A Message From the NPC Chairman: The road map to ensuring sorority communities stay vibrant and healthy

As the National Panhellenic Conference and its 26 member organizations continue to advocate for and preserve the sorority experience, a new strategic plan has been adopted by the NPC Board of Directors. The plan encompasses three priorities which broadly define the key approaches NPC volunteers and staff will use over the next few years to accomplish our mission and drive toward our vision of Advancing the Sorority Experience Together.

The three priorities are: champion the sorority experience, foster strategic growth of Panhellenic communities and leverage the collective strength of our member organizations. These priorities are the outcomes NPC aspires to achieve, and the strategies under each priority are the approaches we will take to achieve our goals.

View the 2019-22 NPC strategic plan.

The 2019-22 strategic plan is a reminder that if NPC is to thrive, we need to continue to look ahead and be visionary. This means we must embrace the fact the world around us is ever-changing. New technologies, social media, changing societal norms, competitive job markets and an altered educational system have undeniably changed the life of today’s collegian. With these topics in mind, take note of some of the key words in our strategic plan – protect, advocacy, diversity, growth, collaboration, develop and support.

Bottom line, it’s our goal to remain relevant to future generations of young women. Thus, NPC’s 2019-22 strategic plan is the road map we will take toward ensuring our sorority communities stay vibrant and healthy now and into the future.

Interfraternally,

Carole J. Jones
NPC Chairman 2017-19

Message From the Chairman: New Organizational Structure Announced for NPC

In October, during the National Panhellenic Conference annual meeting, the board of directors approved revised governing documents that allow for the development of a new organizational and governance structure designed to make NPC more nimble and responsive to the most pressing challenges facing students, campus partners and the greater Panhellenic community.

The new governance structure will include:

• A Council of Delegates, consisting of one representative from each of NPC’s 26 member organizations and having primary responsibility for Conference membership and Panhellenic policies.  
• A new seven-member Board of Directors consisting of five members elected to service by the Council of Delegates and two directors appointed by their member organization (on a rotational basis). The Board of Directors will lead NPC and have authority and responsibility for overseeing the affairs of NPC. They will establish corporate policy, set the strategic direction, oversee and secure resources and monitor organizational performance. The Council of Delegates will also elect the NPC chairman.

The first Board of Directors to be established under the new bylaws will be appointed and elected by the Council of Delegates in May 2019 and will assume office on July 1. The new NPC chairman will be elected by the Council from the seven members who comprise the Board of Directors. 

This historic change in governance will equip NPC to be a stronger, more strategic ally to our campus-based colleagues on topics such as hazing, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, diversity and inclusion, among others. The Panhellenic community is increasingly looking to us as a resource and a convener and this new organizational structure reflects our desire to further expand our capacity to serve such a role. 

The new structure is also intended to ensure that greater resources and staff-level engagement can be brought to bear on priorities ranging from recruitment and membership growth, enhanced data collection and communications efforts advocating for the sorority experience. The NPC professional staff will continue to accomplish their work alongside the organization’s volunteers.

You can read the news release here.

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful holiday season filled with fun and laughter and a happy, healthy new year.

Interfraternally,

Carole J. Jones
NPC chairman 2017-19

About 'Stand Up to Harvard'

standuptoharvard.org
#standuptoharvard

On Dec. 3, a group of sororities, fraternities and students filed a pair of lawsuits challenging Harvard’s sanctions policy that punishes students who join off-campus, single-sex* social organizations. These efforts are supported by the National Panhellenic Conference as well as the North American Interfraternity Conference and the organizations in the Cambridge Coalition.  

With the sanctions, Harvard is interfering with students’ rights protected by the First Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX—a dangerous precedent by one of America’s bellwether higher education institutions. 

Moreover, the lawsuits describe how Harvard used a campaign of threats and intimidation to scare students into abandoning their fundamental rights to free association and to live free of sex discrimination. 

