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It blows my mind how often I still hear IFC or Panhellenic officers say, "We invite the NPHC to do things with us, but they don't want to!" Let's get this straight, once and for all. It's not about inviting the Black Greeks to things. If you truly want a more cooperative relationship among your diverse councils, it's about sitting down with a clean slate and starting from square one. It's about asking, "What things could we do together that would be meaningful and appealing to all of our organizations?"
Also, get out of that IFC and Panhellenic mentality that any activity you do has to involve thousands of people. You could have a very meaningful activity with a few leaders from each of the councils. You don't have to jam 1,000 people into a room to have a leadership experience that's worthwhile. Start thinking "efficient and meaningful" instead of "large, loud, and well attended."
Put yourself in the shoes of a Black Greek organization leader. When your organization has fewer than 10 members, you need everyone pitching in to make the organization work. So, priorities have to be chosen carefully. The number one challenge NPHC student leaders tell me they have is getting their members to step up after crossing over (joining as an initiated member). When you have four members, every person's participation makes the difference between a successful year and a weak one.
As an IFC or Panhellenic leader, you might have dozens or hundreds of people that you can get to some random event. This is not possible for an NPHC leader. Each of their members is already overtaxed with duties and obligations. Come to the table with that understanding and respect for the nature of their organizations, and you'll make some progress this year.
20 people from different councils coming together for a service project one morning on campus could be wonderful. Perhaps you could form a joint committee of 6-8 people to make a presentation to the alumni association about the future of Greek Life. The possibilities are endless.
But, if your idea of working with the Black Greeks is to invite them to field a team at your Greek Olympics, you're way off the mark. It's not about getting invited to their step shows.
It's about working with them from SQUARE ONE and finding something that is worth everyone's time and that fits with the demands of the daily life of all of your organizations.
Photo is of the NPHC officers at Oklahoma, by the way. Thanks, Sooners.
