Dear Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters,

Recent news articles and television features have portrayed sorority life and the practice of membership selection in ways that are hurtful to individual women and reinforce old stereotypes about sorority members. We want to take this opportunity to reiterate our position and remind all Alpha Sigma Alpha members of who we are, what we stand for and what we believe in. Each member of Alpha Sigma Alpha is individually unique and brings a wealth of value and meaning to our organization.

For more than a century, Alpha Sigma Alpha has offered exceptional opportunities for women to be fully themselves, to lead, to serve and most of all to make a difference. That’s why our vision is every member makes a difference. Each of these words is significant to Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Every. When Alpha Sigma Alpha says “every” member, we mean every member. One of the greatest things about Alpha Sigma Alpha is our inclusiveness, our desire to be welcoming to women on the basis of their character and spirit, and not on anything less. We reach out to our members, every one of them, and find that every one of our members has something special to give in return.

Member. There may be no concept more central to Alpha Sigma Alpha than “membership.” Even our newest members are treated with the same respect and share the same responsibilities as initiated members. We support lifetime membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha, as well as in the greater Panhellenic and Greek community. “Member” means you’re one of us, a sister, someone with friends for life. “Member” means you belong for life… you belong right here with us.

Makes. An active word for an active group. To make is to create, and Alpha Sigma Alpha women are the most creative people we know. They make a success of college. They make solid careers and wonderful families. They make loving homes and stronger communities. They make great friends. They make the world a better place.

But, most of all, they make A Difference. Alpha Sigma Alpha members change lives – their own and others. For 30 years, we have made a tangible difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, helping adults and children know the joy of trying and succeeding in crossing life’s hurdles. In their daily lives, Alpha Sigma Alp has reach out to those who could use a hand or a shoulder, always leaving a lasting impression and always leaving things better than they found them. We make a difference in times of joy, too – there’s no one better than a sister to share your happiness and celebrate your success.

Every member makes a difference – each of these words has special meaning to us, but like our sisterhood itself, the phrase is more than the sum of its parts. Just as the words have even more meaning in a sentence than they do standing alone, so does each of us have more meaning, more potential to be our best, when we are in a group, and not standing alone.

As you fulfill your obligations to recruit new members of Alpha Sigma Alpha, please keep in mind that all potential members shall be courteously acknowledged and considered in accordance with national policy. Chapters are prohibited from barring admission on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation.

We expect all Alpha Sigma Alpha members to treat one another with respect and dignity. Please be mindful that Alpha Sigma Alphas are women of poise and purpose, noted for their character and concern for others. Membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha goes to the core – it is not skin deep. What is important is what is on the inside!

When we, as Alpha Sigma Alpha members act in a manner that is in congruence with our values, our mission and our Ritual, then, our sorority membership shines as the positive experience that our Founders intended. It is then, with great honor and confidence, we proclaim, “We are Alpha Sigma Alphas.”

Love in Alpha Sigma Alpha,

The National Council

Cindy Kelley
Sharon Sterner
Dolly Loyd
Kim Benson
Nora Ten Broeck
Christine Thomas
Lori Scott