GRADUATE MEMBER PROGRAM Updated 11.2014

[Date] Name of Interested Graduate Member Street Address City, State Zip Code RE: Approval letter to continue with the Graduate Member Education Program Dear [Name]: The [Local Alumnae Association] of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc has reviewed your application packet and is pleased to share that we have approved your membership application. We are excited at the prospect of assisting you in the upcoming steps to become an integral part of our organization. The next stage of the Graduate Member program entails education of our organization. The first step is to arrange a date and appropriate location for your Induction into the sisterhood of Sigma Lambda Gamma. Next, we can discuss assigning a mentor to support you throughout the Education Program. Once the Education Program is completed, we will organize a personal interview to discuss any further questions or concerns you may have regarding the organization. Upon your interview, your mentor will coordinate your initiation ceremony with you. I encourage you to take some time to review the information in this packet. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at [[email protected]]. I welcome the opportunity to work with you throughout the Graduate Member Education program. Sincerely, [Officer Title] – [Name of local alumnae association] Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. cc: Director of Alumnae and Volunteer Development Enclosures

Contents MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................................................................... 4 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................... 4 SORORITY HISTORY ................................................................................................................. 5 FOUNDING MOTHERS PROFILES .............................................................................................. 7 ALPHA CHAPTER FIRST LINE PROFILES ................................................................................... 8 SORORITY FACT SHEET ............................................................................................................. 2 ENTITIES ................................................................................................................................... 3 ALUMNAE ASSOCIATIONS......................................................................................................... 3 FIVE SORORITY PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................... 4 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPIES ................................................................................................... 5 YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ...............................................................................................................7 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE .....................................................................................................7 GREEK ALPHABET ...................................................................................................................... 8 GREEK TERMINOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 9 BASIC GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................. 11 HANDLING A MOTION ........................................................................................................................ 11 BASIC PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................ 11 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................... 12 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ......................................................................................................................... 12 THE AMERICAN FRATERNITY .................................................................................................. 14 ¡ADELANTE ................................................................................................................................ 4 HACIA EL FUTURO! .................................................................................................................... 4

Mission Statement Sigma Lambda Gamma strives to be the premier organization committed to providing a mechanism of empowerment to all women.

Purpose The purpose of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority shall be primarily one of promoting standards of excellence in morality, ethics, and education. Further, the Sorority shall work to better serve the needs and wants of all the people by disseminating information about the diverse culture, which we all share. Finally, the Sorority shall maintain respect for the views of others through this valuing, thereby enhancing our understanding of one another, and thus bettering our community, our country, and the world.

Sorority History Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. On October 22, 1989, a group of women gathered at the Chicano Native American Cultural Center to form an organization of Latina/Hispanic women at the University of Iowa. Their goal was to form a group that would provide social and academic support to Latinas/Hispanics and women of all cultures. The organization began with a group of nineteen (19) women during the fall and spring semesters of the 1989-90 school year. These women met once a week with the help of their advisor, Esther Materón-Arum On April 9, 1990, The University of Iowa Panhellenic Council recognized these women as a sorority. This is the day Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority recognizes as their Founding date. Thanks to the contribution of the nineteen (19) women, Anna Arteaga, Vanessa Bonilla, Gloria Cuevas, Laura Flores, Pamela Little, Patricia Mares, Rosalee Mares, Patricia Marroquin, Patricia Marquez, Julieta Miller, Cintya Molina, Maria Pineda, Julieta Rapoza, Danell Riojas, Emma Rodriguez, Zerina Segoviano, Guadalupe Temiquel, Maria Temiquel, and Alejandra Torres as well as the assistance of Esther Materón-Arum and Mary Peterson this was accomplished. On May 7, 1990 a retreat was held with Mary Peterson at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) to brainstorm ideas for the sorority, to write these ideas on paper, and to determine the next step. At this retreat the founding principles were determined. In attendance were Julieta Miller, Zerina Segoviano, Guadalupe Temiquel and Esther Materón-Arum. The first meeting for the fall semester of 1990 was held on August 23rd at the Chicano Native American Cultural Center. The number of women had decreased to six since the 1989-90 school year. They were Gloria Cuevas, Patricia Marquez, Julieta Miller, Maria Pineda, Danell Riojas and Guadalupe Temiquel. Members of the sorority participated in volunteer projects such as the National Association of Chicano Studies (NACS) as well as some on-campus programs such as the Leadership Conference sponsored by the IFC/Panhellenic Council. At the end of the fall 1990 semester there were five women left. These women were Gloria Cuevas, Julieta Miller, Maria Pineda, Danell Riojas and Guadalupe Temiquel, which are recognized as the five founders. They spent countless hours together along with Esther Materón-Arum, the founding grandmother, working on the first manuals allowing the sorority to continue and to grow. The beginning manuals marked the sorority’s continued progression. On February, 15, 1991, the first ritual of Sigma Lambda Gamma took place and the first group of associates was formed. They were inducted at the Chicano Native American Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. This group consisted of five young women, which included Patricia Arroyo, Noemi Diaz, Angel Martinez, Seema Singh and Gabriela Villafuerte. The members that performed the ceremony were Gloria Cuevas, Julieta Miller, Danell Riojas and Guadalupe Temiquel. On March 13, 1991, four of the five founders participated in an initiation ceremony that was performed by Esther Materón-Arum and Mary Peterson at the Danforth Chapel. These women were Gloria Cuevas, Julieta Miller, Danell Riojas, and Guadalupe Temiquel. Esther MaterónArum and Mary Peterson, wrote the ceremony, and performed the initiation.

The first groups of associates inducted into the sorority on February 15, 1991 were initiated into Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority on April 9, 1991 at 9:05 p.m. at the Chicano Native America Cultural Center Through the following years a great deal of work was put into the growth of the sorority toward becoming a national sorority. Mary Peterson who was then coordinator in the Office of Campus Programs and Student Activities worked in establishing space in her office as a headquarters office. This was shared with the organization of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Since that time the following has occurred, and should be noted.                             

