The Greek society’s philanthropy apathy

By Kimberly Krieger
February 24th, 2010
Section: Opinions

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What does the greek community promote more? Philanthropy or parties? Photo Illustration by Bodhi Severns

Sororities and fraternities represent a prominent group of people at CSUN, and through their philanthropies, they have helped various different charities better the world.

There are so many different Greek organizations to choose from, that it must be a mind-boggling experience to pick only one to rush.

Do prospective Greeks feel a true urge for altruism? Is the drive so maddening, that they can’t help but want to pay dues? When they are choosing the group that will represent them for the next 4-6 years, do they care about what philanthropies these groups support?

I doubt it.

The truth of the matter is that, at the end of the day, these groups are social entities. Though they may do great things for their designated charities, this is just a protocol in order to stay chartered. There is a great lack of motivation.

Zeta Beta Tau, a fraternity on campus, donates to The Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Breast Cancer research. The fraternity holds many events per year, but so far, this year there have only been four dedicated to philanthropies and they said they only plan on holding two more events for their charities before the end of the school year.

If a fraternity is holding countless parties, get-togethers and celebrations each year, why can’t they make more of those into charitable opportunities? If everyone who attended a ZBT party donated one dollar in a jar, I’m sure by the end of the year the fraternity would have tons of money for their philanthropies.

Panhellenic council sorority, Alpha Phi, dedicates their charity time to funding cardiac aid. Through formals such as the Red Dress Ball held in spring, they helped raise $15,000 last year. This is actually a wonderful thing. However, out of the four pillars of their philanthropy, cardiac aid is the only pillar that does not benefit Alpha Phi.

The Forget-Me-Not Foundation is one of the pillars in Alpha Phi’s philanthropy. This is a program that helps Alpha Phi alumni when they are in need. For example, during Hurricane Katrina, Alpha Phi came to the aid of fellow sorority sisters and alums affected by the natural disaster.

This is a great thing to do, but it isolates the good nature of charity. If we only help “our own,” it really isn’t charity after all. It is more like self-preservation. Had Alpha Phi helped everyone affected by Hurricane Katrina, not just their fellow sisters, this pillar of their philanthropy would be taken to an even higher level.

Along with having a pillar that aids alumnus, Alpha Phi also has two pillars that financially help current sisters. The first is a financial aid system that awards college money for sisters in need. The second is a scholarship foundation, where members of Alpha Phi can apply and be considered to win money. This is also fine and dandy, but it does not really seem all too charitable.

Don’t get me wrong, sororities and fraternities are full of wonderful people, and many of them do care about helping others. But there is an unavoidable and undeniable sense of apathy to these philanthropies. Charity should be something people do when they feel passionately committed to a cause, and it definitely should not be something people do just to have fun.

Is there a solution to this seemingly apathetic approach to philanthropy in the Greek system?

These groups could break out of their regular routine of enclosed social interaction. Instead of just rallying to help children in the Children’s Hospital, why not go out and meet some of the children?

Experiencing first-hand what their charities are all about could not only motivate the group to want to do more for the cause, but it would also be a great life experience.

In the end, people who join sororities and fraternities are just like everyone else when it comes to charity and philanthropy. Not many people are initially pulled in by the fact that they could help others, but I’m sure many people in these groups learn to appreciate good deeds. Sororities and fraternities are full of great people, and with some more motivation, they can become even better.

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Newer Comments →
  • everyone

    this article sucks

  • Sarah

    Are you freaking kidding me?! I a person who is outside the greek system thinks this article is freaking ridiculous! Why don’t you walk around campus and ask students how much they have donated in the past year to a charity? I doubt you will find that many have. Why bash groups that are actually helping others?! If they didn’t have a greek affiliation and instead were a group this article would have never been written. How about you go ask the engineering groups how much they have donated… or the ethnic groups if they have donated money to outside organizations that do not benefit their own. This article is so closed minded and an embarrassment to CSUN. I can’t believe that CSUN would publish an article ridiculing their own groups for not helping enough instead you should be praising them for helping at all. Seriously stop with the greek bashing it’s getting real old!

