2014 Domestic Violence Fact Sheet & Definitions

2014 Domestic Violence Fact Sheet

VIEW PHOTO AD ON OUR BLOG: www.iotasigmarho.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/IotaSigmaRhoSecondlifeSorority

Featured in this ad: Naomi Mocha-Eternal (ISR)

|:: Defining Domestic Violence ::|
(As defined by the National Domestic Violence Hotline & Wheel of Power & Control)

(http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/)

Using Children
Making her feel guilty about the children

Using children to relay messages

Using visitation to harass her
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Using Isolation
Controlling what she does, who she sees and talks too.

Controlling what she reads and where she goes

Limiting her outside involvement
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Using Intimidation
Making her afraid by using looks, actions and gestures.

Smashing things, destroying her property.

Abusing Pets

Displaying Weapons
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Using Male Privilege
Treating her like a servant

Making all the big decisions

Acting like the "master of the castle"

Being the one to define "mens" and "womens" roles

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Using emotional abuse
Putting her down

Making her feel bad about herself

Calling her names

Making her think she's crazy

Playing Mind games

Humiliating her

Making her feel guilty

Research: www.thehotline.org (National),
Call 1-800-799-72339 (SAFE) |1-800-787-3224 (TTTY)
ADVOCATE!

Find out more about both orgs at:
www.iotasigmarho.wix.com/rush
www.opssl.org
􀀁

When You Go Greek SL: The Ifs.. Ands.. Buts.. & What Ifs of SL Greekdom

Jan. 09th, 2013- 8:50am

THE IF

Yes.... thats me (Saivee Rho-Amor), the first and only time I've ever pledged in SL. As I was cleaning out my inventory this past week, I stumbled upon a picture that was titled "When U Go Greek SL _02". I thought that it may be my greek alphabet so I opened it and re-lived the horror. I was pledging a sorority, that will not be named, for the first time. It was an experience of mutual firsts, their first line, my first everything as a non-founder. It was a particularly joyous time because my own sorority was inactive as we solidified as a family until versus an organization. However, I was hard-working and dedicated throughout the process... all 4+ months. Yes... 4 months. 

THE AND

Finally, PLEDGE WEEK!! A time where you should be happy and joyous, ready to get down to that final week before crossing, right? WRONG. Stripped... down to my tangos, ao taken away, flexy hair, layered clothes, tube socks and a black mask put over my face. Nameless, faceless, breast-less. Welcome to your life when you go greek in secondlife.

Now, this might break some people but, me and my sister were strong and could handle this part. Sleeping in dark corners, fly infested pizza, taken away from my family and friends & not being able to feed our zooby babies. This was all fine. All in good RP, right? We lasted until Day 4 when we were called "bitches" by one of the founders. And not in a "haha, yea you're my bitch.." way. In a "you're my bitch and I own you from now on."

In my Huey Freeman Voice -------> "We are now entering a n*&&a moment. A n*&&a moment is caused when an act causes a person of color to becoming enraged and ignorant or erratic behavior ensues."

It's important that you weigh-in how much this is worth. "This" being your treatment of people who will potentially be your extended family and, hopefully, friends versus the way they treat you now. Needless to say, we left. Alpha Line OUT. 

THE BUT

Here are the arguments(These are potential arguments from people who feel this is a Pro (good thing) or a Con (bad thing):

The treatment during pledge week if it is negative:

• Pro: They want to toughen you up. They are seeing if you can handle it because being in an org is hard! You gotta be effin tough! You can't take having you feelings hurt?! Leave then!
• Con: How they treat you now will define how you treat you later. Toughness or no toughness. After a long pre-pledge season, they should know you are the best and should be having tasks that uplift you and challenge your skills rather than being rude.

The treatment during pledge week if it is positive:

• Pro: They want to see how you interact in a setting that is both challenging and enjoyable. They want you to be relaxed and comfortable so that your true character is revealed when challenges arrive. They also do not want you to develop negative feelings toward their org.
• Con: They want you to get relaxed and comfortable to "lure" you into their sorority. Case in point: make them feel good and buy their affection.