Mary Peterson, first National President (1994 – 1998) Lupita Temiquel, second National President (1998 – 2000) Yesenia Avalos, third National President (2000 – 2004) Nellie Nevarez, fourth National President (2004 – 2008) Matielyn Jones, fifth National President (2008-2009) Juanita McGrew, sixth National President (2009-2010) Nisha Reyes, first National Chair (2010-2012) Noemi Diaz, headquarters first part-time staff person Nellie Nevarez, headquarters second part-time staff person, the first to also work with Sigma Lambda Beta Timothy K. Wightman, first full-time staff person working with both Sigma Lambda Gamma and Sigma Lambda Beta James R. Trigilio, second full-time staff person working with both Sigma Lambda Gamma and Sigma Lambda Beta Mary Peterson, first Executive Director (1998 – current) Schaumburg, Illinois, first national convention – 1996 (held every other year) Schaumburg, Illinois – 1998 Schaumburg, Illinois – 2000 Washington, District of Columbia – 2002 Orlando, Florida – 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada – 2006 Dearborn, Michigan-2008 San Antonio, Texas-2010 Oxford, Ohio, first national sisterhood retreat – 1997 (held every other year) Santa Fe, New Mexico – 1999 Iowa City, Iowa – 2001 Anaheim, California – 2003 Indianapolis, Indiana – 2005 Indianapolis, Indiana-2007 Minneapolis, Minnesota-2009 Chicago, Illinois-2011 As of the fall of 2012, in 22 years we have grown to 112 chapters, 25 colonies, and 25 alumnae associations. Our growth has been amazing. Every sister in the last 22years has made this possible.

Founding Mothers Profiles Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Gloria Cuevas

Danell Marie Riojas

Birth Date: October 13, 1970

Birth Date: February 14, 1969

Birth Place: Beeville, Texas

Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois

Hometown: Sarita, Texas

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Ethnicity: Mexican-American

Ethnicity: Mexican-American

Major: Accounting

Major: Economics

One of how many children: 1 of 2

One of how many children: 1 of 4

Family Birth Order: Youngest

Family Birth Order: Oldest

Interests: Tennis, Aerobics

Interests: Cooking, Crochet, Dancing

Gamma Daughter: Angel Maria Martinez

Gamma Daughters: Seema Kumari Singh, Gabriela Villafuerte

Julieta Maria Miller Birth Date: November 20, 1969

Guadalupe Cruz Temiquel

Birth Place: Santa Clara, California

Birth Date: November 3, 1970

Hometown: Walnut Creek, California

Birth Place: Sterling, Illinois

Ethnicity: Mexican-American/Italian

Hometown: Sterling, Illinois

Major: Elementary Education/ESL and

Ethnicity: Mexican-American

B.A. in Spanish

Major: Social Work and Spanish

One of how many children: 1 of 3

One of how many children: 1 of 3

Family Birth Order: Oldest

Family Birth Order: Youngest

Interests: Cooking, Exercising

Interests: Cooking, Dancing, Sewing

Gamma Daughter: Patricia Arroyo

Gamma Daughter: Noemi Elizabeth Diaz

Maria Ester Pineda Birth Date: January 14, 1969 Birth Place: Los Angeles, California Hometown: Cudahy, California Ethnicity: Cuban-Salvadorian Major: Psychology One of how many children: 1 of 5 Family Birth Order: Middle (3rd) Interests: Listening to Music, Dancing, Shopping, Politics

Alpha Chapter First Line Profiles Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Patricia Arroyo Birth Date: October 6, 1972 Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois Hometown: Orland Park, Illinois Ethnicity: Mexican-American Major: Biochemistry/Pre-Medicine One of how many children: 1 of 3 Family Birth Order: Oldest Interests: Dancing, Listening to Music, Baking, Piano Gamma Mom: Julieta Maria Miller Noemi Elizabeth Diaz Birth Date: August 26, 1971 Birth Place: Mexico Hometown: Wheeling, Illinois Ethnicity: Mexican Major: Elementary Education/ESL One of how many children: 1 of 4 Family Birth Order: Oldest Interests: Soccer, Shopping, Arts and Crafts Gamma Mom: Guadalupe Cruz Temiquel Angel Maria Martinez Birth Date: June 8, 1972 Birth Place: Fort Madison, Iowa Hometown: Fort Madison, Iowa Ethnicity: Mexican-American Major: Religion-Asian Studies One of how many children: 1 of 3 Family Birth Order: Oldest Interests: Learning about other cultures, Religion, Classical Music, Opera Gamma Mom: Gloria Cuevas

Seema Kumari Singh Birth Date: August 5, 1970 Birth Place: India Hometown: Skokie, Illinois Ethnicity: Indian Major: Journalism/Pre-Law One of how many children: 1 of 4 Family Birth Order: Middle (2nd Oldest) Interests: Tennis, Photography Gamma Mom: Danell Marie Riojas Gabriela Villafuerte Birth Date: March 10, 1971 Birth Place: Mexico Hometown: Rockford, Illinois Ethnicity: Mexican Major: Nursing One of how many children: 1 of 9 Family Birth Order: Youngest Interests: Sewing, Exercising, Reading, Running Gamma Mom: Danelle Marie Riojas

Sorority Fact Sheet Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. FOUNDING DATE:

April 9, 1990

FOUNDING LOCATION:

University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa

SORORITY PRINCIPLES:

Morals & Ethics Social Interaction Academics Community Service Cultural Awareness

SORORITY MOTTO:

Culture is Pride, Pride is Success

FOUNDING MOTHERS:

Gloria Cuevas Julieta Maria Miller-Calderon Maria Ester Pineda Danell Marie Riojas-Carbajal Guadalupe Cruz Temiquel

ALPHA CHAPTER – FIRST LINE:

Patricia Arroyo Noemi Elizabeth Diaz-Arevalo Angel Maria Martinez Seema Kumari Singh Gabriela Villafuerte-Mendoza

SORORITY COLORS:

Shocking Pink and Majestic Purple

SORORITY FLOWER:

Pink Rose

SORORITY STONE:

Purple Amethyst

SORORITY MASCOT:

Purple Panther

SORORITY NEWSLETTER:

La Mensajera

SORORITY CREST:

