In a small room in Boston in 1891, the first group of women
representing seven women’s fraternal organizations gathered together in
friendship, desiring to know more about each other and to discuss equitable and
ethical recruiting practices. “Possessing an unshakable belief in the power of
women’s friendship, they came to understand that the one thing they could not
afford was to be at odds with each other.”
Common challenges for women during this period included establishing
modern social mores, and improving
legal rights. In an effort to make progress, continued collaboration between
women’s organizations became a priority. May 24, 1902 marks the official
founding date of the Inter-Sorority Conference (present day, the National Panhellenic
Conference). With courage and conviction, trust and friendship, the first
delegates defined what have become time-tested organizational elements of NPC including:
governing precepts/tenets, agreed-upon binding rules, guidelines for establishment
of College Panhellenics and membership practices.
Fast forward 114 years. NPC honors the collaborative
spirit that brought those first women together and celebrates the timeless
value and endurance of Panhellenic friendships. Today, mission, vision and
values frame the daily conversations and work of NPC leadership, staff and
extended NPC family, and drive the strategic direction of NPC. There may be different
terminology but it follows the same trajectory as outlined in the founding
years.
Mission: The National Panhellenic Conference is the
premier advocacy and support organization for the advancement of the sorority
experience Vision: National Panhellenic Conference – Advancing the Sorority Experience Together
Values of NPC: We are committed
to relationships built on trust, through transparency, accountability and
mutual respect. Innovation and our core values of friendship, leadership,
service, knowledge, integrity, and community guide us in fulfilling our
mission.
Our mission, vision and values, coupled with a steadfast
desire to preserve and protect the sorority membership experience and ideals of
women’s friendships made it possible,
“for an alliance of autonomous organizations to remain unified for over a
century, growing stronger together than they could have ever hoped to become
separately.”
Join me in recognition of NPC’s founding, and the persevering
spirit of panhellenic friendships, partnerships and collaboration!
Interfraternally, Donna C. King Chairman 2015-17
Excerpts from Adventure in Friendship-A History of the
National Panhellenic Conference
