Research, Research, Research!!

           

           When people decide they want to join a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO), there may be various reasons behind it. Some people choose based on family connections, and some usually have a hard time deciding which one to choose. The most important thing to do when considering joining a BGLO is to do research. This is a huge factor because which ever org. you choose to join, a promise of a lifetime of commitment comes with it.

Here are a couple ways to help you figure out which organization is for you:

• Go to the organizations website (I posted the links to all of the Divine Nine websites in my first post!): If you are not sure which organization best fits you look at all of them and see, not only which one best fits you, but also consider how YOU can make a difference to that org. 
• Look outside of your campus: Greek life is so much more bigger than just what you may see on your campus. If you know someone who is Greek or comfortable enough with a Greek to talk to them about their org. or Greek life then do so.
• Read books.: Books such as the The Divine Nine offer information on all of the organizations in the NPHC. Some organizations also have books that focus directly on their organization.                                                                                                                                                                                  Once you have figured out which organization is for you, Go to programs, talk to the people in that organization and determine whether you truly want to pursue membership.                              

NPHC??

     

 When choosing which college to attend, many parents look at the majors the institution offers, financial aid available, on campus housing etc. but the students are looking more so at the campus life. Are there parties? What is there to do on campus? Are there clubs I can join? What about Greek life?  At an HBCU Greek life is a prominent part of campus life. Some young adults come to college with an idea of what the NPHC is about and others do not.

So...What is the NPHC?

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine.

The NPHC consists of :

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, INC. : Founded December 4, 1906 at Cornell University  http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC. : Founded January 15, 1908 at Howard University     http://www.aka1908.com/
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, INC. :Founded January 5, 1911 at Indiana University          http://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/
• OmegaPsi Phi Fraternity, INC. : Founded November 17, 1911 at Howard University      http://www.omegapsiphifraternity.org/

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. : Founded January 13, 1913 at Howard University    http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/  (OO-OOP!)  
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, INC. : Founded January 9, 1914 at Howard University        http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, INC. : Founded January 16, 1920 at Howard University  http://www.zphib1920.org/
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, INC. : Founded November 12, 1922 at Butler University  http://www.sgrho1922.org
•  Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, INC. : Founded September 19, 1963 at Morgan State University http://www.iotaphitheta.org/