You can visit standuptoharvard.org to read more about the lawsuits, the specific reasons behind them and sign the petition to lend your support. You also may be interested in these articles and video: 

• The Boston Globe: Sororities, fraternities sue Harvard over social club crackdown
• Video: Alpha Phi's International President Renee Zainer explains why standing up to Harvard important
• Tulsa World Editorial: Harvard's banning of sororities and fraternities doesn't fix problems of discrimination, sexual assault

If you have questions about Stand Up to Harvard, NPC's support of this effort or other related questions about women's involvement in the lawsuits, please email NPC. 

Please also follow NPC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay informed about Stand Up to Harvard and other important programs and initiatives.

* The term “single-sex” is used throughout the Stand Up to Harvard website and related documents in reference to our organizations that are women’s only. Although each member organization defines "woman" differently, we use "single-sex" in these materials because Title IX uses the term "sex" and these lawsuits use Title IX as a basis for the legal claims.

Promoting the benefits of the sorority experience

When each of us chose to become a member of a fraternal organization, we found lifelong friends, support to excel in studies and opportunities for leadership development and community service. What many of us probably did not expect was the bond rooted in Greek traditions that we not only share with members of our specific fraternity or sorority, but also with members of other fraternal organizations.

There are more than 4 million sorority women and more than 4.5 million fraternity men – that’s a lot of people who share a common bond of sisterhood and brotherhood. Think about those numbers and the networking opportunities! If you are a college student embarking in a summer job or internship, or even beginning your first full-time job after graduation, you are joining a work environment where you no doubt will have the opportunity to network with fellow fraternity and sorority alumni. By talking about your fraternal experiences, you most likely will be opening doors to endless possibilities in career and volunteer opportunities.

I speak from experience. When I interviewed for my first job, the person interviewing me asked about my sorority experience listed on my resume. She shared she was a member of Kappa Delta, and we “clicked” immediately. She hired me on the spot. I’m convinced it’s because we bonded over sorority life.

Whether you joined a fraternal organization two months ago, five years ago or 50 years ago, hopefully, your experience, like mine, was amazing. So, don’t be afraid to tell your story even when it is sometimes hard to be a fraternity or sorority member. Our organizations have become tarnished by heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking, hazing and lack of responsibilities. The activities of fraternity and sorority members that have led to deaths, mental and physical injury, poor academic achievement and health problems are a contradiction to our rituals and founding principles.

Therefore, we have to have conviction to fight the negative and promote the positive. We are the best public relations we have. When asked why you belong to or are still involved in a sorority, tell them why. Talk about the friendships you’ve made, the experiences and lessons that have helped shape who you are, the skills you’ve developed and the memories you’ve created.

For sorority alumnae, it’s our responsibility and privilege to give collegiate members and young alumnae the assistance they need in building relationships as they seek job opportunities. We should also be telling our sorority stories and sharing our experiences so young women participating in recruitment today will have heard the good news about our organizations or know someone who is a member long before they enter college.

The bond of fraternity and sorority membership is strong. We know it inside our hearts and inside our communities. To ensure others can continue to share in this bond, we must also be strong in telling others about our positive experiences and the benefits of membership we all enjoy.

Interfraternally,

Carole J. Jones

NPC chairman 2017-19

Proactively addressing the challenges of today's world

In fall 2017, the National Panhellenic Conference Executive Committee established four “think tanks” to research and develop recommendations on various topics so NPC could proactively approach the challenges and issues of today’s world. The four think tanks examined these topics: NPC Structure, Recruitment and Expanded Membership Model, Public Relations and Marketing and NPC Call for Critical Change. Their work began in January 2018 and I’m excited to share an update on the work accomplished to date.

NPC Structure: To be able to act nimbly and quickly, NPC’s operational board of directors should become more strategic in focus. In support of that objective, the think tank proposed a new structure for NPC, with a seven-member board of directors responsible for developing and implementing a visionary strategic plan, representing NPC to external entities and advocating for the sorority experience. At the same time, NPC staff and volunteers will carry out operational work, including serving as area advisors, RFM specialists and committee members. Importantly, each member organization will still have a representative to carry out the Conference work as well as to vote on Unanimous Agreements as sovereign organizations. The essential work of serving College and Alumnae Panhellenics also will not change.