6 Books (5 closed, 1 open) 5 Stars Shaking Hands Woman with Balance Pyramid

Entities Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. A complete listing of Sigma Lambda Gamma Chapters and Colonies may be found at http://www.sigmalambdagamma.com/content.asp?contentid=147

Alumnae Associations Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. A complete listing of Sigma Lambda Gamma Alumnae Associations may be found at http://www.sigmalambdagamma.com/content.asp?contentid=153

Five Sorority Principles Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Academics As women pursuing higher education we are fortunate to be given opportunities that provide us with an endless amount of personal and professional growth. We have an obligation to ourselves, our families, and our sorority sisters to achieve academic success. We believe that maintaining the GPA standards set forth by our universities and Sorority will ensure that we have a solid foundation to succeed in our immediate and long-term endeavors. Community Service Community Service is an aspect of Sigma Lambda Gamma that allows members to exemplify the impact of change we wish to see in others and in our communities. It is our responsibility, as good citizens, to give back to our community. We demonstrate in action what being a sister of our organization is all about and what we believe in. Community Service is not only about giving back to others in need but it is also about empowering us as women leaders in our community. Cultural Awareness Sigma Lambda Gamma’s official motto is “Culture is Pride, Pride is Success.” Although historically Latina-based, we were established on the beauty of diversity. As a result, our sorority has grown to represent a diverse, multicultural membership. We are encouraged to explore our individual histories and share those traditions, customs, and experiences with fellow sisters. In addition, we must take advantage of the opportunities to learn about and celebrate others’ cultures because this is what exemplifies being culturally aware Sigma Lambda Gamma women. Social Interaction One of the benefits of joining Sigma Lambda Gamma is the opportunity to interact with individuals of all backgrounds within and outside of our organization. By joining a sisterhood composed of women from all walks of life, we learn more about the world around us while gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves. The opportunity to network with others outside of our organization exposes us to new experiences and the chance to build academic, professional, and personal support systems. We are able to experience diversity, recognize and appreciate individual differences, and respect one another for who we are. Morals & Ethics As women of distinction, we display good sound judgment, remembering that we represent Sigma Lambda Gamma at all times. We acknowledge that our individual actions reflect not only on our individual values and beliefs, but on the Sorority as a whole. As members of Sigma Lambda Gamma, we are committed to the empowerment of all women through exemplary and admirable leadership. Five Principles & You Every sister is committed to fulfilling our five principles in our daily lives. Please consult your mentor on how you will fulfill each principle throughout your education program.

National Philanthropies Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. supports a variety of charitable organizations as a part of our community service commitment. As a national organization, we are proud to dedicate our philanthropic efforts to: Breast Cancer Awareness and the TRIO programs. Sorority entities conduct and participate in extraordinary programming events that are designed to bring about public awareness and education on these topics. In addition to our national service programs, our organization knows no limits in the quality and innovativeness of seminars and workshops which are facilitated by our membership. Women, children and societal issues serve as a focal point for the programming efforts of our collegiate and alumnae groups. On the regional and local levels, chapters and alumnae associations identify important issues within their respective communities to create a positive change for the next generation. It is our goal to collaborate with many campus organizations and philanthropic groups to share the belief in community service and instill a compassion for the hardships faced within our global family. Breast Cancer Awareness Sigma Lambda Gamma and its member groups actively support the important societal issue of Breast Cancer Awareness. Our support of this cause comes in various avenues: from fundraising campaigns; educational workshops to create awareness; active participation in run/walk events; volunteer participation with organizations; or a combination of these forms. The two primary programs our organization supports in respects to breast cancer awareness include, but are not limited to: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. Trio Programs Sigma Lambda Gamma supports the TRIO programs for its innovative and proactive stance on the continual education of individuals who otherwise would not have been afforded the education or financial assistance to further their education and livelihood. These programs have become stepping stones for many students within our organization and other affiliates who have benefited to identify and continue secondary education. TRIO PROGRAMS – http://trio.utsa.edu/ Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs. While financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. Mission Statement The mission of the council is to advance and defend the ideal of equal educational opportunity in post-secondary education. As such, the focus of the Council is assuring that the least advantaged segments of the American population have a realistic chance to enter and graduate from a post-secondary institution. A secondary purpose of the Council is to provide a voice and a political vehicle for administrators, counselors and teachers who are employed in institutionally-, state- and federally-funded opportunity programs, especially those professionals

with Trio Programs. TRIO programs developed to assist students succeed academically in high school and college education includes: Talent Search; Upward Bound; Upward Bound Science; Veterans Upward Bound; Student Support Services; Educational Opportunity Centers; and the Robert E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement.

Young Women’s Leadership Emotional intelligence is a concept that was first developed in the 1940’s, but became more popular in the early 1990’s. It can be described as having the capacity for recognizing one’s own feelings and those of others, for motivating oneself, and for managing emotions as well as managing relationships. These set of abilities play a large role in how effective one will perform on the job, in education, in leadership positions, and in personal relationships. Sigma Lambda Gamma is developing a young women’s leadership program to be administered and facilitated by Alumnae Associations. The program, Supporting, Learning and Growing (SLG) is designed to encourage adolescent Hispanic/Latina girls to become aware of and increase their emotional intelligence in order to develop basic leadership skills, pursue high academic goals and become change agents in their communities. SLG Young Women’s Leadership Program will be grounded in two principles of emotional intelligence: Self Awareness and Relationship Management. The program is being developed around these two competencies because we want young women to build their self-esteem and their relationships with others--at this very critically developmental age. Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority’s founding principles of Academics, Cultural Awareness, Community Service, Social Interaction and Moral & Ethics are also at the core and the underlying impetus for this program. The SLG Program strives to promote self-awareness, positive self-esteem, resiliency and postsecondary education aspirations within future women leaders of the world.