THE WHAT IFS

So, you've had this horrible experience. You've been treated like crap at the bottom of the barrel. Or, maybe you didn't have a horrible experience and still find your way out the door due to expulsion. Either way, you're on your way out. What may happen next? We have formulated the top 4 possibilities for... WHAT IF YOU FIND YOUR WAY OUT?

1. I Hate Greekdom Effect: We think this is the typical first reaction. And why wouldn't you hate it? Something really horrible happened to you and you feel very outed, duped, swindled, hoodwinked, bamboozled and just down right pissed! Whether you're mad at the org or mad at the lot of greekdom. It's perfectly fine to be in this zone. 
2. Pay Back Is A B!(eta): Beta, the second, the changer. Yea, we all know someone who has done or will do or is even thinking about doing it. That's right. You left took yourself somewhere else! Whether that was to your friends/sisters/cousins/brothers/baby-daddies aunt org, the fact is, you switched. It even happened in Iota! 2 gems on our alpha line, one left in the middle of our process to join another process and crossed over there. 1 Gem remained and crossed as the Alpha Ace :)                                      This is a typical second reaction because you're still mad and you want to go somewhere were people appreciate you. Or, if you haven't been through a bad process, you simply left because you want to or you may be a sorority hopper. Either way, you're not there anymore. 
3. I can do this on my own!: This is why a majority of organizations are founded in SL. Because you feel you can do this better and be different than something you've already been through. Non-surprisingly, a lot of women come from the same sorority and then branch out to found other members, some times taking some members with them. And a lot of men come from the same fraternities. Sound familiar?                                                                                                                            This is another typical reaction but often ends in extreme failure. Oh sure, you may have a few members and you may be able to stay afloat for a while but, will you be successful? Will your organization be prosperous and be able to be progressive? More than likely... not so much. But, it happens!
4. I left, I'm gone, I'm In a Different Org && We are Successful: Whether you've went to a completely new sorority previously founded, newly founded, reactivated or otherwise, congrats on your success! Here comes The Hater Express! Yea, if you've gone through this, you're going to have people who hate you from different sides. Your old org, your org you left, their brothers or sisters are all waiting on you to fail and you didn't! Brush ya shoulders off & keep it moving!

CONCLUSION

Not everyone's experience is the same! This post was compiled of various possibilities of the WORST POSSIBLE and yet, NOT TOO FAR REMOVED of what could happen if you go greek. We would hope that your experience would be nothing like this but, we would not want you to not be prepared. Although, we are aware that this post may ruffle some feathers... we felt that it would be important for us to post this. 

With so many people crossing this winter, we congratulate everyone! Including our own Gamma Line :)

Love, Peace & Greekdom,

Saivee Rho-Amor, Founder & President

Naomi Mocha-Eternal, Founder & President

Awareness IS Key

Iota Sigma Rho SL Sorority is a strictly awareness focused organization. We do not attempt nor do we collect any funds,lindens or otherwise, on behalf of the charities we support. If funds are being collected we cannot take part as an official sponsor

This is why; we have yet to see a Greek organization in SECONDLIFE show their tax identification form from their group to a charity. Further, the likeliness of this happening is very very RARE! We has a whole cannot agree with that. We don't need nor want peoples lindens for these charities.

We want to be recognized as sisterhood that is focused on bring the needs of veterans and veteran efforts to light. Not as an organization that is taking money or try to raise a certain amount of money that will more than likely be spent on tiers or items.

We will continue to morally support any and all groups. But fiscally, it is not within our best interest to support any monetary charities within second life. We urge all groups to consider focusing more on awareness. With this in mind, we look forward to the continued efforts of all our Partner In Service.

- Sigma Gamma Sigma
- Alpha Kai Delta
- High Society
- Alpha Alpha Kappa
- Rho Beta Gamma
- Chi Eta Rho
- Nu Gamma Rho

Thanks for everything!!

Iota Sigma Rho Leadership!

What is a GEM?

Gem
/jem/
 A precious or stone, esp. when cut or polished or engraved.


