Of Grave Importance
Last night came as a disappointment to me. It wasn’t because the food was bad or the music was lacking, or the decoration were incomplete - that was all fine -- it was because of the blatant disregard for the Tri-Sigma policies, which we as an organization must uphold. Sigma policies state that no alcohol is permitted during any Sigma event. Last night that was clearly not the case. For this reason, I decided something must be said. This was not done to make enemies or to make people feel bad, it was simply for the good of the cause and the reputation of the sorority.
Many of us have complained about the reputation of the sorority. Many have in fact implied that they want nothing more than to improve people’s views of the sorority. However, I feel the actions taken by many of the members last night were quite contrary to what has otherwise been implied. Alcohol was undoubtedly, and in some cases, admittedly consumed by some members of the sorority. And no one said anything. In an attempt to minimize an already out of hand situation, I mentioned to both a Sigma sister and a SigEp brother about the presence of alcohol at the formal. I was received with yelling and angry remarks. It is perhaps my thought that many of you were afraid to speak out because of fear of confrontation. But I am reminded of a quote that explains what happens when people don’t speak up when they see something wrong.
“First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.”
Pastor Martin Niemöller
Clearly you can see that not saying anything accomplishes little and in the end, hurts you. I realize that by saying anything about this many of you will probably be offended and angry. However, this is not the time to lash out at me for I am simply trying to improve the quality of the sorority. Mistakes were made. We all are responsible for the choices we make and the actions that we choose, including those choices made while under the influence. Don’t hate the “whistle-blower”.
I simply say this because I care about the sorority and my sisters. We often make bad choices in our lives. I know I have made many, but I have always taken responsibility for my actions. Last night when the formal ended, I was left with only two other Sigmas (and two non-Sigmas) to help take down the decorations and clean up. There were nearly as many non-Sigmas cleaning as there were Sigmas. On top of this, only one person from the formal committee even stayed to help. It seems to me that this is not a good venue for improvement of the sorority’s cohesiveness. Shirking responsibility for such an important event does not help the organization but rather is a selfless act of personal convenience. As sisters we should be there to support and help each other to the bitter end. Once again, I am sorry if I offended anyone but I believe that silence would lead to greater inevitable damage.
Many of us have complained about the reputation of the sorority. Many have in fact implied that they want nothing more than to improve people’s views of the sorority. However, I feel the actions taken by many of the members last night were quite contrary to what has otherwise been implied. Alcohol was undoubtedly, and in some cases, admittedly consumed by some members of the sorority. And no one said anything. In an attempt to minimize an already out of hand situation, I mentioned to both a Sigma sister and a SigEp brother about the presence of alcohol at the formal. I was received with yelling and angry remarks. It is perhaps my thought that many of you were afraid to speak out because of fear of confrontation. But I am reminded of a quote that explains what happens when people don’t speak up when they see something wrong.
“First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.”
Pastor Martin Niemöller
Clearly you can see that not saying anything accomplishes little and in the end, hurts you. I realize that by saying anything about this many of you will probably be offended and angry. However, this is not the time to lash out at me for I am simply trying to improve the quality of the sorority. Mistakes were made. We all are responsible for the choices we make and the actions that we choose, including those choices made while under the influence. Don’t hate the “whistle-blower”.
I simply say this because I care about the sorority and my sisters. We often make bad choices in our lives. I know I have made many, but I have always taken responsibility for my actions. Last night when the formal ended, I was left with only two other Sigmas (and two non-Sigmas) to help take down the decorations and clean up. There were nearly as many non-Sigmas cleaning as there were Sigmas. On top of this, only one person from the formal committee even stayed to help. It seems to me that this is not a good venue for improvement of the sorority’s cohesiveness. Shirking responsibility for such an important event does not help the organization but rather is a selfless act of personal convenience. As sisters we should be there to support and help each other to the bitter end. Once again, I am sorry if I offended anyone but I believe that silence would lead to greater inevitable damage.