Emotional Intelligence Initiative In Sigma Lambda Gamma’s continuing effort to become the premier women’s organization, we have launched an educational program for our members based on emotional intelligence. Our attention to emotional intelligence means we are committed to our sisters enhancing their personal and social competencies. Our program encourages members to develop specific skills of emotional intelligence for personal and leadership development. This program is focused on our members addressing the needs of our sisterhood in the most timely and effective way. All women will complete the EI Profile: An Emotional Intelligence SelfAssessment. Based on the results of this self-assessment, our members will have the chance through the academic year to learn more about the nineteen different skills of emotional intelligence. Separate modules are available from the website for presidents to download and facilitate for their chapters, in whatever order is desired. Each module relates back to the topics presented in the self-assessment. Every module presents an opportunity for an in-depth look at one of the 19 competencies. A mixture of hands-on learning experiences are facilitated through these modules, as well as opportunities for reflection, engagement with other sisters, and learning about yourself. The learning that takes place will have both immediate and lifelong impact.

Greek Alphabet









ALPHA (al-fah)

BETA (bay-tah)

GAMMA (gam-ah)

DELTA (del-tah)









ZETA (zay-tah)

ETA (ay-tah)

THETA (thay-tah)







EPSILON (ep-si-lon)

 IOTA (eye-o-tah)

 NU (new)

 RHO (row)

 PHI (fie) or (fee)

KAPPA (cap-ah)

 XI (zie) or (zee)

 SIGMA (sig-mah)

X CHI (kie)

LAMBDA (lamb-dah)

 OMICRON (om-uh-cron)

 TAU (taw)

 PSI (sie)

MU (mew)

 PI (pie)

 UPSILON (oop-si-lon)

 OMEGA (o-may-gah)

Greek Terminology Alumni – (All-encompassing) plural. includes males and females (i.e. alumni association) Alumna – Female graduate of an institution of higher learning Alumnae – Plural form of alumna Alumnus – Male graduate of an institution of higher learning Anchor – The last person in the line (see captain and anchor roles and definition). Captain – The first person in the line (see captain and anchor roles and definition). Chain – The second to last person in the line standing next to the anchor of the line. Deuce – The person next to the captain, the second person in the line. Double Lettering – This is a term used through all councils of Greek organizations and it refers to the policy of not wearing two things with Greek letters simultaneously. In some cases you may also hear “triple lettering.” Examples: wearing a tickie with a letter shirt, or a letter pin over a letter jacket, etc. Dropping Line - To quit the process of becoming a member, most often linked to the member education process. This person is considered an Eternal. G.D.I. - A general, but objectionable term that some Greeks use referring to non-Greeks. (Gosh Darn Individual) Grad - A member of the organization that has graduated from college and continues to stay active with the organization by way of a graduate or alumni chapter. Grad-Graduate-Alumni Chapter - 1) A collective group of graduated members that maintain financial status; 2) The advisory support of the undergraduate chapter. "Greek" - An abbreviated term for a Greek-lettered organization or member. I.F.C. - Interfraternity Council; the governing body for the predominantly white fraternities. Informational-Smoker-Rush - An informal recruitment gathering held by an organization to familiarize people with the members, ideals, and other points of interest. *Note* Non-Greeks should be aware that some Greek members will use functions like these to patronize interested students. Initiated Members – All members who have completed their new member education process. Ism – When you meet a sister from a different chapter or a Greek from another organization and that person has the same line number as you, that person is your “ism,” and if that person has the same line number and same line name, or if you are both captain, anchor, and so forth, you would say that person is your double or triple ism.

**Line Name – Name given to or chosen by an associate member during or after their Member Education Program. The line name should be something that describes the associate members’ personality and/or characteristics. Example: Lisa “Serena” Smith M.I.P. - Membership Intake Process; the process adopted by the NPHC and all of its members in the early 1990's to put an end to dangerous rites of passage (known as hazing) and hazing deaths. *Note* Hazing is illegal in our organizations AND in United States courts of law. Midship – The people who are between the captain and the anchor are considered the midship of the line. NPHC, or "The Pan" - The National Pan-Hellenic Council; the governing body for the nine Historically Black Greek-Letter Organizations (HBGLO). The organization was founded in 1930 and houses fraternities and sororities together. Neo - An abbreviated term for the Greek word Neophyte, meaning beginner. A neophyte is someone who is new to the organization. NPC - National Panhellenic Conference; the governing body for the predominantly white sororities. "Perry" - Two abbreviated terms for paraphernalia. Shirts, paddles, license plates, jewelry, etc. Abbreviations differ regionally. Probate/Coming out show – A presentation of the newest line to the Greek community where the new sisters introduce their ship and themselves individually. **Ships – Sigma Lambda Gamma uses the metaphor of a ship for every line, and each respective line has a ship name that describes the group personality as a whole, while reflecting some aspect of their Member Education Program. Example: “Las Primeras”

**The meaning and symbolism behind the ship name and line name should only be revealed to other initiated sisters, and should otherwise be kept sacred from others outside of the Sisterhood.

Parliamentary Procedure Basic Guidelines Parliamentary procedure is a set of adaptable rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions in an orderly manner and without confusion. Today, Robert's Rules of Order newly revised is the basic handbook of operation for most clubs, organizations and other groups. Using Robert’s Rules of Order at meetings helps establish a formal environment in which business can be conducted without distraction. There are many levels of formality that can be implemented, however if your chapter is small, something too formal can prove to be more tedious then helpful. Quick Lesson in Robert’s Rules: To do this:

You say:

Make a motion

"I move that (or to)…"

Commonly deals with: Noise or temperature level in assembly Enforce rules or decorum of an individual

"Point of personal privilege" or "Question of Privilege" "Point of Order"

Get clarification on point being discussed

"Point of information"

End discussion / debate*

"Call to Question"

Close the meeting

"I move to adjourn…"

*This is usually said when a motion is being debated and some one wants to end the debate and vote on the proposed motion. If someone objects, then the debate continues.