Iota Sigma Rho Gem
/ee-o-ta/ /c-ig-m-ah/ /r-oh/ /jem/
 A woman of upstanding character who, maintains her business through professionalism, grace and integrity. One who strives for sisterhood by surrounding herself with women of like mind and purpose. Never shall she forget her promise to uphold her sister nor shall she forget her purpose of charity. All for one, one for or none, she shall never forget this so long as she shall live. If she is able to keep this as her motto then she can be a true Iota. 

Iota Sigma Rho Rush Application

www.tinyurl.com/iotasigmarho

www.iotasigmarho.wix.com/rush

www.facebook.com/IotaSigmaRhoSecondlifeSorority

Exit Stage Left: Slife Leaving Greekdom

Welcome back everyone! As stated earlier in posts we try to cover all topics of Greekdom and sisterhood. Not just advertise for ISigRho, but give out good information pertaining to anyone interested in Greekdom. Here is a very interesting topic. One, I don't think you're going to find anywhere else. What happens after you leave an organization?

This post was brought on by our Thursday wrap session on our Facebook Page. During one of these chats, the topic of leaving a sorority came up. What happens? Why would anyone leave? How do you feel so much a part of something and then suddenly, you're dropped. Well, we're going to iron out some of the major details in this unbiased piece.

Pfft! I'm Outta Here!/ You've Been *snap snap* Cut OFF!

 ^ Sound familiar? This is what normally happens with you've been in an organization and have over stayed your welcome or they feel that you have. Here are some other major reasons.

• Un-organization
• When is your next event? Does it have a purpose? Who is in charge of outfits? Who is your PR manager? Who is your recruitment leader? What time is tier due? Who is managing the bank? Are the new staffs done? Where are we on our philanthropic goals? Did anyone update the calendar? Have we spoke to the potential pledges this week?
• ....... If you have to ask all of these questions instead of knowing the answer... then you're completely unorganized are probably lacking communications. 
• Let us demonstrate the answers for ISigRho
• August 11- 12 --> ISigRho Open House
• To attract potential Gems in a non-formal setting. 

• Naomi Mocha-Eteranal - 2nd Vice-President
• Naomi Mocha-Eteranal - 2nd Vice-President
• The Leadership Of ISigRho w/ Emphasis on 1st & 2nd VP
• (Classified but we know the date! ;) ) 
• Leadership
• Right on target with over 6 active Partners In Service! Next Step: Getting their page on our website (Wanna be a Partner In Service? Click Here!)
• Constantly Updated. Last Update was made by Naomi in which it indicated her unavailability due to RL on Thursday, August 8. Previous update was for Saivee RL B-day Party August 9.
• We speak to them every day.

• Disloyalty 
• Just like in any relationship, it takes work and progress. But often, organizations clique or they is an upside down power struggle between those who are the majority and those who are a minority. (Leaders vs. Non-Leaders, Goddesses vs. Big Sisters, Dames vs. Angels) etc.
• Leaders are quick to cut someone off if they do not bend to their will or show up to events. 
• Inequality
• "We're not equal. You're a pearl. I'm a founder." <--- Case of inequality and completely inaccurate. Please refer to "Greek FAQ"

•  Power Trips
• "You got me up all night...." .... wondering if ya gon' kick me out.... "You got me up all night....".... constantly thinking about kicking y'all ass.... "You got me up all night.." (You know back when you sleepin on that newbie land..." Let me stop.

 Here is my Paddle, Here is my Staff, One is for fun, One's for kicking your ask.

• When people fight over paraphernalia, you can tell the org is going down.... very quickly. Especially when you deny a potential member said items or even get new paraphernalia and refuse to share them with other members.
   
• Its not all about flashing off your highly blinged out, ultra glow and extra LOUD paddle that has all the bells and whistles of something off of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (Original Version)

Gossip Folks-------------->

• Oh, it's going to happen.
• You're going to get mad on the inside or develop a healthy dose of humility. 
• Don't lash out.
• Keep a bright smile.
• Turn Up! Every chance you get.
• Share your experience.  

