LETTERS TO PI PHI
Letters to Pi Phi You’ve heard us say it before — Pi Beta Phi is committed to delivering a premier experience for all members. To fulfill this commitment, we are continually striving to learn what our sisters need from the membership experience and find the best ways to deliver. We believe we can strengthen the inherent value in Pi Phi sisterhood by seeking feedback from our members and using what we learn to help plan our next steps. We want to hear from you, whether you’re sharing your feelings on the latest issue of The Arrow, a treasured sisterhood story unearthed from memory or a heartfelt critique encouraging Pi Phi to do better. Below are a selection of thoughts Pi Phi sisters shared on recent stories in The Arrow and the Fraternity’s commitment to working toward greater diversity, equity and inclusion within our membership.
JANE CHAPMAN SCHWYN, Ohio Beta, initiated 1957 “When I read The Arrow (Summer 2020), I found it the most profound, and best (and probably the most difficult to put together) Arrow I’ve ever had the opportunity to read in all these years. I WAS PROUD OF YOU FOR TAKING ON SUCH HARD ISSUES and working to explore them. I hope you continue to work hard to confront the important issues, in such a forthright Arrow.”
JUDITH LARWOOD HEGG, Michigan Gamma, initiated 1956 “Thank you for addressing the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Pi Beta Phi. This has been much too long in coming. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR DECADES TO SEE THIS ADDRESSED OPENLY in my sorority.”
ANN D. NORMAND, Texas Gamma, initiated 1961 “As always and in the words of the Pi Phi song, ‘I’m glad that I’m a Pi Phi!’ Thank you, Grand Council of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, for your wisdom and leadership in Pi Phi's being PART OF THE SOLUTION to counter racism and discrimination on behalf of, and with, our Black and Brown sisters. I join you in the first actions we will take.”
ANONYMOUS, anonymity by request of the member “IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE TAKEN ANY SOUL SEARCHING. … This is so embarassing to see it took a week for a statement to be made by a group that stands for all women working together. Shame on you.”
GREATER KANSAS CITY AREA ALUMNAE CLUB Dear Grand Council: “... We know these are difficult and challenging times, and that no one was prepared for quarantines, social distancing, protest demonstrations, economic challenges, not to mention the turmoil of today’s political climate. Our alumnae club members feel the effects of these traumatic times, and are ALL THE MORE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. An example of the difference you are making is with the recent special edition of The Arrow (Summer 2020). An alumna here was so very impressed with the magazine that she paid her dues for the first time in several years. This is just one example of goodness in this traumatic time …"
Let’s keep the conversation going, together — send your stories, reflections and feedback to thearrow@pibetaphi.org, and please include your full name and chapter of initiation. FALL 2020
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