Handling a Motion Basic Procedure 1. Obtaining and Assigning the Floor a. A member rises when no one else has the floor and addresses the Chair by their proper title. i. In a large assembly, the member gives name and identification. (i.e. Juana Jimenez, Kappa Kappa chapter) ii. The member remains standing and waits for recognition by the Chair. b. The Chair recognizes the member by announcing the name and identification or simply by nodding. (i.e. “Chair recognizes Juana Jimenez of Kappa Kappa chapter.”) 2. Bringing a Motion Before the Assembly a. A member makes a motion: “I move (or motion) that (or to) …” b. Another member seconds the motion: “I second the motion” or “second.” c. The Chair states the motion: “It has been moved and seconded that (or to) …”

3. Consideration of the Motion a. Members can debate/discuss the motion (unless the motion is not debatable). i. Before debate, members obtain the floor as stated above. b. Order of Debate period: i. The member who made the motion. ii. The member who seconded the motion. iii. Any member who has not yet spoken for the first time. iv. All discussion must be addressed to the Chair. v. Debate must be confined to the current motion. vi. Debate can only be closed by order of the assembly (2/3 vote) or by the Chair if no one seeks the floor for more debate. (i.e. “Call to Question”) c. The Chair puts the question to a vote. i. The Chair asks: “Is there any more debate?” 1. If no one claims the floor, the vote proceeds. ii. The Chair repeats the current question and says: “Those in favor please say: ‘Aye’; those opposed, please say: ‘Nay’.” iii. The Chair announces the result of the vote: “In the opinion of the Chair, the motion [passes/fails depending on the outcome]”

Parliamentary Procedure Glossary of Terms Abstention -

Refrain from voting either in favor or against a motion. Members are not obligated to vote and no official record of an abstention is taken unless specifically requested.

Agenda -

A list of business items to be discussed during a meeting.

Call to Question -

The purpose of this motion is to stop debate immediately and take the vote. This motion requires a second and the vote must be twothirds in the affirmative to close the debate.

Chair -

The term refers to the person in a meeting who is actually presiding at any given time, whether that person is the regular presiding officer or not. The chair has no voting privileges, only in the case of tie.

Division of the Question - Parliamentary term used to divide a stated motion that has several topics that can stand as separate motions. Minutes -

A written record of business decided at a meeting. Minutes are kept for the permanent record of the organization and provided to each member for review.

Motion -

A proposal moved by a member, for the general assembly to do something, or order something to be done, or to express an opinion with regard to a matter. In order to be placed before the general assembly for consideration and discussion, a motion must be moved by one person and seconded by another person. Motions are stated in the positive form.

Point of Information -

This term describes an inquiry which asks for information about the subject being discussed. Inquiry is always directed to, or through, the chair. If the chair does not know the answer, the chair can direct the inquiry to another member.

Point of Order -

A Point of Order may be called when a member thinks that the rules of the assembly are being violated or when improper behavior is shown; thereby calling upon the chair for a ruling and an enforcement of the regular rules. This must be raised promptly at the time the violation occurs.

Proxy -

This term describes a person who is authorized to vote on behalf of another who is not present. Voting by proxy is not permitted unless stated in the bylaws. Note: Robert’s Rules indicates that most organizations should not use proxy voting.

Question of Privilege -

Permits a member to make a request or a motion relating to the rights and privileges of the assembly or an individual member and to consider it immediately, while other business is pending.

Quorum -

Denotes the number of members necessary to constitute a meeting of the general assembly, usually it is a majority of the members. The purpose of a recess is to take a short intermission and then resume business where the members left off. For example, a recess is used for counting ballots when much time is required.

Recess -

Resolution -

A motion adopted by the general assembly in order to make a declaration of opinion or purpose. A resolution does not always require that any action be taken.

Unanimous consent -

This method is used in cases where there seems to be no opposition in routine business or on questions of little importance. Under these conditions, the method of unanimous consent, can be used either to adopt a motion without the steps of stating the question and putting the motion to a formal vote, or it can be used to take action without even the formality of a motion.

The American Fraternity By: Betty Mullins Jones, Alpha Phi Fraternities are uniquely American. Although European schools have clubs and societies, nothing parallel to the American fraternity system exists elsewhere. The first fraternity was begun at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, on December 5, 1776, when a group of students formed a secret society which they called Phi Beta Kappa, after the first initials of their Greek motto: “Love of wisdom, the guide of life.” Phi Beta Kappa existed as a social group for the first 50 years of its life, and chapters were established at other schools, including Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth. It did not become the scholastic honor society we know today until after the anti-Masonic and anti-secret-society agitation of the 1820s. But Phi Beta Kappa set the tone and instituted many of the characteristics which are considered “typical” of fraternities: a Greek-letter name, a Greek motto, an oath of secrecy, a badge, a ritual, a seal, and a secret grip or handshake. (Undoubtedly the Greek motto and Greek name arose from the fact that all these students studied Greek as an academic requirement.) Other groups that were founded shortly thereafter emulated the characteristics of Phi Beta Kappa in most respects, and fraternity chapters were established at many of our early colleges. Of the 63 men’s fraternities that are now members of the National Interfraternity Conference, 36 were founded in the 19th century. Education in the 18th and 19th centuries was rigid, structured, and dogmatic. Fraternities filled a need in the lies of these young students by providing friendships and recreation. Although clubs, particularly literary societies, flourished at this time, most of them were too large and too specialized to provide variety and to foster close friendships.

When young women were finally admitted to what had previously been all-male colleges, they too wanted “something of their own.” Consequently, after the Civil War several women’s fraternities appeared within a few months of each other. I. C. Sorosis (coined from the Latin word “soror” meaning “sister”) was patterned after the men’s groups and was established at Monmouth College in Illinois on April 28, 1867. It later took the name Pi Beta Phi, after the initials of its secret motto. Kappa Kappa Gamma followed I. C. Sorosis at Monmouth in March 1870, but Kappa Alpha Theta was founded as the first Greek-letter woman’s fraternity on January 27, 1870, at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. At about the same time, and without any prior knowledge of the existence of the others, Alpha Phi was founded at Syracuse University in New York in September 1872, and Delta Gamma was founded at Lewis School in Mississippi in December 1873. All of these groups were incorporated as “women’s fraternities,” because at that time the word “sorority” did not exist. This term was created for Gamma Phi Beta in 1874 because their advisor, a professor of Latin at Syracuse University, thought the term “fraternity” ill-advised for a group of young ladies. By the turn of the century, ten women’s fraternities had established themselves as national groups, and in 1902 they organized what in now called the National Panhellinic Conference. Today the conference has 26 member groups. In 1909, 26 men’s groups founded the National Interfraternity Conference, and it now has a membership of 63 general fraternities. Not all of these fraternities are designated by Greek names, exceptions being Acacia, FarmHouse, and Triangle. In 1930, eight national Greek-latter sororities and fraternities united to form the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Five of these

