SO, YOU WANT TO BE A DELTA...

∆    Why do you want to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta? I will not tell you what your answer should be, since each person will have her own reasons... but this is something that you must SERIOUSLY consider. It is not sufficient to say that you want to be a Delta in order to emulate your mother, aunt, sister, teacher, etc...ESPECIALLY if that person has not remained active with Delta.

∆    How much do you know about Delta? DO YOUR RESEARCH! Why would you want to be a part of an organization you know little or nothing about? A good resource is In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement, a book written by Soror Paula Giddings and published in 1988.

∆    What do you bring to Delta? What are your assets? What kind of public service have you done on your own? Delta is a public service sorority. You'll find Deltas active in NOW, UNCF, NAACP, NCNW, Urban League, Links, Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts, and a host of other organizations. As a matter fact, if you're interested in Delta, the best way to get to know Deltas is for you to get active in some of the other organizations that we are active in. We will notice your work and consider you an asset to Delta.

∆    How do you act at the Rush? Treat it like a JOB INTERVIEW! It's really very similar. You want to show off your best qualities and you've got a short time to do it. Make it count. Don't be overbearing, but it's not wise to appear aloof, either. Be friendly and show genuine interest. Ask questions, but not those that you already know the answer to or ones that have obvious answers. If you see a Delta there who you know from some other part of your life, make sure you make contact with her and let her know where you know her from.

∆    You cannot pledge during summer school. Delta chapters don't have membership intake during summer school sessions. 

∆    Can you pledge an undergraduate chapter if you are still at that school pursuing a graduate degree? NO. Once you have received a bachelors degree (or met all requirements for one), you no longer qualify for undergraduate membership. You must be invited (YES, INVITED) to join an alumnae chapter.

∆    Undergraduates who barely have the minimum 2.75 GPA to pledge should work on their grades prior to considering membership. Delta's founders were SCHOLARS. If you have a low GPA - channel your energy into raising it!

∆    In your zeal to be a Delta, please remember not to be too overbearing. Although some Deltas love to be pampered with attention by prospectives, most of us do not want to be bothered with prospectives who seem to be "brown-nosing". If you're constantly contacting a Delta and she doesn't reciprocate - BACK OFF - you're probably getting on her nerves. If what you're after is a letter of recommendation, you DO NOT want to get on her nerves! An occasional call is fine, but don't give the impression that you are desperate...even if you ARE!

∆    If you are afraid to let Deltas know that you are interested in membership intake, go about your business, doing your public service and (for undergrads) keeping your grades up. I wouldn't advise "kissing up" to Deltas... it makes you look bad... then when a rush activity is announced, attend, get an application, apply, and let the chips fall where they may. Let your credentials speak for themselves - but be sure your credentials are in order!

∆    If you do not know a Delta, YOU'RE NOT DOING ENOUGH PUBLIC SERVICE! Get out there and work in your community and you will surely meet one. It also wouldn't hurt to attend any public Delta functions that you can.

∆    You will need to submit a letter of recommendation from a FINANCIALLY active Delta. If she does not know you well, she cannot write this letter for you, so please don't ask a Delta you barely know to recommend you! How well should she know you? Well enough for her to leave her children with you - or leave you alone with her husband - or give you a key to her home or car. Deltas are SISTERS, remember. The letter should be written by someone who, by her own Delta activity, exhibits her own commitment to Delta. Its fine for collegiate Deltas to write letters for their peers, but letters of recommendation for alumnae chapter candidates should NOT be written by collegiate Deltas, since collegiate Deltas haven't experienced alumnae membership. If you can't get a letter of recommendation from a Delta, you do NOT qualify for membership... and if she's related to you, she CANNOT write a letter of recommendation for you.

∆    I cannot stress this point enough... IF YOU DO NOT KNOW A FINANCIAL DELTA, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN DELTA. PERIOD. All of your other "qualifications" are a moot issue if you don't have a letter of recommendation.

∆    How much are dues? What does the membership intake process consist of? How long does it take? You'll be given this information when you attend a RUSH... Until then, you really don't need to know.

∆    Guess what? Just because you meet the minimum requirements for membership (GPA, public service, recommendations, etc.) doesn't mean you'll be selected! Surprised? Don't be... Every Delta in the chapter that you apply to has a vote - and you must get a majority of those votes. If you don't get a majority, you will NOT be selected...plain and simple. Delta is a MEMBERSHIP organization - you don't just AUTOMATICALLY get in and why would you want to be in a chapter where the majority of the members don't want you as a member?

∆    There is no age limit for Delta membership. If you are still able to do public service, you are not too old to be a Delta.

∆    If you are approached to join a "Delta Interest Group", DON'T DO IT! Delta Sigma Theta Sorority does not have or sanction interest groups. You should not be performing any work for Delta - or at the request of Deltas. Yes, you can help the chapter with its public service functions if you wish, but only if it's not REQUIRED or REQUESTED that you do so.

∆    I suggest that you avoid joining groups of women who act as "gofers" for fraternities. Deltas are not subservient to ANYONE.

∆    One of the worst things you can ask a Delta is "When are you having a line?" If she thinks you're worthy, she will VOLUNTEER this information to you, without you asking. If you truly MUST know, ask the financial Delta who is prepared to write your letter to find out for you... As a matter of fact, she is your BEST RESOURCE for information regarding Delta. She can also introduce you to members of the chapter you are pursuing and take you to their public events!

∆    Are you willing to make a FINANCIAL commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority? It's not enough to pay to pledge - Delta's business takes ONGOING financial support. Too many people have been willing to spend a small fortune to get in and then complain about dues once they are members. It is expensive to maintain membership in Delta. If you aren't willing and able to budget for it as you do all of your essentials, you don't need to pursue membership.

∆    Delta is not just a lifetime commitment... Delta is a LIFESTYLE! We do not need people who only wear t-shirts or step. If you cannot make Delta and its programmatic thrusts a prominent part of your life FOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR LIFE, please find another sorority.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is not affiliated with any other fraternal organization and REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU'VE HEARD, we do NOT have brothers. If you're interested in a relationship with a fraternity, go hang out at their fraternity houses.

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