How do you change the idea of something that people think they understand?
For many that something is Greek life, shaped by movies and friends’ whispers. Yet one group, the Intercultural Greek Council, works to break the mold.
Created about two years ago, the Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) is the newest of the four bodies that manage Greek societies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. It is home to six Greek societies: Alpha Delta Phi Society, Alpha Phi Gamma National Sorority Inc., Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority Inc., Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc., Chi Sigma Tau National Fraternity Inc., and Omega Pi Lambda Sorority Inc.
Intersectionality is at the foundation of the IGC. Member societies include traditional fraternities and sororities — but with a racial and ethnic focus — and one gender-inclusive society. Their shared experience as members of minority groups tie the six societies together.
“The IGC can kind of serve as that place where, ‘Hey these are people that look like me,’ or ‘These are people that identify the same way as I do. I could find a home here,’” IGC president Karlo Briz said. “I think we’re a good powerhouse of diversity. A lot of our members are POC and are part of the LGBTQ+ community as well. It could serve as a second home or at least another place where we can gather and be ourselves and be Greek as well.”
When thinking of Greek life, many believe Greek societies only exist for drinking and partying and are only meant for a small subset of people. The IGC is attempting to break this belief by creating a welcoming environment for those who feel like they might not belong in Greek life. But as president of the gender-inclusive Alpha Delta Phi society, senior Anna Updike, described, that mission may not be immediately obvious to an outsider.
“I think for people that aren’t Greek, it’s a lot of confusing questions,” Updike said. “‘Well, if you’re gender-inclusive, then are you a Greek org or like an honor society?’ They’re just really confused on how we work because we aren’t as traditional-looking.”
While the IGC works to break Greek life stereotypes, its members also recognize these perceptions come from real issues that take place at Greek organizations. As president of Chi Sigma Tau, junior Yu Fu, described, the IGC works with the societies to uphold required standards.
“[They] ensure we’re following the laws and policy — that no one is breaking that,” Fu said. “Because we know that is something [that] ties back to the person… And with IGC being protection for us, it is to help us ensure we’re not falling into that track, but instead more redirect ourselves to better directions.”
In the end, the change in perception of Greek life that IGC hopes to create begins with a simple invitation.
“Sometimes all you need is just to be invited into this space to feel like you have agency to be able to operate or appreciate or listen or learn,” IGC advisor Jaelyne White said.