Recruitment and Expanded Membership Model: The Recruitment and Expanded Membership Model examined ways to help ensure sorority membership remains relevant to today’s young women and to assist NPC member organizations and College Panhellenics with growing the sorority experience. Seven subgroups were formed to research and develop recommendations on these topics:

• Variable Quota & RFM implications
• Generation Z and impact on our membership
• Decrease in numbers and how it impacts our cost of doing business
• Ensuring diversity within sorority membership 
• Collection and monitoring of membership statistics (retention)
• Adapting to changing demographics
• Community colleges

As a result of their work, the following priorities for NPC were established: Developing College Panhellenic initiatives regarding diversity and inclusion, assisting College Panhellenics with marketing the sorority experience, promoting financial transparency with potential new members and their families, developing educational tools and resources for College Panhellenics to better attract and serve Generation Z and devoting resources to data collection. There are many more details in these priorities and other recommendations to be considered.


Public Relations and Marketing: This think tank studied ways to communicate with key audiences and discussed how to strengthen the Panhellenic brand and promote the sorority experience. They examined a wide range of challenges and opportunities facing NPC and its member organizations and recommended a phased approach to proactively promoting the value of the sorority experience. Priority will be given to improving the ways in which NPC reaches key audiences to share the value of sorority membership and to assisting College Panhellenics in sharing the story of their own authentic sorority experience.

NPC Call for Critical Change: The Call for Critical Change Think Tank met in late January 2018 to discuss ways to address critical issues within our Panhellenic communities. They identified a number of next steps, and NPC and its partners have been working on these opportunities. The group will continue discussions in June. They will discuss ways NPC and our Panhellenic women could play a constructive and responsive role in their campus communities regarding diversity issues and cultural appropriation. We are committed to working together to find ways for our Panhellenic women to lead the way for social change resulting in healthier sorority and fraternity communities. More to come in this important endeavor.

The NPC Executive Committee thanks the think tank participants for lending their expertise and developing recommendations to help NPC face challenges head-on and advance the sorority experience. 

We look forward to sharing more information as the recommendations are implemented.

Interfraternally,

Carole Jones
NPC chairman 2017-19

Advocating for the value of the sorority experience

More than 235 fraternity and sorority members, both alumni and students, were on Capitol Hill on April 25 advocating for sororities and fraternities and the value they provide to our members. Our organizations’ values of character and dignity guide our members in their daily lives as they serve their campus and local communities.

Each year since 2002, the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), which is a collaborative effort between the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) and Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund (FSAF), has lobbied in Washington, D.C., in order to educate legislators on the value of sororities and fraternities and the advocacy issues important to NPC and NIC.

The FGRC represents 92 single-sex fraternities and sororities nationwide with more than 800,000 undergraduate members at over 9,500 chapters on almost 700 campuses, as well as more than 9.1 million alumni. The NPC and NIC set and execute the advocacy agenda for the FGRC. This year’s lobbying efforts, with more than 460 meetings between fraternity/sorority members and legislators or their staffs, focused on the value of the fraternity/sorority experience and our priorities for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA).

This topic directly aligns with Pillar One of the NPC Government Relations Platform: Preservation of the sorority experience.

Working together with the NIC, FSPAC and FSAF, our goal is to gain support for protection of our experience through the reauthorization of the HEA. Our members have a constitutional right to freely assemble and associate, but there is a growing trend to punish single-sex organizations for existing by creating barriers and/or penalizing students who join such organizations. Harvard University is just one example as that institution is now blacklisting students who choose to join single-sex social organizations and seeks to force groups to become co-ed against their will. The Harvard policy affects this year’s freshman class and all future students, penalizing those who join single-sex organizations by rendering them ineligible for leadership positions in recognized student organizations, selection as a sports team captain and the Dean’s endorsement for a Rhodes, Marshall or Fulbright scholarship, where such endorsement is a prerequisite for consideration.

