We’ve all said it before and will say it countless times again: joining a sorority is the “best decision I’ve made during my college career.” When we ran “home” on Bid Day, we were embraced by a group of like-minded women who wanted to grow and learn with us. We joined a group of women who care about us and love us. There is just no better feeling than that.
But what we often forget is that in joining a sorority, we also join a community of Panhellenic Women. After we pass our new member exams and become initiated members, are we upholding all the values of a true Panhellenic woman, or are we becoming so #srat that we forget about the very ideals that founded us?
The University of Northern Iowa puts it best when they write, “As Panhellenic women, we pride ourselves on upholding the values that our organizations were founded on.” But are we living up to these standards in our everyday lives? Better yet, are we practicing our values with every woman in our Panhellenic Community, or just those within our own circle?
As various members in the Panhellenic Community, we have pledged “to promote true friendship among the college girls of our country” (Kappa Delta), and to the “intensifying of friendship, the fostering of a spirit of love” (Zeta Tau Alpha). We have hoped “to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women” (Delta Delta Delta). And also hoped to, “offer a lifelong opportunity for social, intellectual, and moral growth as (we) meet the higher and broader demands of mature life” (Kappa Alpha Theta). These are things we, as Panhellenic Women, committed ourselves to when we joined our individual sororities. When we take a look at it, don’t all of these principles have something in common: Maturity, High Standards, and Friendship.
But Let’s Face it, sometimes we get so caught up in our own two or three letters that we forget to treat EVERY Panhellenic Woman with these same respects. We are all guilty of it, no matter the house or letters. So, instead of ignoring it any longer, why don’t we change? Why don’t we become the young women that our Founders intended us to be?
Let’s Pledge to be better Panhellenic Women. Let’s pledge to these 7 things.
1. Let’s end the sorority slander and gossip: Nothing makes our own sororities look worse than when we talk poorly about another. As momma said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
2.Let’s support one another: We joined our sororities to work toward a greater good, our philanthropies. Let’s support all of the philanthropies within our Panhellenic Community because we WANT to, not because we need a service point.
3. Let’s work on Healthy Competition: When Greek Week rolls around, let’s remember that the whole purpose is to help a charity and make a difference. Instead of getting so worked up about the three-legged race, let’s have fun with the women in our Panhellenic community.
4. Let’s have each other’s back: When we see another member of the Panhellenic community struggling, let’s help her. Whether she’s having a hard time in class or she’s had a little too much to drink, let’s make sure we watch out for one another.
5. Let’s not limit ourselves: Friends forever, no matter the letter (am I right?). Just because your bestie doesn’t throw the same sign as you, don’t ditch her. We are all a part of one community working toward a greater good. There are fabulous women in every house, so get to know them all.
6. Let’s branch out: Instead of doing what the rest of our sorority does, why don’t we do something different? Let’s join new clubs and hang out with new groups on campus.
7. Let’s be happy for each other: The most important thing we can do to encourage a strong Panhellenic Community is to be happy for one another. Be happy that Delta Nu got a killer pledge class, and be happy the Bella’s won Panhellenic Chapter of the Year! Be Happy!! These are women that are going to change our world!
As my very dear friend likes to remind me, “power to women.” So, instead of tearing each other down, let’s create a community of Panhellenic Women who love and support one other, who honor the principles of their organizations, and who promote change for the better.
I pledge. Will you? #PLAM
all images compliments of Wofford College Smug Mug