  • http://www.csun.edu matty the matador

    Alpha raised $15,000!!!! That’s incredible. The fact of the mater is that fraternities and sororities are about a lot more that charity. These organizations pride themselves om being well-rounded and socially conscious, not on being the sole voice of the children’s hospital. No matter what these organizations do, someone will always be upset it seems.

    I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT CSUN FUNDS THIS PUBLICATION. how else would i get riveting AS updates, innacurate sports pictures, LA Times sudoku, and meaningless opinion articles??? Thank god for the sundial. :]

  • Victoria

    People just can’t handle the truth. Kudos for Kim. Good article.

  • Greek Sister

    From the outside looking in, you will never understand. From the inside looking out, you can never explain.

  • Mean Girls

    It’s hard being popular.

  • Lauren

    several weeks ago i attended a leadership seminar for new members in the greek system. At one point the person running the event commented on the idea of including non-greeks in our philanthropy events. I thought that was a great idea! Why wouldn’t people want to help with such an important cause? Maybe, just maybe, these people would also see that greeks aren’t the shallow stereotype you’ve come to love to hate. Now i realize why. no matter how much i invite non-greeks to philanthropy events, no matter how much i try to make them understand what it is we’re about, they can never truly understand. From the outside looking in, i could never understand it. From the inside looking out, i could never explain it. It’s because you people attack us without cause or reason, and without getting your facts correctly. I WILL say that i admire the author for her bravery. To oppose such a united community on something she obviously feels strongly about is admirable. I REALLY wish, however, she had taken the time to better reasearch her facts and get them straight before she wrote the article. Like the above comments say, Greeks do alot for the community, and whether you want to admit it or not, a united group of people working towards a common goal can do ALOT more good than one bitter person railing against the greek community claiming she volunteers too. Guess what, almost EVERY ONE of my sisters does volunteer work OUTSIDE of our philanthropy. Maybe this isn’t true for all campuses, i will admit that. It’s sad, but sometimes Sororities and fraternities lose sight of the true reason behind everything: Sisterhood and brotherhood. But at CSUN our true purpose has never been stronger. And as to the the above comment about greek organizations “hazing” and just not getting caught, and your supposed “inside source”, as a greek firmly against any type of hazing, and part of an organization that takes this matter very seriously and does not condone it at all, report them then. I know i would not want to be represented by someone who hazes.
    To the author, you are a brave and intelligent person, however, opinion piece or not, you need to get facts straight first.

  • Marissa

    I totally understand where Kimberly is coming from, because i too was once ignorant to Greek life and maybe I still am. But the truth of the matter is that if you open up your mind enough to reach out to people in Fraternities and Sororities, you will learn that some of them are really great people. I myself choose not to be in a sorority, for personal reasons of my own, but not because any of the reasons that you stated in your article. I respect you Kimberly for trying to expose the “truth” and writing an article that you knew would be protested. But i a swear to you, from an outsiders point of view, you are wrong in your facts about Greek Life. I am telling you Kimberly, make friends with a Greek and you will might surprise yourself,i know i did.

    P.S. If you really feel like ALL Greek charity work isn’t heart-felt, try and tell that pretty young woman in KKG that her cause to find a cure for HD isn’t heartfelt. Educate yourself Kimberly… http://www.hdsa.org/

  • Beth

    I’m not upset with any of the comments currently on the comment board. Many were deleted because they basically were insulting Kimberly as a person. This constructive debate is GOOD for the article. Can any “Greeks” tell me why some insisted on throwing away several stacks on The Daily Sundial. Were you also aware that this Daily Sundial issue was one targeted for CHARITY?

  • Greek

    Kimberly,
    Why don’t you come to CSUN’s Hands for Haiti tonight? The Greeks and other clubs and orgs are throwing this event to help others.

  • Michelle

    You know I was really upset and enraged when I read this article. Many Greeks do things for the community yet the good we do is always covered up with pieces like these. Fact #1 social sororities are not allowed to throw parties they throw one formal, one date party, and maybe an exchange. Fact #2 philanthropies take months to plan so the fact that ZBT is throwing as many philanthropies as they are is an accomplishment. Fraternities and Sororities will not loose their charter if they do not do philanthropies. A large reason each philanthropy is related to a house is because of the house’s open motto or a member/family member has suffered from something relating to that philanthropy.
    I think that it is really sad that you attack Alpha Phi for it’s programs that support sisters in need. Sororities and Fraternities are families and they support each other. I’m sure if anyone had money saved up and a family member was in trouble they would help them. I think both of their programs for members are great and I didn’t know about them until this article.
    Also, what happens to all of the other clubs and why is the Sundial just picking on the Greeks. There are other clubs and orgs on campus and I’m pretty sure they don’t do as many philanthropies as Greeks do. For example LBA throws countless parties but not as many philanthropies where is the attack on them. I’d like to see the Sundial throw their own philanthropy for a charitable orgnaization and see the hard work it takes.

