When you hear the word fraternity or sorority, you probably assume it's an "all girls" or "all guys" organization. You may think of those scenes from the movies where a group of girls get lunch together every day, or a group of guys hit the gym to pump some iron (stereotyping, yes). While some people may enjoy being in the company of the same gender all of the time, and going to chapter meetings, events and etc. with the same group of girls/guys, it might not be your cup of tea. And that's fine because there are plenty of non-greek, co-ed organizations out there that you can join.
But if you're looking for that similar Greek life experience being in a nationally recognized Greek organization can offer you, I'm going to tell you about Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. Here are my top reasons you should join:
1. It's an honor fraternity.
Yes, all Greek organizations have a minimum GPA, but ours is higher than most. In order to join, you must have a 3.0 GPA. Sound daunting? It is, but you have a whole chapter of Brothers right behind you to help you and encourage you. You can ask for help, advice, or coffee... but make sure you Venmo your money to your Bro.
2. We have a rush.
Yes, you will have to rush us so that we can meet you and you can meet all of us! Rush parties/activities are a lot of fun: chapters will do everything from ice cream sundae nights, walking taco nights, game nights (video/board/cards), decades themes, etc.
The best way to get to know someone is by actually interacting with them, and it's a whole lot easier to do that when you're hanging out. Rest assured, if you are nervous, we are too: we also have to put our best (and honest) foot forward!
3. We all call each other "Brother."
It's kind of fun to watch people's reactions whenever I am talking about a girl in my organization and refer to her as "my brother so-and-so" in a conversation. But I love being called a "Brother". To me, being called Brother means we are all equal and we all respect each other.
4. From day one, you're treated like an equal.
If you're given a bid and you accept to go through the initiation process, you don't somehow "go down a level" in our eyes. You will not be hazed at all, in any way, shape or form. As an initiate, you are still treated with the same respect and dignity each Brother does to the other.
After all, you're going to be one of us! :)
5. Yes, we have a social life.
We go to football games together, hike together, hang out together, and respect whenever you may need some time to just do you. I mean come on, we are all trying to get good grades here.
6. We do look good on a resume, plus the connections are #awesome.
I'm not gonna lie to you, I've gotten one job and at least three opportunities last semester alone from knowing Brothers who know other people. It's a great way to make connections you might not have ever made if it wasn't for your Bro.
7. Our national council/staff is legit.
I love our National Council and our National Staff. They will absolutely follow you on IG, host Tweet-And-Eats to discuss fraternity issues/ideas, and are just super great at emailing/calling you back. Of course, I'm really lucky that I go to Towson University which is pretty close to the national headquarters, so we actually get to hang out with our #Prez pretty often.
But even if we weren't geographically close, the staff is very responsive to both collegiate and alumni Brothers, which is a HUGE deal because you don't want to join a fraternity that's only gonna pay attention to you for four years. You want a lifetime guarantee.
8. We love to hear new ideas.
Almost every Brother I talk to loves Roundtable discussions. Roundtables are periods of time when Brothers get together during chapter, retreat or convention, and talk about a specific issue/problem/idea. A roundtable allows everyone to have a voice: there is no discussion leader (usually), and anyone can speak up. It's a great way to challenge and be challenged, and that ultimately fosters growth.
9. You will develop leadership skills no matter what.
Phi Sigma Pi has committees, just like every other Greek organization out there... which gives you the chance to run for a chair. Even if you don't want to have a leadership role, there are still plenty of opportunities to shine bright.
10. Balance.
We have three core values that make up our Tripod: Leadership, Scholarship, and Fellowship. Ideally every Brother has all three of those traits, even though they might excel one place or another. We all work on these three things every day.
11. Dues won't break the bank.
Your dues are NOT going to be in the four-digits, which means you have more money to spend on letter shirts, food and coffee important things.
12. You will have a Big (and possibly a Little).
Like other Greek organizations, you will get a Big. A Big is a current member of Phi Sigma Pi who will help you through the initiation and transition process. They could also very well become your next best friend!
13. We are still growing.
Phi Sigma Pi has done an excellent job fostering communication between its members, alumni and staff, so we are always changing and growing to accommodate the needs/wants of our Chapters. Roundtables keep things current, while high standards and values keep our foundation consistent.
14. You can be yourself.
I have never felt more at home than in Phi Sigma Pi: I joined because my Orientation Leader told me I should come to a rush party, and I said, "Sure why not." Instead of a few friends, I walked out with thousands of Brothers, and made a family out of the Chapter(s) I am in.
But don't just take it from me! I recently asked some Brothers why they joined, and here is what they said:
"I joined because I wanted a place I felt I belonged- from being out state I felt distant from everything and everyone. Then I came out to a meeting, found I knew a lot of people that were already brothers and I felt like family.... I've gotten confidence and strength... I've gotten amazing friends. Still using my tripod post grad!"
-B. Decker, Gamma Pi chapter, alumni
"...it was one of the best decisions in college. Some of them are friends for life and enjoyed every minute of it...even when it was crazy!!"
-M. Nocchi, Iota chapter, alumni
"... I ended up becoming a brother because of the strong fellowship the brotherhood had and to continue this great legacy.... After 3 years of being a brother, I have made some of the best friends I have to day and challenged me to boost up my confidence."
-E. Ward, Sigma chapter
"I joined to make a few friends, but I ended up with a second family! Brotherhood changed me as a person and changed my life path. I will forever be grateful for Phi Sigma Pi and all that it has given me!"
-I. Franklin, Gamma Omicron chapter, alumni
"I joined Phi Sigma Pi because I didn't want to be in an organization that was excluded to the gender binary.... The biggest thing I got out of Phi Sigma Pi was the connections I made with not only my chapter Brothers but other Brothers as well. The connections will last a lifetime, and I am so thankful for that."
-R. Taylor, Zeta Xi chapter, alumni
"I joined because I wanted to overcome social anxiety. What I have gotten from it is a very large family and support system that I did not have before."
-G. Russell, Gamma Pi chapter
15. You will have friendships for a lifetime guaranteed
I can't explain... you'll just have to experience it.