Research: Is it Really Necessary?
Most women in our generation take the time to research important decisions in
their lives. How many women do you know just up and one day purchase a brand new
vehicle without first getting their credit report, looking at the type of
features they are looking for or even consulting their finances to see if at the
present time they can afford the down payment and the car note? How many women
do you know leave their children at a daycare center without first asking for
credentials or references? How about the RESEARCH that every lesbian woman does
on her future partner. Time is spent asking questions, checking past
relationships, and conferring with friends. Like these situations choosing to be
a part of a sorority is an important decision that should not be taken lightly.
Being apart of a sorority is a life long commitment, therefore, all sororities
of interest should each be examined, researched, and compared, and the choice
will be very clear for you once you take the time to look at what each one has
to offer.
Like the movie, “Scream” there are rules to surviving the “Sorority Choosing
Decision”
Rule 1- Keep an open mind
Going into each sorority take everything and situation as is and do not come
with any preconceived notions about who the women are, what they do or even what
the organization is about.
Rule 2- Ask questions
The only dumb question is the one never asked. Of course, there are some things
that each organization cannot divulge but there are many other things that can
be answered. In addition, the more questions you ask is another way for the
sorority to weed itself out of the choices that you may have.
Rule 3- Look at the members
Converse with the members of each organization. Look at them in their sororities
setting as well as outside of their letters. Ask yourself are the members
genuine? Are they open to your questions? Do you share the same or even
different interests? By looking at the members, they will give you a sense of
how you may or may not fit in the organization. However, being different may not
necessarily be a bad thing. In some cases, it may just be a breath of fresh air.
The members make or break the organization, and remember actions always speak
louder than words.
These “rules” are just the beginning of what you should do and help you find
what you are looking for. It is only a guideline and can be added or subtracted
to suit your personal interest. For example, if you care more about winning step
shows more than community service projects then you would take your interests
and fashion your questions to get the information that you want.
Above all else, do not let stereotypes keep you away from any organizations. In
other words when approached by people outside of the organization believe none
of what you hear and half of what you see. The best way to learn about any
organization worthy of your time is to hear everything from the horses’ mouth.
All sororities are supposed to be growth institutions and should be designed to
help widen your horizons, leadership skills, and friendships not to mention a
lifelong sisterhood. If you do you research and stop listening to all the She
say - She say each sorority will show its own true colors. Remember INITIALLY
you choose the sorority so why not go where you believe that you will be the
happiest and where your talents can grow.