    • Yoni Mann

      If you get so “upset and enraged” over an article saying you could do more, how are you going to handle “real life?” Because in the real world, you don’t get brownie points for doing the right thing, and yes, people will criticize you- especially people like you.

      • http://www.csunaepi.com Yoni Mann (who’s that silly imposter above? lol)

        lol, wow. Definitely not me in the above response to Michelle.

        I actually support Michelle’s comment as it stands in line with my earlier response.

        By the way, this entire article is based on the assumption that Greeks brag that they are known and exist for philanthropy. While philanthropy is part of our culture and the nature of fraternities and sororities, when is the last time we said “Join us, all we do is philanthropy day in and day out!” We have never claimed this. So yes, I agree with the author. Fraternities and sororities do not have philanthropy as their #1 reason for existence yet they managed to raise over $25,000 just between Alpha Phi ($15,000) and AEPi ($10,000) last year.

        Shame on Greeks for raising money for charities!!!

        • Doesn’t Matter

          I doubt that any non-greek organization was able to raise that much, hence why I don’t have anything against greek life on the whole spectrum. It was just not for me. $25,000 is a lot of money, and I agree Greeks don’t claim that all they do is philanthropy. Never have, so the article truly doesn’t have much merit in this sense

  • Steven

    It’s really sad how mature and “educated” all the Greek people come across in the comments section here. You people give yourself and our school a bad name with your childishness. The article doesn’t even begin to compare to how bad you make yourself look.

    I mean come on, nobody seriously believes that people join a frat because they REALLY want to help out and be philanthropists. If that’s what it was, there are SO many better ways to use your energy to help people in a more focussed way. Go volunteer at a homeless shelter, I do.

    So if it’s just a nice side aspect for some people and the charity aspect itself isn’t denigrated at all in the article. The author just points out that most people in the greek system are in it primarily for themselves, because they think it helps them in their careers and life, because they have friends in it and like to party with them. The philanthropy aspects are at best a third or fourth priority no matter how much you pretend to be Warren Buffet. The comments here seem to basically prove the author’s point.
    Stop lying to yourselves!

    • Lauren

      so steven…how much charity work have you done in the past year? Why don’t YOU stop kidding yourself and at least concede this one point: The greek system as a whole, united towards a common goal can do alot more good and raise alot more money than you could raise being bitter and alone.

  • Michelle

    i’m sorry but this whole thing is just funny to me. gosh, this girl is just writing an OPINION piece. there are more than enough Greeks to “protect” each other, so let her write what she thinks. and if most feel so strongly about this write a well-written article yourselves stating this, instead of being immature kids and bashing without having some solid support to claims.

    and although Greeks do have an intention for philanthropy, reality is, they are NOT known for this. Never do I hear between two greeks “I’m so glad we raised money for this,” but instead constantly hear how shit faced they got or who got the worst pictures on facebook after a night of partying.

    so here it lies, greeks will NEVER be known for their hard work. it’s just something they will have to get over. (i am sure this is tough). but really the proof is in the pictures.

    promote more about your philanthropy than your next date party and maybe then, (maybe) you’ll get some positive recognition..

    loved the style of writing by the way, made me chuckle.

