A Sisterhood Built on Inclusivity
Author: Hannah C. Editor: Grace C.
Sisterhood is a meaningful aspect of sorority membership that often draws young women to join the Panhellenic community. At the Gamma Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, sisters recognize and uphold the importance of a sisterhood built on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In September, Alpha Gamma Delta hosted “Waffles and Wonder Woman:” an event meant to foster sisterhood and bring awareness to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At “Waffles and Wonder Woman,” Alpha Gam sisters viewed the film “Wonder Woman” and facilitated a discussion surrounding feminism and women’s presence (or lack thereof) in film.
Kassidy B., Director of Sisterhood; (Recruitment counselor), Vice President of Chapter Wellness; and Elizabeth C., Director of Communications facilitated “Waffles and Wonder Woman” to discuss inclusivity within their chapter.
“Waffles and Wonder Woman” was inspired by Kassidy B.’s personal connection to Wonder Woman. “Growing up, Wonder Woman was super important to me,” says Kassidy. “We don’t see a lot of female superheroes, but Wonder Woman showed me that women are powerful.” By sharing the film with her sisters, Kassidy hopes to empower them with a “strong female lead.”
According to (Recruitment counselor), movie nights and discussions are not uncommon at Alpha Gam. For several semesters, the chapter has held movie nights for their sisters and facilitated discussions about racism, homophobia, and other barriers to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although these events are fun, Alpha Gam extends their DEI efforts beyond interesting sisterhood events. Through frequent chapter-wide meetings, Alpha Gam members are taught about various topics, such as performative activism and cultural appropriation, to increase their awareness about issues and work to promote inclusivity within their sorority and the Florida State community at large.
As a queer woman, Elizabeth shares her personal experience as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. “I was very afraid coming into fraternity and sorority life,” Elizabeth C. states. “But the sisters here have made me feel so welcome and included.”
She believes that inclusivity is fostered on a “sister-to-sister basis” through daily interactions, but she also notes that chapter-wide efforts have helped increase diversity and equity within the chapter. In addition to events like “Waffles and Wonder Woman” and educational opportunities, Elizabeth appreciates the use of inclusive language, such as referring to significant others as “partners,” rather than exclusively “boyfriends,” at Chapter meetings. Although this may seem like a small considerate act, Elizabeth believes that inclusive language increases inclusivity and fosters a welcoming and kind environment within the chapter.
Although each member of Alpha Gam is bonded under sisterhood, Elizabeth confirms that each sister has distinct life experiences. By acknowledging her sisters’ differences, she believes she can “use her privilege” for good.
“I’m not going to have the same experience as one of our hispanic or black sisters, but I can still use my voice and make them feel welcome in this environment,” says Elizabeth. At Alpha Gam, intentional efforts towards increasing inclusivity can make all the difference.
By leading productive conversation, fostering inclusivity through daily interactions, and being intentional with their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta have created an inclusive sisterhood where differences are not only accepted, but they are celebrated.