awareness programs that are educational, philanthropic, and leader oriented.
These are just the national organizations that reach out specifically to women. Many other sororities work with children to help provide them with services that they need such as education, medical services, and sanctuary. Sororities are built off of two main principles, sisterhood and philanthropy. We use these to lift each other and our surrounding communities to a higher level that we would not be able to reach on our own.
Despite what people will say, sorority women across the nation are working to build a world of stronger women, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of something that is so much bigger than just myself, my school, and my sorority.