traditionally black groups were founded at Howard University: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1908, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1913, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 193, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1914, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1911. The remaining sorority in the council, Sigma Gamma Rho, was founded in Indianapolis in 1922 and grated its first collegiate charter at Butler University in 1929. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was founded at Indiana University in 1911, and the oldest NPHC fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, was founded at Cornell in 1906. American fraternities were created as social organizations, and they retain this characteristic to the present day. Even the so-called “professional” societies, which select their members from a particular discipline, have a distinct social function. But in the middle of the 19th century, a change occurred on the American campus that caused fraternities to acquire a secondary characteristic: the fraternity house. Because of many factors and circumstances (most of them economical), a number of schools ere unable to maintain housing for their students. Consequently, campuses were ringed with boarding houses where students secured their own lodging and meals. By this time many chapters had grown too large to meet in a student’s room and had started renting halls. And in 1854, at the University of Michigan, Chi Psi built a 20- by 14 foot log cabin in which to hold its meetings. So the students’ reaction to this double need—for meeting rooms and for living quarters—was to lease, and finally to build, their own homes. Thus evolved the fraternity house and the substitution of the word “house” for the word “chapter,” as in, “What house do you belong to?” This expression is common today even on campuses where there are no housed chapters. The effects of going into the housing business have been many and varied.

Owning and maintaining property required the cooperation of the alumni and alumnae, many of whom in the past had simply graduated and disappeared. Now they became involved with the management of the chapters, which indirectly benefited the colleges by keeping alumni and alumnae interested in the school. Likewise, private ownership of these houses relieved many schools of the financial burden of building dormitories. In fact, this willingness on the part of sororities and fraternities to assume responsibility for housing has gradually led to many arrangements on the part of the institutions, such as “leased land” agreements, whereby the school owns the land and the fraternity constructs the building. But the change from being a group that “met” together to being a group that “lived” together was a real tuning point in the fraternity movement. It altered the entire concept of fraternity—with all its advantages and disadvantages. It strengthened unity, discipline, activities, and friendships. On some campuses the fraternities fostered the extracurricular activities, such as athletics, the newspaper, homecoming, and school dances. Many colleges concerned themselves solely with the educational process and took no responsibility for the other facts of student life. It is estimated at present that only 60 to 70 percent of our fraternities and sororities live in their own houses—either leased or owned. The rest have lodges or suites or rent meeting room. But the spirit of unity engendered by the “house” concept is evident even with unhoused chapters. From the earliest days of the fraternity movement, rivalry among the groups to pledge members led to excesses in “rushing” practices, and finally to charges of exclusiveness and snobbery, resulting in several legal disputes regarding the right of fraternities to exist. Beginning in the late 1870s, several schools passed antifraternity rulings and some state legislatures prohibited fraternities in state institutions.

Litigation, in various forms, has persisted to the present time, although the charges have gradually shifted from “secret societies” to “discrimination.” Beginning at the close of World War II, when fraternities experienced a decided rise in popularity, many educators expressed the opinion that restrictions in membership based on race, color, or creed had no place on the campus. As private organizations, fraternities maintained their right to select their own members, but several federal commissions and acts of congress threatened fraternal rights, and the campus upheavals of the 1960s led to a serious decline in fraternity membership. Although Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibiting sec discrimination in the schools was amended in 1974 to exempt membership practices of social fraternities, many schools demanded that discrimination based on race, color, or creed by discontinued if the fraternity were allowed to remain on the campus. Many groups founded along religious beliefs were adversely affected by these demands. Nevertheless, such restrictions have been eliminated, although membership selection is still the privilege of the individual chapters. The “national” character of fraternities (and many of them are “international” with chapters in Canada) evolved gradually. Before the Civil War, as a rule chapters were independent and did as they please. In fact, it was common for a chapter at one school to establish a chapter at another school and not even bother to inform the rest of the fraternity. But gradually authority for the “government” of the groups was vested in convention—usually a type of reunion—and one chapter would be designated as the “Grand” or “Presiding” chapter, to be responsible for information. Sometime in the 1870s fraternities began to elect national officers, a practice imitated from their beginning by the sororities. After the turn of the century, one by one the groups established national offices. Many now own their own buildings.

Although sororities patterned themselves after fraternities, and their structure is parallel, there are tremendous differences between sororities and fraternities. And, yes, it begins with differences between the sexes. Men’s fraternities, generally, have followed a “laisez-faire” or “free enterprise” philosophy. The national organization tends to allow the chapters to run their own affairs as much as possible. The national offices are run by paid professionals who supervise a staff of paid professionals who oversee the chapters. There are, of course, volunteer advisors to the chapters and volunteer house corporation boards, but the men’s groups do not have a tradition of constant supervision, which characterizes the typical sorority chapter. Sororities are managed with a somewhat “maternal” philosophy. Each chapter has a board of alumnae advisors—all volunteers— that supervises the chapters and is directly responsible to the national organization. The national officers, also volunteers, supervise the various departments of the sorority. There is not a “fault” on either side; it is merely the difference between the men’s philosophy and the women’s. When the National Pan-Hellenic Conference was formed in 1902, the first thing the ladies did was draw up agreements—practical statements of fair play—that no one would belong to more than one group, that a pledge was binding for a specified period, that no one would be pledged before she was enrolled in college, and so on. The men’s groups had no such agreements and felt no need for such strict observances. Fraternities and sororities were created by students to fill a void in their lives—to foster friendships, to encourage sociability, to provide an outlet for free expression. Few students looked upon them then—or look upon them not—as agents for philanthropy, as instruments for self-improvement, or as training in leadership. And yet that is what they have become through the friendships,

the sociability, and the free expression. Because a student must attain a satisfactory academic average before initiation, attention to scholarship is emphasized. The chapter provides an excellent laboratory for leadership training because chapter affairs demand responsibility. Currently all groups are going through a period of intense self-appraisal. All associations connected with fraternity management—NIC, NPC, FEA, NPHC, and AFA among them—are demanding an end to hazing and irresponsible social behavior. Although this will not be achieved overnight, signs of improvement are evident. Some colleges and universities have threatened to eliminate the fraternity system. Some have already done so. And many national groups have expelled or put

on probation chapters that have not observed proper standards. But these young people are human beings, and the human animal has always sought companionship, preferably with those who are congenial. If the fraternity system were eliminated today, tomorrow something would rise to take its place. And it would rise without 200 years of tradition to mold it, without strong national organizations to supervise it, and without the intense loyalties which have perpetuated fraternities. The American college and university would be bereft of its most unique institutions—the fraternity—which has grown and developed by the side of American education.