But, it’s not just Harvard that is seeking new ways to restrict freedom of association rights. It has become increasingly common for institutions of higher education to regulate and propose policies aimed at forcing single-sex social organizations to become co-ed or imposing burdensome policies and restrictions that undermine a student’s right to freely associate. Examples include blanket suspensions for all sororities and fraternities on a campus when one student or one organization is accused of misconduct and the adoption of operational restrictions that don’t apply to any other student organization on campus, such as not allowing first semester or first year students to choose to join a sorority or fraternity.

Students and alumni gather on Capitol Hill
to advocate for the fraternity and
sorority experience. More photos.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has taken the first step to protect every student’s freedom of association rights, including with single-sex social organizations. The committee’s HEA reauthorization bill – the PROSPER Act – includes language on this issue, but does not address or prevent actions taken by Harvard or a few other campuses that do not already recognize single-sex organizations.

That was our task on April 25 – to encourage House members to perfect the pending language in the PROSPER Act to include all students and to ask senators to include this same language in their own HEA reauthorization bill.

The value of protecting our single-sex experience now and for generations to come cannot be understated. Our organizations create a unique community of support. They are the one place on a college campus, where through a shared single-sex experience, young women or men can enjoy a sense of belonging, empowerment and personal development. NPC and NIC are committed to continuing to advocate for freedom of association rights for our organizations, and we invite you to join us by contacting your representatives here.

Reflecting With Courage and Conviction

Preparing to assume leadership of a task force, a committee or an organization demands an individual prepare mentally and sometimes physically for the rigors of that role. In October 2015, I accepted the awesome responsibility of leading the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) as chairman. NPC is composed of 26 inter/national sororities representing nearly 5 million women worldwide, with chapters on over 670 college campuses and more than 3,700 alumnae associations in communities across the globe. 

In a large public setting in front of Panhellenic partners, industry collaborators, family and friends, I pledged to lead with courage and conviction during a time when the pendulum has swung to a place where advocating for, defending and protecting the very existence of the sorority membership experience is the rule of the day. With a legion of volunteers and professional staff, NPC tackles the challenges one by one, day by day as women of courage and conviction commit to ensuring a rich, meaningful and value-added sorority membership experience. For the passion and dedication of these individuals, I cannot say thank you enough.

 

Building on the work of previous courageous sorority leaders, my vision for NPC included advanced training opportunities for skill building and empowerment of young women; enhancing NPC’s partnerships with college and university administrations; continuing a strong partnership with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC); and most important, seeking proactive opportunities to make the positive case for sorority whenever and wherever possible.

 

Reflection is only natural as a leader moves to the finish line. Was my vision shared? What was accomplished? Who did I meet along the way to promote change? Were there missed opportunities? When doing a mental inventory of those questions and more, I am reminded of the timeless leadership model of NPC and the expectation a seamless transition will occur from one leader to the next, helping ensure a forward trajectory. That leader, working together with a highly motivated and competent professional staff and alongside a legion of dedicated volunteers, will champion the mission, vision and purpose of NPC. I believe that is the charge framing the service of the NPC chairman; it guides her leadership and is reflected in what shapes her service. Oct. 28 marks the transition in NPC leadership. Please join me in welcoming Carole Jurenko Jones, Alpha Omicron Pi, as she assumes the chairmanship.    

My sincere appreciation and special thank you to all who made the journey with me and provided the opportunity to serve the women of the National Panhellenic Conference.

As NPC leadership passes from one member organization to another, our collective
Panhellenic values bolster our courage and conviction to advance sorority together.

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King Chairman 2015-17

National Campus Safety Awareness Month

This time of year, photos and posts of families traveling to college campuses fill our social media newsfeeds. We have all seen the images of thousands of eager students arriving on the front steps of their new home for their next — or even their first — academic year. I am unsure who tops the chart for most anxious: the student or those delivering them! For me, these posts bring back a plethora of memories of excitement and concern; the most poignant trepidation for the safety of my daughters on campus, in their residence halls, at off-campus events and in the community. 