    • Cal

      Yes, its an OPINION piece, and we’re giving our OPINIONS back. And we all understand that she can write whatever she pleases. However, if you saw someone writing false facts, you’d do the same.
      However, now I’m going to correct you. If you read ALL the comments, people DO have “solid support” and give examples. REAL examples, too, because we’re IN the Greek system and don’t assume the wrong things. For example, there is a sorority house on campus that goes to the Childrens Hospital and sings Christmas carols during winter, and periodically goes by to read books to them. If she had done her homework she would have known this, and if you had done your you would have known it too.
      Greeks aren’t known for philanthropies because everyone, including you, goes to college expecting them to be just like they are in movies. If you can’t put prejudices aside then thats your shortcoming.
      AND FINALLY, why is it important to brag about our philanthropies? My house raised over $15,000 in ONE NIGHT for our cause, and it wasn’t the only event we held all semester. We did it with help from the other houses on campus, and then didn’t go around telling everyone about it. Thats because we don’t do it to look good. We don’t do it so we have talking points. We do it because its the right thing to do. If you want to know about our events, ASK a greek, don’t just assume that they’re only thinking about they’re next party. Because really, that just makes you no better than the people you’re so clearly disrespecting.

  • Bri

    Kimberly,
    Instead of going off on a long rant about where you’re wrong in this article, I’m going to extend an invitation.
    While I respect you opinion, I do disagree with it. I think that you have solid ideas, but are just uninformed. So instead, why not contact any of the Greeks who left comments here. Ask to go to one of their events. Most houses DO raise a lot of money, they just don’t publicize it, because there’s no need to. Why not attend some of the philanthropies (there are some big ones coming up soon) and LEARN what it is we do instead of writing angry articles about how we dont benefit the community ENOUGH? I agree with Yonis sentiment (miss you man) and think that, were you introduced to the Greek system with an open mind, you would have written a completely different article.

  • Paralegal in Training

    Well, no one asked for yours either, did we? Or anyone else’s opinion for that matter (be it FOR or AGAINST this the opinion expressed in this article).
    I am NOT saying that you shouldn’t post your opinion, you are free to do so as stated in the 1st Amendment.
    However, note that the 1st Amendment does not protect defamation as certain participants’ “Names” are seeking to do.

    • So What?

      You have a lot more “training” to do if you think this falls under defamation.

    • Lawyer (A real one)

      Dude shut up…you have absolutely ZERO idea what you are talking about.

      • Lawyer (A real one)

        The above is for “Paralegal in training”

  • http://www.csunaepi.com Yoni Mann

    To the author and my fellow Greeks,

    I am a graduating senior at CSUN and former recruitment chair for the CSUN Interfraternity Council (IFC), as well as a proud alumnus of the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity after 4.5 years of dedication to this priceless organization.

    Let’s keep in mind that this is just another opinion piece and not the view of the Daily Sundial.

    The author does attempt to highlight the positives of Greek life, which is more than the average non-Greek student knows, but unfortunately still has much more to learn about the Greek community.

    Sara and Sam I completely agree with your comments. I also think the author could have done more to include what non-Greek organizations are doing for charities in order to put things better into perspective. I don’t expect her to write about how wonderful Greek life is, it is not her role to do so; she has never experienced it. But my question is: Why single out Greeks in the first place?

    People don’t join the Greek system so they can volunteer at an animal shelter. The unfortunate truth is that the majority of students nationwide DO NOT volunteer. Only about 30% of students volunteer and within that small statistic the likelihood increases if the student is involved in an organization, such as a fraternity or sorority (NationalService.Gov, College Students Helping America Report).

    What attracts students to the Greek system is a combination of social, leadership, personal development, networking, philanthropy, and strong brotherhood/sisterhood/lifelong friendships.

    If anything, joining the Greek system will involve those students in charity work who might not have participated and volunteered in a philanthropy otherwise. Fraternities and sororities are encouraging toward participation in philanthropies. Alpha Phi and ZBT do a considerate amount of charity work for the outside community and they should be recognized for that, along with the rest of the Greek community. Unfortunately, this is not case for the majority of organizations on campus.

    We Greeks, should ask ourselves why an individual would even write an opinion piece like this? I suspect the negative stereotypes of Greeks in the media have influenced and motivated the author to write this article. What can we do more in order to better educate the campus community on what Greek life is TRULY about?

    I am thankful and grateful for freedom of the press and think us Greeks should take advantage of it more often! The Sundial is usually accepting and encouraging of different viewpoints and student voices. Unfortunately, this is the voice of the non-Greek student expressing her perspective on our community.

    Let our Greek voices be heard.