¡Adelante Hacia El Futuro! “Forward to the Future” Latino/Latina Students: Past, Present and Future Monica Lee Miranda, Director of Greek Affairs, University of Rochester Michelle Martin de Figueroa, Program Coordinator for Greek and Student Organizations, Pittsburg State University (Kansas)

Latino Culture had been a vibrant part of life in the Western hemisphere long before the arrival of Columbus and the first Europeans to our shores in 1492. With advanced civilizations in the Southwestern and Southeastern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America, indigenous groups provided the cultural base for today’s Latino population. From these early cultures today’s Latino/Latina communities draw strength and pride. This is reflected today on college campuses with the growth and diversity of student organizations that promote and celebrate Latino culture. During the 1940s and 1950s many young Latinos/Latinas turned to institutions of higher learning for their education and the ability to create a better future for themselves and their families. Many of these new students were men returning from service in World War II

and the Korean War, so they were able to use the Army G.I. Bill to attend college. The demands of college life created a unique set of priorities and needs for Latino students. Many of these centered around the importance of family and family life, language, religion, and the ability to retain one’s own cultural identity yet also be an American. University administrators and officials, faced with this new facet of student diversity, were not always equipped to provide the services, support, and tools necessary to assist Latino students as they adapted to collegiate life. Out of this void, Latino/Latina students on campuses joined predominately Caucasian organizations. Scanning a collegiate yearbook during this time period shows that Latino men and women looked for companionship, a sense of family, belonging, and an outlet for service and scholarship just like other students on campus. This need translated into Latinos and Latinas

joining fraternal organizations as well. However meaningful fraternity/sorority life was to these early Latino/Latina members, the cultural heritage and richness of their lives was not always embraced or understood within their chapters. With the dawning of the 1960s, an increased political awareness came to campuses across the nation. Fueled by the vision of a young, vibrant John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his administration, Latinos/Latinas, Native Americans, and African Americans embarked upon the battle for full equality under the law. The Civil Rights Movement brought awareness to the issues facing members of the various “minority” communities on college campuses. Escalation of the Vietnam War, the formation of the United Farm Workers Union and the death of noted Los Angeles journalist Ruben Salazar. Latino/Latina students found themselves asking where they fit into American culture and campus life. The answer for many of these students was to form socio-political organizations that catered to their cultural and social needs. During the 1970s, their activity and visibility on campuses reflected the boom in Latino/Latina student enrollment. With an emphasis on celebrating one’s cultural heritage, political activism, pride in one’s self and family, and the need for acceptance, organizations began to flourish on campuses providing an outlet for Latino/Latina students. As the 1980s began, Latino and Latina students from outside the U.S. began to arrive at colleges and universities in greater numbers. This emphasized the need for additional and varied Latino/Latina organizations. Politically, the 1980s were also a time of conservatism in the U.S. Issues concerning immigration, trade, and “English Only” began to creep into collegiate life. Once again, culturally based Latino and Latina organizations played a vital role in providing a place for the free expression of one’s culture; a

place that provided support and a sense of family. As in previous decades, Latinos/Latinas looked to fraternity and sorority life to fill some of these needs. An over-riding sense of wanting to belong, wanting to be American, and also wanting to celebrate one’s heritage with pride created tensions for many that looked to fraternity/sorority life for these answers. Latino/Latina life carried with it many stereotypes and issues not found in mainstream American culture. This desire to be a part of mainstream culture, yet preserve one’s own heritage, gave birth to the Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities, and subsequently the governing councils that are evolving today. From the founding of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in 1931 (originally as La Union Hispano Americano in 1898) to Lambda Theta Alpha in 1975, the goals and founding principles of Latino/Latina fraternal organizations serve four primary purposes:    

Advance Latino/Hispanic Cultural Awareness Advocate for Latino/Hispanic Goals Provide a Family Atmosphere at a College or University Campus Solidify the Latino/Hispanic Population

Although each Latino/Latina organization accomplishes these goals differently, they all provide students with the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of fraternal life as well as embrace and celebrate one’s cultural richness. Each organization has its own unique character and qualities that makes it different from other groups. By providing a diversity of experience for a new generation of Latino/Latina members, these organizations are moving students adelante hacia el futuro! The proliferation of Latino fraternal organizations across the country during the 1980s created a similar desire to be part of mainstream culture (without losing their own) that prompted the foundation of many of these

organizations. The desire, however, was a collective one as these students wanted to be a part of the larger fraternity/sorority community but were not accepted. The groups were different. Their purposes and goals were oriented towards the Latino/Latina culture. They did not fit the mold of the traditional, already established, and nationally recognized fraternities or sororities. The rules and regulations of the national entities did not serve the Latino-oriented organizations. However, their programs were very similar to those of NPC, NPHC, and NIC groups-all having community service, educational and social programming at their core. The difference was that they added a dedication to cultural programming. As in the ‘60s and ‘70s when the visions of finding their place among American culture was being fostered, the 1990s brought to fruition the council that spearheaded what would take Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities to the next level; still reaching toward the future. A local vision in 1990 at the University of Albany, State University of New York, by members of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc, and Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., spearheaded the creation of the Latino Greek Lettered Association (re-named the Latino Greek Council 1991-otherwise known as CNHL). This local vision set the pace for national collaboration in years to follow. Recognizing their similarities of purpose and the fact that collaboration with their peer organizations could facilitate a cross-national path to success, we began to see much activity on a national level. Throughout the years there have been various meetings coordinated in efforts to provide that forum-that entity for national collaboration and action. One of the results of this national collaboration is the National Association for Latino Fraternal Organizations, Inc. (NALFO). NALFO arose from the need for greater communication and unity among Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities. In March 1998, advocates for a national network for Latino fraternal

