Open up any social media platform, and it should take only a matter of seconds to find people tearing down women. Whether it is demeaning the accomplishments of women, belittling the ideas of women, or reducing the worth of women to their outward appearance (and then being critical of that, too), it’s hard to catch a break as a woman.
We are not about that life.
The world needs more spaces where women are built up, not torn down. Women need the support of other women. Women need opportunities to lead and grow. Women need to be surrounded by other women who will champion their accomplishments and encourage their pursuits.
That space can be found in a sorority.
Sororities are organizations for women made by women. Joining a sorority can be an empowering experience because of the environment and the opportunities it presents.
Learn How to Lead
Sororities are groups with a lot of responsibilities and meetings, and all of these things need to be coordinated by leadership. That leadership is chosen from within the chapter. Women are given opportunities to organize, plan, and execute large events and experiences. Unlike other organizations, women in a sorority don’t have to work twice as hard to have their voices heard above their male counterparts.
The opportunity to learn how to lead empowers women as they transfer those leadership skills into the workplace and community.
Hold High Standards
Sororities have high standards for their new recruits, and the standards remain high even after you have joined. New recruits are required to have a certain number of service hours. Sorors are expected to maintain a certain grade point average throughout their collegiate career.
During college, surrounding yourself with women who have similar goals and aspirations to excel academically can create an environment of empowerment. It’s hard to put a price on the support and understanding from everyone who is striving for academic success right along with you.
After college, keeping in contact with other women who are driven and ambitious can help keep you accountable to your own goals. Watching your sisters succeed can also be a motivator for you.
Catapult Your Career
Joining a sorority is a beneficial step for any career you want to pursue. A sorority is a built-in network of not only the sisters in your line but also alum sisters. You will have an instant connection with any fellow soror you may meet in the workplace.
Participating in a sorority also hones many skills that employers want. Between the leadership skills you learn and the service you provide, you are becoming a valuable asset to any company.
Surround Yourself with Examples
It’s hard to become what you can’t see. Perhaps you don’t think women can be successful in whatever they pursue because you can’t see examples of that in your everyday life. If that’s the case, being surrounded by women who are ambitious and driven can help broaden your perspective. Joining a sorority will give you a front-row seat to the accomplishments of fellow sorors. You can be their biggest cheerleader, and they will be yours in return.
Service
Sororities give their members so many opportunities to serve. Delta Sigma Theta has a plethora of programs that sorors can become involved with to give back to the community. The service the sisters provide does so much good for the community, but the positive impact doesn’t end there. When you are providing a service to someone, you (rightfully) feel pretty good and fulfilled. You feel a sense of purpose.
Serving others is a great way to feel empowered while also making a positive impact on the world.
Sisterhood
Just knowing you have someone in your corner can go a long way. Joining a sorority is entering into a sisterhood. It isn’t all roses all the time. Sisters can disagree. But at the end of the day, we love and support each other.
Your sorority experience will be what you make of it. If you want a culture within your chapter of support and empowerment, then be that for your sisters. As you work to help your sorority sisters feel stronger and more confident, they will do the same to you. Nothing could be more empowering than forging strong connections with women who will love and support you throughout your life.
You can even feel the support and love from fellow sorors you haven’t met. Delta Sigma Theta has hundreds of thousands of sisters. You may be in a totally unfamiliar space, but if you see someone sporting DST apparel, you will have an instant kinship and connection. Being a part of an organization where you can quickly find friendship is remarkable.
Though the world may continue to be hard on women, we don’t need more of that. Sororities can be refuges, places where sisters lift each other up, and everyone becomes stronger.
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There needs to be more areas across the world where women are treasured and not mistreated. Women need to encourage one another and need opportunities to lead and advance. Ladies need to hang out with other females who will encourage them and recognize their accomplishments. A sorority's atmosphere makes affiliation a rewarding experience.