September kicks off National Campus Safety Awareness Month, which helps raise awareness about issues affecting campuses throughout the nation, including personal safety, substance abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence and hazing. Campuses offer programming designed to raise awareness and educate students. On many of those campuses, sorority and fraternity communities are vigilant in providing opportunities for education and participation in communitywide safety initiatives and exposure to campus resources. Again this September, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) launches the student safety initiative The Red Zone (#TheRedZone). The social media campaign is designed to raise awareness about the vulnerability female students face during their first 90 days on campus.

NPC and its 26 member organizations are resolute in women supporting women on college campuses. Sororities create communities that offer safe spaces for women built on respect for one another. Hazing or any act of individual degradation is never condoned or tolerated by NPC member organizations. This commitment to combat hazing could be seen this July when NPC joined a host of fraternal “umbrella” organizations and higher-education professionals to endorse new anti-hazing legislation called the 2017 Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act.

Also during the month of September, NPC and its member organizations partner with HazingPrevention.Org to actively promote and engage in National Hazing Prevention Week Sept. 18-22.

While writing this message and considering the safety and well-being of students back on campus, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are affecting the lives of thousands. To our students: Be safe and respect the safety of one another. To our families: Please know that through our network of partnerships with campus administrators, staff and the 26 member organizations, NPC stands prepared to assist, support and help ensure student safety on college campuses.         

Keeping pace with the next generation

Summer offers many of us the opportunity for multi-generational family gatherings.  Families come together most often with a broad spectrum of generations whether for a wedding, reunion, birthday party or another special occasion. Each person benefits from the other, while some in the crowd may shake their heads confused, trying to best understand the next generation!

Sorority communities provide a multi-generational familial experience as well. For more than 150 years, National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) inter/national women’s sororities have flexed, grown and, at times, shared in the confusion and challenge of how to keep pace with each subsequent generation. The Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millenials and Gen Y are all generations of members with unique profiles. These generations challenge women’s organizations to address change and adaptation to meet the needs of current membership.

2017 presents the advent of the newest generation, Generation Z or Gen-Zers coming of age (born 1995 to now). Currently more than 25% of the American population belongs to this demographic, and it continues to grow. Gen-Zers are the first generation to have no understanding of life without technology and devices. Social media is their research tool, multi-tasking across up to five screens is their norm, being culturally connected is critical, their social circles are global, they see society as blended and intend to make a difference and impact in the world. To further illustrate this point, click here to watch a video about understanding Gen Z.

Some may contend the sorority membership experience has not kept pace and has outlived the wants, needs and desires of Gen Z. Does sorority membership add value to a generation who are independent, self-directed, tech-innate and laser focused on the future? I would arguably say yes; sorority membership does add value. NPC sororities are committed to intentional strategic planning framed by membership surveys, ongoing assessment and deep seeded organizational values when crafting a membership experience. Determining purposeful programming and opportunities for impact is central to their missions and the benefits derived from membership.

Because the sorority membership experience is multi-generational, it requires an openness on the part of each sorority member no matter your generational moniker, to embrace change when change is necessary and see the infinite possibilities the newest generation will bring to women’s sororities. To our newest generation, Gen Z, we look forward to welcoming you and all that you will contribute to influence women’s sororities for the future!  

I Wear a Badge: Dr. Mari Ann Callais, Theta Phi Alpha

Photo courtesy of Dr. Mari Ann Callais

The theme for July’s blog is speaking up for the sorority experience, following the NPC chairman’s Message of Sorority.

Dr. Mari Ann Callais is a first generation college student and first generation sorority woman. Initiated into the Theta Phi Alpha chapter at Loyola University in New Orleans as a junior in college, Callais did not have much time as an undergraduate member. However, as an alumna, Callais served Theta Phi Alpha as programming chairman, chapter administration, member of the NPC delegation, NPC delegate and National President. Plus she held many volunteering roles within the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and North-American Interfraternity Conference’s IMPACTs.