organizations gathered at DePaul University in Chicago to establish an organization that would create a sense of family among these groups. Representatives from more than a dozen Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities set an aggressive agenda and appointed a Pro-Tem Board to implement specific action items. The officers coordinated four meetings over the course of the year to reach out to fellow Latino/Latina fraternity and sorority members; to raise issues of mutual concern and to move forward with the formation of this new umbrella organization. By January 1999, at the Denver Summit, NALFO had accomplished twenty of the twenty-two items on the initial agenda. This included the recruitment of new members, ratification of the NALFO Bylaws and Constitution, and the election of its first Board of Directors who were responsible for leading the umbrella organization through the next stages of development. “When we met at DePaul University, nothing bound us together except a vision for an organization that would ‘promote and foster positive interfraternal relations, communication, and development of all Latino Fraternal organizations through mutual respect, leadership, honesty, professionalism and education.’ That vision is now a reality; it is NALFO. As NALFO’s first year in full operation ends, we take pride in our many accomplishments look forward to many more.” -Aimee Thorne-Thomsen, NALFO Chair At the conclusion of the Denver Summit in 1999, the NALFO membership again set an ambitious agenda for the Board of Directors. In order for the organization to prosper, it was crucial that the Board lay a strong foundation by attending to matters such as filing for incorporation and developing a budget. As of August 1999, NALFO was recognized as a domestic non-profit organization in the state of Connecticut. In time for the first National Convention in Davis, CA, the Director of Finance presented the first budget to the membership which included a thorough

analysis of current operating costs and projections for the financial future of NALFO. The subsequent mandate from the membership consisted of twenty action items which the NALFO Board, as of their Second National Convention (NYC 2000), had completed seventeen of them. Promoting unity by reaching out to all members of the Latino/Latina fraternity/sorority community and encouraging their participation in the many national initiatives and programs available is important to everyone. It is an integral part of the mission of NALFO. For this reason, continuing to develop working relationships with their colleagues in the Concilio Nacional de Hermandades Latinas (CNHL), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), and North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is also a primary agenda item. One example of this is the Exploratory Committee between CNHL and NALFO. During the spring of 1999, NALFO was approached by the Executive Board of the CNHL to discuss the possibilities of forming one umbrella organization. The CNHL was invited to attend the Chicago Summit and time was reserved during the day to consider such proposals. Though important discussion took place, it was clear that more time needed to be allotted to this matter. In order to better address the differences between the two organizations and analyze the feasibility of uniting under one umbrella, they established the NALFO/CNHL Exploratory committee. Its purpose was to discuss and lay out a plan of action for the unification of NALFO and CNHL to be presented at the National Convention in Davis, CA. While the membership accepted the findings of the Committee, the action items were not. The committee has since been meeting to examine all the possibilities of unification as well as the consequences of taking any course of action. The committee will be submitting a proposal for the membership to review at the Tempe convention.

When these groups came together to realize a collective vision, it remained important to the success of all Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities to keep the focus on those primary goals of the individual organizations involved. The need to address these goals and continue to educate on the topics affecting the Latino/Latina and overall fraternity and sorority community became the basis of these summits and national conventions. In April of 2000, the second NALFO Convention brought together leaders of both the NALFO and CNHL as well as their membership. Several topics of interest were discussed regarding the status of Latino Greek Lettered Organizations (LGLOs) across the nation through the theme of “Defining our own Future”. It was a momentous occasion for all Latino/Latina fraternal organizations, as the weekend was opened with a keynote from Cassandra Black, National President of the NPHC. Throughout the weekend, programs entitled Scholarship, Risk Management, Chapter Finances, The Digital Divide, Life After College, Latino Student Leadership, and Creating Change in our Communities were offered. The convention provided members and guests a forum to discuss pressing issues and offer creative solutions. The weekend ended with the unveiling of the NALFO SCHOLARS PROGRAM, a combined effort of the NALFO and two corporate sponsors. This program includes the P. L. U. S. Award (Pride, Leadership, Unity, and Scholarship) for one $1,000 undergraduate scholarship for the next five years sponsored by Preferred Greek jewelry, and the Premio de Excelencia (Excellence Award) for two $500 graduate scholarships sponsored by Latinflava.com. These current discussions and groundbreaking events will be the basis of the future of all Latino/Latina fraternal organizations as they look to achieve the goals set forth by their founders, as well as the steps undertaken by those first Latinos/Latinas as they entered the gates of universities across the nation.

The outlook for Latino and Latina fraternity/sorority members rests partly on the future of Latinos in the United States and abroad. Being the largest “minority” group in America will bring to the forefront more items on our nation’s agenda. The purposes of these organizations will allow for many opportunities to utilize these agenda items and bring them to a student arena, as well as empower the organizations to continue to recognize the strength provided by collaboration. The success of these organizations rests in their dedication to the original purposes. It is when one gets away from the original goals that risk becomes a factor. It is up to the leaders of these organizations to remember their history of perseverance and achievement, and to work with their membership to continue that achievement into the future. Student Affairs professionals who work with these students can lay an important role in providing assistance to organizations on a local level. Think of what those students wanted in the ‘40s, in the ‘50s, and now in the new millennium...a voice...a sense of family...a

place where they belong...an outlet of service and scholarship just like other students on campus. Latino/Latina fraternal organizations provide for that. The students that created these groups are no different from their ancestors that created the initial student organizations to give a voice to the Latino population in a collegiate atmosphere and in the community. Those students chartered the past, Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities are chartering the future. Although primarily young in their stages of development, their incredible strides in the past few years will give rise to the meaning for all Latinos and Latinas of ADELANTE HACIA EL FUTURO!

Monica Lee Miranda is the Director of Greek Affairs at the University of Rochester. Michelle Martin de Figueroa is the Program coordinator for Greek and Student Organizations at Pittsburg State University located in Kansas. Both are proud members of Latina Sororities.