  • Vanessa

    wow okay so a bunch of you who are calling Kimberly stupid and the people defending her.. are very naive…
    hello are you not a college student?
    my mistake.. our generation is going down the drain..
    ha i may not be writing correct sentences and i am making small and stupid typos.. but i do know that this article is an opinion..

    all she is doing is simply stating the truth.. all you who think other wise need to face the facts that this is the stereotype we have on all frats and sororities! the point in her article is to show that we see more parties out of the frats and sororities then we see charity events.. what is the main purpose of frats and sororities? ask yourself that..
    if you have a problem with that then prove that this is wrong!! she is not the only one who think this is true! she just has the power to actually get it published in the sundial..
    so relax and do something about it!

  • CA

    If you really want to know what Greeks do, I suggest joining a fraternity or sorority. That is the only way you will understand what they do and truly live up to.

  • Kimberly doesn’t exist

    there is no real Kimberly, “Kimberly” isn’t even her name because she can’t confront the community with a controversal topic.

    Sounds like someone who didn’t get any attention from the greek community. I’d be interested to know how much philanthropy work “Kimberly” is actually involved with.

  • Lourdes

    This article comes a biased non-Greek member’s opinion. If the writer were part of the Greek system, they would understand the hard work each fraternity and sorority goes through to put on a philanthropic event.

    I know for a fact that all Greek members have gone outside of their own fraternity or sorority to contribute to another fraternity or sorority’s philanthropy. Meaning not only do they contribute to their own philanthropy but those of others as well

    In your entire article, including the audio, you have 4 examples. I suggest next time, you contact any of the fraternities and sororities on

    http://www.csun.edu/getinvolved/clublisting/directory.php
    Select Fraternity/Sorority from the drop-down menu

    I’m sure they will inform of their upcoming philanthropy events. Then tell us how busy your schedule will be.

    Essentially all Greek organizations stand for academics, philanthropy, brother/sisterhood, and leadership. Before you take a stand and write an article about it, like everyone has already said, do your homework first.

  • Beth

    I understand all the points said by the people that disagree with this article. However, if you want to state an opinion to this OPINION article, please do so with respect. Making user names like “Kimberly is fucking stupid” and “Kimberly sucks” and saying insults to her personally is not going to help anything. Defend your case respectfully and people will take you more seriously.

    • Beth

      It seems like those posts were deleted, thanks monitors!

  • Kimberly Sucks

    I just want to point out that it is ILLEGAL to charge money at the door of parties. Not only that, but you only talked about 2 of the fraternities/sororities on campus. How about talking about the leadership roles greeks play on campus? Or how greeks have a higher attendance at CSUN events? OR!!!!!!! Let’s please talk about how the average fraternity and sorority GPA is ABOVE the all men’s and all women’s average :)

    Of course we could also talk about how every person to lead this country IS in a fraternity.

  • Heather

    So at the end of this article, whoever wrote it, says “These groups could break out of their regular routine of enclosed social interaction. Instead of just rallying to help children in the Children’s Hospital, why not go out and meet some of the children?

    Experiencing first-hand what their charities are all about could not only motivate the group to want to do more for the cause, but it would also be a great life experience.”
    Who are you to say that we don’t. Sigma Chi visited their cause before the start of Derby Days this past year. Delta Zeta goes to The Painted Turtle Camp at least twice a year. Unless you have experienced it first hand you can’t really write an opinion piece on it can you.
    I think it is pretty ridiculous that people can sit and judge the greek system when you are on the outside of it. Greeks are not all about doing philantrophy just to keep their charters.Many greeks also do philantrophy events besides their chapters specific cause.
    You really should get your facts straight before you post an article and your editor should proof your pieces as well.
    If you didn’t expect a reaction from the greek community at CSUN you are so wrong, because we do believe in the philantrophies we support.

  • Grammar Nazi

    Learn the difference before “your” and “you’re” before you go calling anyone else stupid, moron.

  • Kobe sucks

    Hey, “Sam,” I don’t give an expletive if the article is “retarded.” It was in the opinion section and was giving an opinion. No one’s saying you have to agree with what it says. But if a sorority and/or fraternity(es) took the time to plan an ambush like that, man, that’s retarded. God forbid someone had an opinion.

    If that’s how it went down, nothing justifies it.