And who better to speak for the sorority experience than on whose career is all about speaking? Formerly, with CAMPUSPEAK and now The Catalyst Agency and Delta Delta Delta fraternity, Callais shares her experience with thousands of students a year. She reminds sorority woman that sorority is a gift not many are afforded and to take every opportunity to tell people why you are proud to be a sorority woman, as well as the value of the sorority experience.

Callais believe that it is import for both collegiate and alumnae members to speak up. In April 2016, Callais’ niece, Emily, was diagnosed with leukemia and flown to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Due to the efforts of organizations like Tri Delta and Alpha Delta Pi, her family will never receive a bill for Emily’s medical care or their housing. Emily’s family lived in Tri Delta Place on St. Jude’s campus and the Ronald McDonald House, supported by Alpha Delta Pi, for nine months.

Today, Emily is cancer free. Callais speaks on the value of the sorority experience because without the commitment of sorority women her niece may not be here today.

Callais reminds us all to not quit or walk away from your sorority experience because it might get difficult. “We are not just social organizations, but we are families who need to be there for one another.”

Message From the Chairman: The Message of Sorority

One only has to watch a morning talk show, view the national news, read a magazine or scan a newspaper to see that sororities and fraternities are under the microscope and often the subject of interest for the general public. At the core of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) mission and vision, we advocate for the sorority experience. NPC takes seriously the challenges posed by the press and public opinion. With a professional staff and legion of volunteers, advancing a positive message centered on the benefits of sorority membership defines our initiatives and work. Gathering data to support and validate the sorority experience is ongoing. Plus, it’s a priority to engage public relations experts to help us build relationships with the media and most effectively frame, craft and articulate NPC messaging.

As NPC chairman, I log long hours in airports and on airplanes. We all know “the dance” when sitting in your seat: engage in small talk, start browsing on an electronic device or close your eyes hoping to nod off. Years ago, I challenged myself to alter my routine and tell the story of “sorority” to seatmates willing to listen. In truth, some conversations are easier than others, because people can be interested and receptive. Others come with preconceived ideas and negative stereotypes often formulated by bad press about the sorority experience.

My story is just one in a tapestry of narratives unique to each sorority woman. For more than 150 years, sorority women have been sharing their stories and advocating for the sorority experience. In a fast-paced society that expects explanation and validation as to why sororities add value to a campus and to a woman’s life, sharing our experiences does make a difference. The importance of communicating stories directly impacts the broader discussion, especially when we face negativity fueled by public opinion. Inspire yourself to share your sorority story by taking three minutes to watch the video below. 

Speaking up and sharing the sorority story, coupled with NPC’s commitment to advocate and advance sororities through factual and grounded messaging, drives the narrative necessary when we address adversity or enjoy prosperity. To all sorority women, thank you for sharing your stories. And to our publics, thank you for listening. 

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17

Our Commitment in the Fight Against Hazing

By Donna C. King, chairman 2015-17

For those that have closely followed the news out of Penn State University this spring, the details of the tragic death of Timothy Piazza have been both shocking and heartbreaking. Words cannot adequately express the extent of the tragedy; put simply, a community that exists to support and nurture young people fell devastatingly short of its goals and ideals.

While the events that led to Tim’s death may have taken place in a fraternity, the changes needed to keep them from happening again require that all of us take action. This has been, and continues to be, our message with the leadership at Penn State University and on campuses throughout the U.S. and Canada.

With the unanimous support of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Board of Directors — as affirmed at our recent meeting — we stand ready to work closely with Penn State as the campus implements changes in its community. And as that process unfolds, it is essential that we ensure the community-wide engagement required to make sure the reforms are successful. Only when we work together can we transcend this tragedy to create a stronger, safer and more supportive campus community.

As one of the world’s largest organizations advocating for women, NPC has long been a part of the fight against hazing. We stand committed to addressing this pervasive problem arm in arm with our campus partners and other collegiate organizations.

In 2014, NPC stated its strong position against hazing and voiced its support for anti-hazing initiatives that engage and empower students to enact positive change and meaningful reform within our community. Hazing undermines the values and ideals of sorority and fraternity life, and serves as a detriment to our ultimate goal of building strong, independent and engaged leaders on college and university campuses.

