Divine Nine Lover

Who are we? Are are members of the Black Greek Letter community. More than that, we are enthusiasts of it. Fellow Greeks, we welcome you to submit photos, stories, and ideas about Greek life. Members of the public, we welcome your questions!

[divineninelover]

Hello! When it comes to the chapter vote- are members presented with both the pictures and names of candidates or just names ? If this can't be answered could you share insight on what criteria you personally consider before you vote "yes" on a candidate joining your org. For example, would you vote "yes" to someone that has never attended a chapter event but you know is a friend/relative of a fellow member? Would you vote for someone that attends all your chapters events but you don't have a relationship with?

The manner of the vote is personal and could also change from chapter to chapter and line to line.

I am personally not voting yes on someone I don't know AND has not been coming to chapter activities.

I MIGHT vote yes on someone I don't have a relationship with if I saw them putting in the work, but I also might abstain.

I am voting yes and advocating for people I know, can personally vouch for, and am certain would make a good addition to my chapter.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

What is a good resource when deciding between orgs? Some of their missions are very similar so where would one might go (quiz book etc) to find the deciding factor? I want to be sure I am not being biased based on popularity. I am a grad interest and don't have the ability to a flat out ask a member as of yet.

Consider a five part rubric:

1. Which organization's values, mission, and projects speak to me the most?

2. Which organization's history resonates with me?

3. Which organization's notable members do I most identify with?

4. Do I feel comfortable and at home in a room full of those members?

5. Do I value the more intimate experience of a smaller organization or do I like being part of a very large network?

Hope this helps!

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

For alumnae chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., are flyers sometimes posted only physically instead of online? I understand this sometimes happens for undergrad but I am curious if this happens at the alumnae level too

I have never heard of this happening. I don't even know where an alumnae chapter would post a rush flier physically.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

Hi! I was wondering how many events would be an appropriate number to attend before expressing interest?

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

if i went to rush and am no longer considering submitting an application, do I need to let the member know? Or should I just proceed as normal? 

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

I applied to a sorority two years ago, and I had a mentor who was a member of sorority who wrote my letter recommendation. I ended up getting rejected, however, I am now looking to apply to a different sorority, for very personal reasons as I realize not only do I not align with the Ideals of the original organization, but I also do not align with the members on my campus and I can’t see myself being in the previous organization as a lifelong commitment. My issue here is, should I let my mentor know that I’ll be applying to a different organization? Or should I not say anything as getting selected is not guaranteed . I feel bad because she vouched for me heavily with the chapter. But when I applied, I was of course younger, and I can say that I didn’t really know what I want. I guess this is why it makes sense when people say use your discretion because I’m at crossroads and unsure how to I approach it. I’m only worried about alerting her because even though I know she’s in her own alumna chapter, she has ties to my university and I fear she will hear through the grapevine. I do know what I want now, and I am sure of my decision. I just want to know what the courteous decision would be?

The courteous decision would be to thank her profusely and let her know you've changed your mind. I'd also send her a gift, non-sorority related.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

Hi! I just wanted to pop in and thank you and the other admins for running such a helpful and uplifting blog. I am proud to call myself a newly initiated, Spring 2024 Soror of the NUMBER ONE sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnncorporated! Life has been a whirlwind since then, but I am still pinching myself everyday that this lifelong dream has come true!

Again, thank you all for your help, guidance, and patience with all us former and current interests. You are doing God's work, despite what them dang denouncers say 😂 Much love to you! 💖🤍🖤💛

Ayyyyyyyeeee!! Congratulations, and thanks for checking back in!!!

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

If I am torn between two sororities, what should be my ultimate deciding factor? I could see myself being a member of either of them for life. With one, I love the current members on campus and the mission and history, with the other, I love the mission and the history behind it, but I am not fond of the members on campus. Should I make a decision based on how I would feel during my undergraduate years? I don’t want to join an organization with a chapter full of women I don’t like, but I know the organization is so much more than who’s on your campus.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

For someone pursuing a collegiate chapter, if there is another interest that you have had encounters with who made you feel like less of a person, would you still recommend pursuing membership in that chapter? The encounters are of course outside of greek life and just in the college social setting. I know it sounds silly as you should not let one person deter you from membership, but in the event that both of us would be lucky enough to make line, how could I navigate a process with a girl who has put me down in the past? Should I wait until grad chapter?

