Aristotle (lanemasters) wrote in lambdaphi, @ 2011-02-07 17:47:00 |
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DELTA LAMBDA PHI ADHERE TO THESE PRINCIPLES:-To develop dignified and purposeful, social, service, and recreational activities for progressive men, irrespective of sexual orientation.
-To lead in determining the rights and privileges of individuals in society.
-To promote a strong and positive image, which respects the diversity of all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation.
WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO DELTA LAMBDA PHI?Service projects include a wide variety of activities, and are designed to benefit others in the community. In Delta Lambda Phi, chapters are encouraged to perform community service projects with these three principles in mind:
-Pride: Projects should boost human awareness and visibility, creating a more prideful community.
-Personal Growth: Projects should facilitate development and awareness of a Brother’s character, leadership, duty, compassion, and honor.
-Brotherhood: Projects should create a supportive bond of friendship and family. Brotherhood is fun, constructive, accepting, and proud.
FRATERNITY MOTTO:Lambda Men Are Making their Presence Known. Colors are green, gold and white. Our Mascot, The Centaur, a mythical half-man, half-horse creature, is the mascot of Delta Lambda Phi. Adapted from Greek mythology and redefined, he embodies the essence of masculinity. Ancient Greek mythology presented the centaur as a longhaired, bearded creature with shaggy hair covering most of his body. Our depiction of the Centaur differs from that of classic Greek mythology in that the Lambda Centaur is clean-shaven with short hair and resembles a young man. The straining, extended hand of the Lambda Centaur as he reaches for those experiences just beyond his grasp reemphasizes the enduring internal and external strength of the Lambda Man. The yellow rose is Delta Lambda Phi's flower.
THE FOUNDATION:In Washington, DC, in October 1986, three elderly gentlemen established a trust to create a social fraternity that wouldn’t discriminate based on sexual orientation; the donors regretted such an alternative was unavailable to them during their formative years. As Trustee, Vernon L. Strickland, III, administered the founding of Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity, creating its crest, selecting its mascot and designing its rituals. In April 1987, Strickland initiated 24 men into the Fraternity’s Alpha Chapter – and Delta Lambda Phi was born.
A STATEMENT FROM ONE BROTHER TO BROTHERS OF THE FUTURE:Originally in September when I ventured forth with my thoughts on the chapter, I had no intentions of recruiting. I've always been unable to cross that social line where people actually get along and become welcoming to open up with an extended arm of trust. When I spoke of what I was looking for in a fraternity, in a group, it was not for social gain that I joined, when I joined. It was not for unity or parties, but rather, to stand for something that made life difficult for others but didn't necessarily define them as people. It is the opportunity to grow in the true spirit of brotherhood -- one that embraces diversity, respects the value of all and appeals to all types of individuals.
Chapters in different locations are very much individualized by those that are in them. Delta Lambda Phi was no exception. With most of the fraternity like an elite gentlemen's club, the pledges came in waves and every year, the chapter grew while other places, such as Chapel hill, the fraternity is small, weak and suffering to stay afloat. Men are embarrassed to join, ashamed of themselves or see it as the latest GLBT-SA club movement, with no hopes of getting off the ground. What's the point of joining when its so small and seemingly a waste of one's time? That's a good question. But for every start, there has to be someone to make that step and want it bad enough that they're willing to go the extra mile to see it happen.
This is not a 'gay man's club' as it would seem to be, but in-fact, a place to bring up your GPA, contribute to the general community by charity and human rights, to find a place amongst like minds that are open and intelligent, seeking to strip the labels of a stereotypical lifestyle and yes, build on 'friendships'. We are not centralized around drinking and parties. Although they are good and well, there is a time and place and we leave it to the other fraternities to bring us delectable lingerie parties, Xbox nights and cupcake distributions. That is not to say, we don't party because we do, however, Delta Lambda Phi would like to promote a better place for studying, in house help to focus where you lack in both your studies and your personal affairs,whether you are out or not. Everyone has a story, an impressionable history and within the fraternity, we are seeking to instill a proactive thought process to move you forward into a future that you can be step into confidently.
Lane Masters
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Class of 2013