Today it is more crucial than ever that we reiterate this position, affirming our commitment to thoughtful, substantive partnerships with institutions of higher education where any of our 26 member organizations are recognized. NPC’s utmost priority is the safety of our students, and through transparency, collaboration and advocacy, we hope and believe, we can create campus cultures that reflect our shared goals and ideals – and, most important, keep students safe.

The men who support sorority

Not often would the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) chairman write about men, considering she leads a women’s organization. It’s possible that this organization is long overdue in recognizing and acknowledging the vast network of men who have served and currently serve as allies, advocates and supporters of the sorority membership experience. In fact, in the late 1800s it was a male professor of Latin, and not a woman, who felt the word “fraternity” was inappropriate for a group of ladies and coined the term “sorority,” the more commonly used terminology today for women’s fraternal organizations.  A lesser-known fact is the working relationship and allied partnerships that exist between men’s fraternities and women’s sororities outside of college social and philanthropic events. Partnerships are forged to develop educational programming and initiatives, opportunities are provided for learning through leadership institutes and most important, collaboration on current issues impacting our members is the priority. NPC and the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), representing 69 men’s organizations, lead by example in the collaborative partnership and friendship they share. To our many partners representing the men’s organizations, we are most appreciative and say thank you.  One might think advancing and advocating for sororities is exclusive to female executives and staff at the headquarters of the 26 inter/national NPC organizations. That is not the case. Men serve NPC organizations in a variety of staff roles including executive leadership, technology, risk management, financial management, programming, media and public relations. The perspective these men bring to the business of sorority is valued, respected and central to the ongoing work of the women’s organizations. To these valued professionals, we offer a resounding thank you for your service and commitment to advocacy for the sorority experience. And to our most ardent supporters, during the month of June in recognition of Father’s Day, we salute the multitude of grandfathers, dads, husbands, brothers, uncles and sons who unselfishly support their granddaughters, daughters, wives, mothers, sisters and nieces in pursuit of the sorority membership experience. In my own family, dad always supported and encouraged my mom’s tireless volunteer service and burst with pride when sharing with others the leadership opportunities afforded his daughters through their sorority. Like my dad did for the women in his family, the Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic has a legion of men supporting its members: the “Panhellenic Honey Doers,” more fondly referred to as Ph.Ds.  Thank you, in a special and unique way, to the men out there who advance sorority with us!  Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17

Message From the Chairman: The legacy of sorority

The month of May provides an opportunity to pay tribute to mothers and the legacies they leave, as well as the legacy of others. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines legacy as, “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor.” Women’s sororities capture the definition of the word legacy, encompassing both the spirit of the dictionary definition and the timeless tradition of paying forward the heritage of sorority membership from one generation to the next. For sororities, a legacy may include mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter, aunt to niece, sister to sister and so forth. I am just that, a legacy! My mother, sister and I share the same membership legacy through our national sorority. This familial practice of sharing history, founding principles and values has greatly affected and contributed to the continued growth of inter/national sororities. Is a sorority legacy restricted to membership in her ancestral sorority? The answer is no. Is membership in an inter/national women's sorority composed only of legacies? Again, the answer is no. Many families share the gift of sorority membership through Panhellenic ties. See the story of one such family’s experience, featured on Page 28 of “Themis” of Zeta Tau Alpha. Why share the story of legacy and legacies? While in Washington, D.C., recently with more than 200 sorority and fraternity alumni and collegians, each of us was asked to articulate the value and benefits of our membership while lobbying on behalf of the fraternal community. Defending the right to exist as single-gender (women and men's) organizations, the right to associate, to provide safe spaces and housing for our youngest members — all this is possible only because of the legacy of lifelong membership, passed down in some cases from generation to generation. A lifetime membership is grounded in the rich and intentional founding principles and values of each sorority and fraternity.   Leaving a legacy, being a legacy and sharing a legacy is a rich testament to the sorority experience. Join me in honoring the decades of legacy of others to sorority, and those today who advocate tirelessly on behalf of the sorority experience. And happy Mother’s Day to all sorority women who are mothers and to the moms who support their daughters in their sorority membership. Interfraternally,   Donna C. King Chairman 2015-17

Message From the Chairman: Volunteering - The Heart of Sorority Membership

At age 90, my role model and mentor continues to provide volunteer service to her community, church and sorority. A dedicated and selfless volunteer for well over 70 years with humble beginnings in eastern Montana, she can still be found distributing lunches to small children, butter and cheese to seniors, and coffee on Sunday morning to parishioners. She is … my mom.

