This semester is my second as a member of Cornell's chapter of Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity. Our national website (www.deltagamma.org) says that DG "offers to women of all ages a rich heritage; a continuity based on sound and tested principles of personal integrity, personal responsibility, and intellectual honesty." While this statement holds true, it is certainly not the only area of experiences a woman will have as a Delta Gamma. In fact, we have many qualities, especially some relative to SNA. We share strong bonds of sisterhood, but our socialization reaches beyond our own house. We all have friends outside of DG. We socialize with many other houses on campus-- mostly fraternities, but other sororities as well. We also sponsor two major social events each semester in which each sister is allowed to invite a certain number of guests. Finally, we lend support (financial and otherwise to our philanthropy projects. Our national DG philanthropy is Service for Sight, but DGs can also be found at other Greek events such as Theta's "Tip-A-Canoe," Phi Kappa Tau's "Phi Tug," or Alpha Xi Delta's annual Twister tournament.
Additionally, DG has a common purpose, and (once again) our strong bond of sisterhood. Our shared views and agendas can be observed in the way we socialize together (which we do...a lot) and in the way we work toward achieving a philanthropic goal. We share a common language through our traditions that have been passed down from our three founders. For example, only members know the significance of each of the Greek letters that appear on our badge.
CMC does, in deed, affect the way we interact. Of course, through Facebook it is very easy for all of us to identify as Delta Gammas. We have groups for our respective pledge classes, as well as a Cornell chapter and global network groups. Through new Facebook applications, we can insert the Delta Gamma badge on our Facebook homepages. Also, we use our e-mail listserve to communicate with each other. Finally, we are able to post pictures of social events and other major events. While the vast majority of our interactions and communication takes place offline, there is a separate online synergy that allows us to identify as a group even in the online realm.
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2 comments:
My cousin is actually in a sorority and with her that she has told me. Your post is very true that you have now gotten your self into a “sisterhood.” Even though your sorority is through out the country at different colleges, you have the ability to communicate with others in your sorority through FTF (in your house and local colleges) as well as CMC (facebook groups or homepage). It would be rather interesting to hear about your interactions with other members of the organization from different chapters.
You did a good job describing the ways in which your social network not only works together but works with others as well. You and your sisters take part in many social events and philanthropy events for both your houses and the many many other greek houses on campus. This shows that you are definately capable of communicating FtF with social networks. You also do a good job of describing the ways in which DG communicates through CMC. Do you notice any strong ties or weak ties withing the house? It may be interesting to note the level of communication and which media are used with the stronger or weaker ties.
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