Sigma Phi Lambda is a Christian based organization, and on a few college campuses, it is part of the Independent Greek Council, making it a sorority. Not every chapter gets to be apart of the Greek community like the UCA chapter does, and for that, I am very thankful to be as involved as we are. However, along with the inclusiveness of the Greek community comes some harsh misconceptions of who we are and what we do.
Every Greek organization has a certain reputation, and Phi Lamb is no different. Although people may not think we have "bad" reps like some sororities around college campuses have, the reputation we're given can be just as harmful to our growth as any other. Most people, assuming they've actually heard of Phi Lamb, see us as uptight bible thumpers who look down on anyone who doesn't believe the exact same way we do. Many people think we are straight edged, judgmental, weird, or boring.
Phi Lamb is set apart from typical Greek organizations in just a few tiny ways, but the sorority itself is comprised of regular college students just like any other organizations. Yes, our purpose is to "glorify God and make His name great", and each of our members believes in this purpose and strives to glorify God on campus as often as we can. But, we are normal people who have flaws and differing personalities. My biggest pet peeve is when people discover that a girl is a Phi Lamb and proceeds to freak out and say things like, "You could totally fit into a regular sorority, though!"
What does that even mean? Phi Lamb IS a regular sorority. Each sorority runs things it's own way, has its own rules and strives toward its own purpose. Phi Lamb is no different. I think the thing that triggers most misconceptions is the fact that we are a Christian-based organization, which is completely understandable. But, nearly every organization has some Christian members, they're just not scrutinized as much because they're in a "normal" group.
Yes, a lot of what we do is centered around God, worship, and prayer, but the other things we do are centered around fun, personal growth, and scholarship. The spiritual aspect of Phi Lamb is really just an added bonus, rather than a requirement to join. And being religious or joining a religious organization doesn't automatically make someone perfect or better than anyone else. Every single woman in my chapter is accepting of others and their beliefs, loves to have fun, and acts like a typical, stressed out college student.
As a sorority we have competed in the All Greek Step Show (and won) with other Greek organizations, had mixers/tailgates, hosted philanthropies, played intramurals, and gone to parties. We also maintain a competitive overall GPA, require our members to make their points, and pay dues. Just because we worship Jesus and our letters represent "Sisters for the Lord" doesn't mean we are religious saints sent to condemn everyone who doesn't do things the way we do.
Every fraternity/sorority in every council faces the challenge of breaking through their wrongfully given reputation, and the only way to help fix this problem is to start with ourselves are our own judgments. I hope that you will get to know a member of an organization before judging them or writing them off completely!