Scientific studies have shown that individuals who volunteer enjoy both physiological and physical health benefits including greater satisfaction, improved sense of belonging, lower blood pressure and decreased mortality. More than 62 million Americans — one quarter of the adult population — contribute approximately 8 billion hours yearly to causes close to their hearts. In honor and celebration of the many people who generously give of their time and resources, April is designated National Volunteer Month and April 23-29 National Volunteer Week, specifically.

National Volunteer Week has a history in Canada dating back to World War II, when women were celebrated for their part in supporting the war effort on the home front. In 1974, then U.S. President Richard Nixon signed a Presidential Proclamation establishing National Volunteer Week. Annually, the sitting president issues a special proclamation in honor of volunteers.

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), and its 26 women’s organizations salute the contributions of countless women volunteers — those individuals who mobilize men and women to take action and those who give countless hours to make a difference in their communities and the world. Consider:

• Ruth Colvin, Kappa Delta Sorority, founder of the Literacy Volunteers of America, now part of ProLiteracy.
• Nancy Brinker, Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
• Ginny Carroll, Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, founder of the Circle of Sisterhood.

Volunteer service is at the heart of the sorority membership experience. In 2015-16 collectively, the 26 inter/national NPC sororities reported nearly 3 million hours of member volunteer service in support of nonprofit organizations. To operate their organizations, a volunteer base of approximately 46,000 women work daily in partnership with professional staffs to support the sororities and their members. The opportunities are countless for women, and the contributions made are immeasurable in terms of economic impact and resources.

Thank you to all who volunteer from 90 to 19 and younger. Consider the possibilities within your community to seek out ways to engage, step up, share your skills and experience the satisfaction of volunteering to make a difference.

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17

Message From the Chairman: Blazing a Trail — Women in the Business of Sports

My daughter was a competitive rower; a grueling, exhaustive mental and physical sport. Rowing ... not for the weak hearted! The lessons she learned in a sport dependent on building a strong team and pushing oneself to physical limits included determination, patience, diplomacy, strategy and self-belief. She and thousands of other young women benefit daily from the skills developed through sports, which follow them into college and careers.

The theme of Women’s History Month is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Business and Labor.” Countless women, like the founders of the 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) inter/national sororities, have faced what might seem like insurmountable challenges. In sports, consider the benefits of athletics and the obstacles women face. We’d like to honor them too. Their stories also feature unceasing determination, breaking glass ceilings, realizing success and continuously blazing trails.

Please take time to read about them:

• Erin Andrews, Zeta Tau Alpha, Fox Sports™ reporter
• Lin Dunn, Chi Omega, University of Kentucky Women's Basketball assistant coach, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame member 
• Mary Ellen Gillespie, Alpha Phi, director of athletics, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay  
• Charlotte Jones Anderson, Kappa Kappa Gamma, executive vice president/chief brand officer, Dallas Cowboys
• Condoleezza Rice, Alpha Chi Omega, former U.S. secretary of state, member of the College Football Playoff selection committee

Trailblazing has shaped women’s actions for generations. Through these stories and other female trailblazers in the business of sports, lessons learned on and off the field parallel the sorority membership experience. Building character, confidence, self-esteem, scholarly success, a service heart and leadership skills are at the core of the membership experience. Challenging young women to be trailblazers in their communities and careers defines the “business of sorority.”

NPC salutes and celebrates all women who are “trailblazers” during the month of March and beyond! Learn about more history-making sorority women on the #Iwearabadge Pinterest board.

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17