Gamma Phi Omega

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Gamma Phi Omega (ΓΦΩ)

Founded	April 17, 1991 (1991-04-17) (age 17) Indiana University
Type	Social
Scope	National
Motto	Unity and Sisterhood, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable.
Colors	Maroon, Navy Blue (primary) Teal, Gold (secondary)
Flower	Fire and Ice Rose
Jewel	Star Sapphire
Chapters	11
Free label	Swan
Headquarters	, , [[]]
Homepage	http://www.gammaphiomega.org

Gamma Phi Omega is a Latina-oriented organization that unites women through Sisterhood. Gamma Phi Omega is an organization of professional young women that strives to excel academically, serve the community, raise cultural awareness and promote Sisterhood. The Sistehood of Gamma Phi Omega provides women seeking membership an equal opportunity without regard to race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Further more, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. aspires to recruit women who can add to the diverse mix of the organization’s body.^[1]

1 History
2 Philosophy
3 References
4 External links

[edit] History

Gamma Phi Omega began as the birthchild of Veronica Montemayor who, in the fall of 1989, first thought of the idea for a local Latina-oriented sorority. After considering Indiana University's traditional Greek system, Veronica felt that the Greek community did not offer enough for Latina women. In particular, she didn't feel comfortable with the established system and decided that it was time to create a new option that celebrated the diversity of the Latino culture.

That semester, Monica Guzman and Cristina Rodela joined Veronica. Together, the three women began a nationwide search to find a Latino-oriented sorority that wanted to expand to Indiana University. They were looking for a sorority that strived for the goals and objectives they felt were important for a Latino-oriented organization: academic excellence, cultural awareness, community service, and sisterhood. The search was not easy, and they spent the remainder of that academic year following up their beginning inquiries with further attempts at communication.

The first responses to the women's inquiries were not encouraging, but they kept trying. In the fall of the following academic year, Margaret Escabalzeta, Laura Garcia, and Barbara Graves joined the three women. After continued research, they were faced with obstacles. Some of the sororities did not fulfill IU's national status requirement for Greek organizations and, most disappointing, few sororities were willing to share information.

At that point, Veronica's idea had become a dream and the group refused to let it die. When, after extensive efforts, the core group still had not found what they wanted, the six women chose the only option that remained. They decided to start a new sorority. The women assured Indiana University's administrators that a Latino-oriented sorority would not only survive on the Bloomington campus, it would also enhance the already existing Greek community. Convinced, the women were granted permission to work on an Alpha chapter. On April 17, 1991, the women --Veronica, Monica, Cristina, Margaret, Laura, and Barbara -- founded Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.

Veronica Montemayor graduated that spring of 1991. She was unable to accompany her new sisters to present their final proposal for Gamma Phi Omega to the university's Expansion Committee. Nevertheless, her dream became a reality when, on January 22, 1992, the core group received an acceptance letter recognizing Gamma Phi Omega as an official sorority on the Indiana University campus.

Since that time, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has continued to expand. Their steady growth is the result of careful planning and endless determination, since their goal is not to grow quickly, but to grow strong as consistent support is provided to members.

Gamma Phi Omega is also a founding organization of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, also known as NALFO, an umbrella council that works to promote the betterment of Latino Fraternities & Sororities and their respective communities through collaborative programming. ^[2]

[edit] Philosophy

Gamma Phi Omega's philosophy is based on four goals: Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Awareness, and Sisterhood. It is through the promotion of these four goals that the Sorority centers their activities as all sisters are expected to fully represent them.

Academic Excellence Gamma Phi Omega promotes education for sisters and people in general. To become a member, women must reach and maintain a minimum grade point average. As a member, women are encouraged to participate in activities that help improve communication and study skills.

Cultural Awareness Although Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. welcomes women of any ethnicity, it is important to remember that it is a Latina-oriented organization. As such, the participation in many events celebrate the diversity of Latino heritage. On the same continuum, members enjoy sharing facets of their individual backgrounds while learning about different cultures.

Community Service Many women become successful thanks to community opportunities they were given. Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. recognizes the significant influence that communities have had on its members. In addition, Gamma Phi Omega recognizes the opportunity received as an organization of professional young women to help others. Through involvement in events such as mentor programs and fundraising drives, Gamma Phi Omega always strives to contribute to others.

Sisterhood Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. unites women through its goals, activities, and traditions. The bond of sisterhood that is created is nurtured through caring and respect. Women turn to sisters for help and advice, to share laughs, and to establish relationships that will endure forever through a common bond of Sisterhood, Leadership, and Success.^[3]