When choosing a fraternity, students must keep an open mind. Look into all possibilities. Do not let stereotypes keep you from a particular fraternity. You may be more familiar with or feel more interested in one organization, but look at the other options also. You may find something more in another group.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. The only way a person can find out what each fraternity stands for, is to ask questions. Look into the organizations programs, their national thrusts and if those particular programs spark your individual interest.
Remember, the members are the heart of the fraternity; they help make it. Find out what the members are like locally as well as on other campuses and cities. Are the members friendly and genuine? How willing are they to answer your questions? Do you think you could get along with as well as work with those individuals? Are you comfortable with them? Do you have things in common? On the other hand, you do not have to fit in a mold, your difference could be what the fraternity needs. Remember, those individuals will be the men that you identify with for life.
All of the fraternity are growth institutions. They are designed to help widen your horizons, leadership skills and friendships. The choice is yours. Make your decision based on what you have researched and seen, NOT what you have been told. Do not be persuaded by stereotypes or preconceived notions. The decision should be based on your own personal convictions and reasons.
If you are only concerned with images and stereotypes
You don't need to join Sigma. Sigma's have no stereotypes- we are individuals. What you are is what you bring to the organization. And what you bring to the organization is what the organization becomes.
If you only want to advance socially by aligning yourself with a Greek letter organization
Join something else. If you don't have "game" now, don't think that three letters across your chest will make you any more or less attractive or popular.
If you want only want to get into parties for free Become a member of someone's auxiliary groups.
If you only want to get closer to the Sigma's or Zeta's or other Greeks
Join an auxiliary group or just give yourself to the person. Our organizations don't need anymore dead weight.
If you only want to say "I joined a Greek letter organization"
Make your own. There have been plenty of independent so-called "Greek" letter organizations to pop up because someone dropped line or someone has animosity toward Sigma or someone else's org. Others want to have the "privileges" and image that come with saying that you're a "Greek", but don't want to join a NPHC (National Pan Hellenic Council) organization. Anyone can take three letters and make an organization. But do you know the significance of the BGLO (Black Greek Letter Organization) movement in the US? Do you know of it's origin? It's traditions?
If you have a desire to help the community and uplift the image of the African-American Sigma is here for you. We've got PLENTY of work we can put you to doing as soon as you join the chapter.
If you want to join a real brotherhood
Sigma was made for anyone. Those who join Sigma are not only men of Phi Beta Sigma, but frat to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, our sisters.
If you don't just want to "wear" letters, but do something with them
Sigma is for you. Since its inception, Sigma has been community service oriented. When other organizations were concerned about status, Sigma was about community service and scholarship.
If you find an inborn desire and commitment to Sigma's principles and motto
Sigma is for you. We always need people who are about the business of our organization.