The experience of leaving an organization you MAY have worked hard in, cause face it some people don't, can be a really eye-opening and traumatic experience. This is only intensified when people choose to gossip and be completely childish.

Unfortunately, Secondlife has built a repertoire of organizations that can only mock what real life has done and they ruin the reputation and ideas of Greekdom by the previous things. This is not to say that RL Greekdom doesn't have these issues, because they very much so do! And we will give you a guideline on how to solve it on our next post!

- Iota Sigma Rho Secondlife Sorority Leadership

 

What To Expect When You're Expecting (TO "PLEDGE")!

------------------->>>> APPLICATION DEADLINE IN 1 WEEK! <<<<--------------------
 How nerve racking!

We get a lot of interesting topics on FB about what we expect of our "pledges". What we want them to do and how demanding we are. How the process takes up allllllll of your time and you never see your family again and life doesn't exist when you're "on line" and omg ... omg ... what to do!

Well...

We don't have "pledges". We have "rushees" or what we like to call "gems". These elite ladies will go through a process, one of which they know about from Rush Week to Gems Week to the end. Our Gems class will comprise of various tasks that test how you react in a group setting to challenges while you're HAVING FUN!

Here is what you can expect;

✓ We don't have a "pledges". 

✓ We don't make you look ridiculous. 

✓ We follow the true meaning of being their for you sister by ACTUALLY putting you in situations that will show your character within the confines of SL.

✓ We don't make you have a ridiculous notion that anyone is better than the rest simply because they can do something you can. IE; dj, build, take photos. You're ALL individually precious because our Gems are women of upstanding character. 

✓ We don't have a "Pledge Master", that anyone answers to. Are you slaves? (No offense to any slaves out there.) But to put it simply, we are not your mistress's(No offense to any mistress's out there). We are your guides to the world of Greekdom.

✓ We don't make you complete POINTLESS tasks. Hanging pretty pictures and dancing in a circle is cool and all.... BUT.... how does that tell us who YOU are. From that all I can tell is; your favorite color is red and you have some really provocative dances. *golf claps*

✓ Did you know that Pearl VictoriaRose bought so many castles from one of SL's OLDEST, builder of 9 years,  fantasy builders that she now gets all of his new releases free of charge? Did you even know she loved castles? Not to worry. When you go through our Gem Class, you will have the space and time in a relaxed setting to get to know each and every potential member on an individual bases. 

✓ Take your game face off and put your relaxed face on. This is not a battle to see if you can complete our tasks but a journey to walk side by side with your own personal "Big". You and that member will have chances to talk and she can assist you with anything you need.

*****************************   RL NPC GREEK FACT  *****************************
THE IDEA OF A "BIG SISTER" WAS NOT TO PLACE SOMEONE ABOVE THE OTHER. IT WAS A QUASI- LITERAL STATEMENT. THE "BIG" IS THE MAIN POINT OF CONTACT AND ADVISOR TO THE "LITTLE". THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE "BIG" AND THE "LITTLE" IS SO CLOSE THAT THEY OFTEN BECOME VERY CLOSE FRIENDS FOR LIFE. FROM THIS, "BIG/LITTLE" PADDLES/TRINKETS ETC. HAVE BEEN MADE AND GIVEN AS TRADITIONAL GIFTS. 

***This Greek Fact Moment has been brought to you by Iota Sigma Rho Secondlife Sorority Leadership. *****



✓ Ready to choose? RUSH Week is a week dedicated to showing our best face to potential members so that YOU can choose us. Confused? Please refer to  "'Ahhhhh', says the intelligent woman, 'I think I want to pledge?! What do I do!?'", post. 


Overall, this is what you can expect, 

✓ Fun

✓ Challenges

✓ Sisterly Bonding

✓ Personal Team Building 

✓ Good Conversation

✓ EQUALITY

✓ Sisterhood

We are not a organization of builders or djs or photographers. We're simply women who want to bond with other women who have a love of sisterhood! 

We hope these posts have been helpful!

- Iota Sigma Rho Sorority Leadership