Fuck that ho!

I wish a bitch would!

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

I am borrowing this from reddit. I will talk about this more from time to time.

This question appears to be about the ban on trans men on the books for Sigma and soon to be formalized for Alpha.

If you want to make it in without the national organization blocking you, keep your private medical information to yourself. Otherwise, be the best candidate you can be and make relationships with the chapter members.

I'm sorry that it has to be that way right now. Many of us tried to fight against this ban in Alpha, but our morally bankrupt leadership (including undergrads) pushed this through, counting on ignorance and transphobia to prevail.

I have never been more shamed to be an Alpha.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

So last night I attended the informational at my college with the organization I’ve been interested in.

The problem, I’m a 35 year old sophomore. While My grades and GPA are more than enough, I was the oldest person there. We went around and everybody listed their classifications and GPA, but what one of the graduate advisors asked me and only me my age. Idk if I was being singled out but it kinda made me question things. I had a kid in the middle of my college life and had to devote time to working instead of education.

After that, the phrase “delayed does not mean denied” was uttered no less than a million times. Should I just cut my loses or still chose to pursue interest?

You have no reason not to continue.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

I am a grad chapter interest and they recently emailed us an informational flyer. During the most recent event a member gave me his number and said reach out. With the informational being a week away & I have no sponsors/recommenders, should I express interest to him as soon as possible?

Yes. But understand that just because you express your interest doesn't mean he wants to sponsor you.

I try to be very honest with you all.

You want to pursue membership in such a way that you know who your sponsor is before the informational.

The chapter should be voting to have a line because potential sponsors know who they want to bring in. No chapter should be having an informational "just to see."

Maybe this man wants to be your sponsor and will find a recommender for you. But if it doesn't happen, that means you have a different game to play moving forward: making higher quality, authentic friendships.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

If I rushed for a sorority a year ago and I now want to rush for a different one a year later, will I be black balled? I was rejected from org 1 and I have continued to do my research and realized it was not for me in the first place. I am not conflicted as I don’t want my peers to judge me, but I know these organizations are for life and I also don’t want to make a decision based on my classmates.

You are going to be judged. That's not only life, but that's part of sorority life: being assessed for suitability in a chapter.

This is why friendships are important. If someone knows and understands your story, they can vouch for you when you are not around.

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

I'm about to go into my Junior year at Howard and I want to pledge Phi Beta Sigma next Spring. I'm really excited that I made my decision but I was very reluctant my 1st two years to think about greek life. My question is if you have any suggestions of how can I get though this process without feeling like an imposter for not wanting to join at first but getting inspired and changing your mind.

I don’t think you need advice.  “I wasn’t interested in Greek life until I learned about Phi Beta Sigma” seems like a pretty powerful statement on which you can base your pursuit. --Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

I was a long-time lurker and occasional question-asker here. I am proud to say that I am now a member of the FIRST sisterhood to serve, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.! Thank you all for your advice and wisdom here. You help others more than you know! ❤🤍❤

Congratulations!!!

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

Not sure if anyone still runs the blog but I wanted to thank you all for this space. Last month I finally made it to Delta Land!

It’s been a dream and after 13 years I’m so happy that my time has come. Thank you all for the advice, it was invaluable to me on my journey.

🐘❤️

Congratulations!!!!

Glad you made it!

--Uncle Rashid

[divineninelover]

I’ve been interested in SGRho for a while now and while doing my research on Greek life I’ve been flooded with denouncing videos talking about hazing and religious qualms. I’ve also seen TikTok’s saying the opposite that there’s no hazing and that there’s weird religious stuff going on. As a Christian the algorithm has me conflicted about whether on not I should pursue.So my questions are what are y’all’s opinions on the claims I mentioned? Also is if I even get selected for a line is there any sort of informed consent as to what takes place in the induction?

Thank you for your time!

You should talk to Christian members of Sigma Gamma Rho for their thoughts.  I’d recommend personally waiting to have this conversation until you have an invitation in hand, though.  It may be easier to find a member to discuss that sort of thing with if the chapter already establishes that they want you.

--Uncle Rashid