    • Sam

      Kobe, you are just as simple minded as the author, I understand everyone has an opinion (we are in college in case you forgot) but part of college is doin some research and thinking outside the box. This author clearly doesn’t do that, and bases opinion on media stereotypes. Why even have a sundial if we just have to watch ABC family to get your opinion?

      This ambush you speak of…. Did you really think an article like that wouldn’t stir up controversy? It is criticizing students ways of life, and basing them of a negative stereotype that they fight (from people like you) on a daily basis that ignore the positive attributes of these organizations.

      These organizations do a lot for the CSUN campus for only being one percent of the student population. Show some respect to these students that have chosen to make a difference on campus rather than play the stereotype of a commuter campus and just go to school and work.

      • Kobe sucks

        If an article is bad, I’m not against voicing displeasure about it, just like when that “blowjob” article came out. That article was bad, but to grab a bunch of papers and throw them away? Come on, this is 2010. It’s just plain childish, disrespectful, intolerant and many more bad adjectives.

        And yeah, these are college students. COLLEGE students. Please grow up. Controversy doesn’t need to escalate to these levels. I get a feel throwing away Sundials was “plan C,” after scratching off “burn down newsroom,” and “egg reporter’s house.”

        • Yoshi

          Kobe-
          You have to try not to look at people in the Greek system like that. By thinking that they resorted to plan C after burning down the newsroom and egging makes you prejudice. You have to think that the people that were throwing away the papers felt that this article was just as unfair, childish, disrespectful, etc. Everybody that reads this article, not in the Greek system, will get a very one sided view of the Greek system. It is not like this site, that allows for comments and defenses for everyone else to see.

          What sucks is that there is really no way anybody in the Greek system knows what it is like to be on the outside looking in and vice versa. In fairness, there should’ve been an article written right under this, depicting the Greek system in a positive light.

  • Sam

    I think this article is retarded, I never thought ill see an article that actually put students down, let only the most visible and active group on campus. Greek life has help changed lives for the best, yet you manage to say how they don’t amount to much. The greek life at CSUN has done a lot more than any other student body has at CSUN and has raised more money for philanthropies than other organizations.

    These organizations are our student leaders and promotes leadership and involvement outside the fraternity system. Disgrace Sundial, your a disgrace. Do yourself a favor and do some research and stop being one sided.

    • Kimberly

      You know what, I have thought about the comments I’ve made, and articles I’ve written. I’m sorry for what I’ve said.

      Nobody actually looks at the regular students who do nothing on campus, or regular society who does nothing. The Greeks DO have parties, etc., but they also ARE contributing to society, something that the average student does NOT do.

      • THE REAL Kimberly Krieger

        Dear imposter,
        Please do not pretend you are me.
        If it is an apology you are looking for, you are out of luck.

        Grow up.

        Sincerely,
        The Real Kimberly Krieger

    • Steven V.

      It seems to me that someone has not done very much research on this issue. And shame on you for picking on the Phi’s for trying to help out their sisters. There is a bond that goes beyond friendship in sisterhood and brotherhood. You cannot judge them for wanting to help there sisters.

      I find it funny that the writer bashes then supports then bashes then tries to bring another positive before again bashing. It seems to me either she is bitter or just ignorant. Fraternities and Sororities raise more money on this campus as a whole then any other student ran organization. So we have a parties, part of a fraternity is socializing and making those strong bonds with others. We are making laugh time friends, sisters, and brothers and with CSUN always trying to shut us down, socializing is a way for us to come together as a whole and support each other.

      I don’t blame Greeks for throwing away the paper. It’s a slap in the face by the school which we love and support. I urge people that have a bad view of the Greeks to really get involved or just ask one about the love they have for their house and the school. You will see we are trying very hard to make an impact.

  • Steven

    Huh, looks like someone didn’t get a bid…

    • Beth

      I don’t know if this is a reply to me, but I have never even attempted to get into a sorority. So get your facts straight.

  • Beth

    First of all, this article is the OPINION section for a reason. The fact that a bunch of sororities and fraternities went around campus and THREW AWAY copies of the Sundial because of this article is an outrage. Why did they throw it away if they are confident in themselves that they contribute to the community and college in a healthy way? Why didn’t they just laugh it off? Yes this is a controversial article, but it’s called freedom of speech.

