Being part of a sorority is pretty amazing, but there may be times and seasons for you to be more involved than others. The great thing about Divine Nine sororities is that, unlike some other organizations, they’re for keeps.
When I crossed the Burning Sandz in college in my DST shirt in 2006, I knew I was doing something that would last. It would not only elevate my college experience, but it would continue to be a huge part of my daily life and legacy as an alumnus.
The main thing to remember is that if you can’t be a fully participating member in every part of your life, you don’t have to relinquish your membership. If you need to step away for a season due to time or financial constraints, you can do so with the flexibility to celebrate your sisterhood again as soon as you are ready.
Here are some reasons people may pull back from full involvement in a sorority:
- Financial Constraints
It’s true that your DST clutch would be fuller if you weren’t paying chapter dues and some of the other costs associated with your sorority membership (regional conferences, membership retreats, national conventions/boules, membership training, etc.).
If you find yourself in a pinch financially and cannot pay your dues, your membership is not terminated; you will be considered inactive. When you are financially able to do so, become active again.
- Time Constraints
Being a sorority sister is a significant time commitment. You’ll be attending events with your sisters, learning about your chapter’s history, rehearsing for step shows, planning parties, and serving in your community. Post-graduation, the social activities and service opportunities will continue.
It’s a beautiful way to connect and give back. You’ll be surrounded by sisters who can help you through the hard times, so if you’re struggling, it may be best to lean in rather than pull away. But if you absolutely find that your time is too tight for participation, you can step back without penalty and get active again when you’re ready.
Why Stay?
Those who aren’t fully immersed in Divine Nine culture may wonder why people are willing to pay the price to be a part of it. Even as a sorority member, you may have days when you wonder why you joined and if you can keep it up with all that’s going on in your life. Here’s a quick reminder of why it’s worth it.
-
Friendships
Meeting like-minded friends in college can be hard. A Divine Nine sorority can do the sifting for you, quickly leading you to other bright, high-achieving, outward-focused women. Meeting friends after college can arguably be even harder, but you’ll have done the legwork in college so that you’re always be surrounded by “your people.”
Because Divine Nine members know that their sorority is a lifelong journey, something magical happens. They’re more willing to invest time in relationships than they would be with, say, that girl in English class who they will probably never see again post-graduation. It’s a family; you’ll be in contact for life. Because of that, you’re more apt to see past each other’s weaknesses and care for each other unconditionally.
A sorority won’t just bring you acquaintances; it will bring you true-blue friends who’ll be with you for the long haul.
-
A Big Network
Both during college and after, having a big network can help connect you with opportunities for personal, educational, and professional growth. Multiply your sorority sisters by all of the people they know, and you have yourself a thriving network of peers, mentors, and colleagues.
-
Service Opportunities
You likely joined a sorority because you have a heart for service. Being a soror sets you up for many great opportunities to give back to your community. If you step away, you are stepping away from participating in those programs, too. You may have more flexibility to spend your time volunteering wherever you want, but it can be more difficult to get the motivation or to find the right avenues when you aren’t part of a larger organization. The best intentions can fall flat without ready-made opportunities.
-
Events
The dances, brunches, performances, retreats, picnics…they add so much sparkle to life. Sure, they take some time, but life is much richer with these experiences.
You’re Needed
Only you can decide whether or not you should step away for a season, but remember that when you do, your contribution will be greatly missed. You are an integral part of your Divine Nine sorority. You connect in special ways with certain members and bring your unique talents to each project and event. Your absence will be felt.
Before You Go
Before you hang up your DST bomber jacket, look at the big picture. Only you can make the final decision, but don’t leave your sisters out of the process. If finances are an issue, talk to your chapter leadership about payment options. If time is an issue, your sisters may be able to support you and lighten your load. You’re all in this together.
