You know the benefits of rubbing shoulders with your sorority sisters. You network, you socialize, you support.
But have you thought about the benefits of networking with sorority sisters from a different organization?
On a larger scale, all Divine Nine sororities are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Many of the sororities share similar values and core principles. So why not enjoy the benefits of connecting with sisters from other sororities? Here’s what you can tap into when you branch out:
1. Exchange Knowledge
Engaging with other sorors will allow you to discuss which traditions or ideas have served you well and which ones to avoid. Did you have a wildly successful fundraising event? Spill the tea! Did your latest service project run into a lot of hiccups? Help prevent others from running into the same problems.
Obviously, you will each have some private information regarding some traditions or other aspects within your sorority. Respect the boundaries of information that is exclusively for sorority members, and they will likely do the same for you.
2. Collaborate in Events
With two (or more) organizations that care deeply about bettering their community, the impact of inter-sorority collaborations is unstoppable. Whether you join forces to organize community initiatives, service projects, educational events, or social activities, your outreach can be greatly magnified.
You know what a difference your own sorority can make. Imagine the impact you can have when you double your numbers.
3. Network
Your personal and professional networks can always benefit from meeting new people. As you get to know more driven and ambitious women, you might find that you have career opportunities or mentorship options that you wouldn’t have otherwise found.
Even if your new acquaintance doesn’t directly help you land a job, you may gain credibility within your professional community by being recognized. If others see you are familiar with other professionals, they will automatically see you as more of an expert in the field.
4. Increase Cultural Understanding
When you build relationships across sororities, you can gain a greater appreciation of the diverse experiences and histories within the Divine Nine. If you carry this understanding and appreciation with you, you can help create more inclusive and supportive environments across all the sororities.
5. Build Friendships
When a lot of your personal time is dedicated to sorority-related events, venturing out and forging new friendships can feel like a challenge. When your sorority works with another, you have the opportunity to build relationships with other women you may never have found otherwise.
Since many of the sororities attract ambitious, caring, and bright women, you’re likely to have a lot more in common with sorority sisters from fellow sororities than you realize.
6. Grow Personally
Every time you gain friendships and learn about the new perspectives and lived experiences of others, you are setting yourself up for personal growth. You can learn different problem-solving approaches, leadership styles, or cultures if you build a relationship with someone in another sorority.
Can you imagine a world where, instead of sowing seeds of rivalry and contention, everyone nurtured friendships and did their best to understand each other? What a difference that would make. You can start revolutionizing this way of thinking.
7. Strengthen Your Support System
Life is hard. The more people you have in your corner, the easier it is to handle those hard times. By building relationships with sisters from other Divine Nine sororities, you are adding to your support system. They can be there for you during times of personal or professional difficulties. And you can return the favor.
When tragedies or challenges strike, it's incredible what a difference a few encouraging words can make.
8. Enhance the Divine Nine Legacy
When you connect with other sororities, you have a chance to strengthen each other. As you do that, you are strengthening the Divine Nine as a whole. Your deeper appreciation helps preserve the collective legacy of the Divine Nine.
So, rock your Delta Sigma Theta para with pride, but don’t limit your circle. Reach out to your Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, or Sigma Gamma Rho sisters for a win-win!