    Yes, they do contribute to charities. HOWEVER, when I go on social networking sites and I am friends on there with people in CSUN fraternities and have gotten countless invites to their parties and see their statuses about parties. I have not ONCE seen an invite that says it’s benefiting a charity, all the ones I’ve got are just for normal house or club parties. This also includes fliers I see around campus on a normal basis.

    If the sororities and fraternities do so much for the community, where are the invites and fliers that say so? Why not advertise what you are doing?

    How many sorority sisters / fraternity brothers can say that they joined for the charity work and not for the parties? Probably a discrete amount. And the whole bidding thing, and the fact that many sororities (not all) initiate members by looks and still HAZE even though it’s illegal is ridiculous.

    • Anne

      Greek students throwing away the newspaper is sad, yes, but they have just as much as right to protest this article as Kreiger did to write it. Her fact aren’t accurate and she makes many assumptions here that are completely false, just as you have done.
      Generally when Greeks hold a philanthropy event, they invite other Greeks, which makes sense. Who is more likely to come spend $10 to help you out? “Beth”, that girl in class who clearly has a problem with the Greek system, or the other Greeks on campus who you have a personal relationship with? Also, the events are generally FUN, so they’re named things like “Xi champs” or “kappa katwalk” to get more people to attend. Don’t just assume everything you’re invited to is some lame frat party. And we DO give out fliers… To other Greeks, because, again, they’re more likely too attend. If you have a problem with what you’re being invited to simply ASK you Greek friends to take you to philanthropies. They’re generally really fun.
      No one joined the greek system to raise money, people do it to have fun and learn from those around them. The greek system is a socialization factor, incentive for higher grades, AND teaches us the value of helping others. We didn’t JOIN to raise money, we LEARN its importance from those around us.
      As far as bidding, NO house on your campus bids by looks, and NO sorority hazes. Get your facts straight and learn about the greeks at the school you go to, not the ones in movies.

      • Beth

        I don’t have a problem with the greek system as a whole. There are just these instances. Me personally? I am more inclined to go to event promoting charities rather than an event promoting beer pong. There is hazing going on, maybe not with all sororities and fraternities but certainly some, they’re just not caught. I know this from inside sources. It seems like people are forgetting that this is an OPINION article, and throwing out an article on opinion alone is ridiculous.

        • Yoshi

          Maybe in their OPINION, they thought it was trash so they were just putting it where it belongs. However, it is ridiculous to throw it away. Everybody knows that newspapers go in the blue recycling bins..DUH!

          • Beth

            Okay, if they disagree with this article, all they have to do is write a letter to the editor explaining their points. Instead of throwing away an entire sundial that is full of stories that people put very hard work into, I’m not referring to ONLY this article.

          • Ili

            For the record…throwing away newspapers is against the law.

  • Chelsea Underwood

    This article just speaks the truth, sorry. Everyone parties in college, yes, but its about the fact that frats and sororities are the ones that do the most of the partying. Greek life MAY be contributing but they AREN’T contributing as much as they should be. THAT’s the point of the article. I have too partied but I also have raised money and done charity work/raised awareness just as much. Just because you do ONE thing for the community doesn’t mean you are truly helping. It has to be a continuous thing.

  • Sara

    Clearly this is just another Greek-bashing story. I can’t believe someone would criticize a community for raising funds for ANY organization or charity. Everyone parties in college, but the Greeks are actually doing something for the community and those in need while juggling school, jobs, their sorority or fraternity life, and all of the ups and downs that everyone experiences through their college life. I don’t think you could say that about many other college students.

    Everyone parties in college (even you Kimberly), but at least the Greeks are doing charity work and raising funds for someone other than themselves. That is an act of selflessness that people know they will be partaking in when they join a sorority or fraternity. If they didn’t have some desire to be a part of an organization that gives to others, they would join some other kind of organization.

    The parties you mention that everyone should drop a dollar in to a jar when they enter..what parties have you been to like that recently, or ever for that matter? You have to be realistic and not blow things out of context.

    Greeks do great things for the community. They have also done a great deal for CSUN. Let me know the next time you do the same and maybe you’ll have an argument. Do not criticize a group of people for raising money, something I find it hard to believe that you or many do.

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