History

History of the National Panhellenic Conference In April 1891, Kappa Kappa Gamma organized a meeting in Boston to discuss mutual interests and concerns with other women’s fraternities. Invited to this meeting were Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Beta Phi. Eleven years later, Alpha Phi extended another invitation to these same groups. It was at this second meeting in 1902 that the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) was formed. Recruitment and new member issues were the main concerns at these meetings. The Conference succeeded in defining recruitment, recommending a definitive bid day, extending written invitations to membership and banning mock initiations. National Panhellenic Conference The National Panhellenic Conference is composed of member women’s fraternities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek letter society of college women, undergraduate and alumnae. NPC was established to foster interfraternity relationships, to assist collegiate chapters of member organizations and to cooperate with colleges and universities in maintaining the highest scholastic and social standards. Twenty-six women’s fraternities, national or international in scope, comprise the conference. Each fraternity selects one official delegate to represent it at the biennial meeting or any other NPC meeting. She casts the fraternity’s vote and acts as a liaison between her fraternity and other NPC groups. She serves on a standing committee during each biennium. Each fraternity may name three alternate NPC delegates, one of whom is often the national (or international) president. The National Panhellenic Conference formulates policies on matters of interfraternity interest and concern; studies changing educational outlooks; and through its discussions, panels and special programs at biennial meetings, contributes to interfraternity understanding and friendship. The National Panhellenic Conference maintains a central office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fraternity: Fraternity is a social experience based on the fundamental right of a free people to form voluntary associations. It is one of the enrichments of college life. Mutual Choice: The young woman who wants fraternity experience will find it possible to belong on most campuses today. Fraternity membership is a social experience arrived at by mutual choice and selection. Fraternity membership is by invitation. Fraternities Exist Because They: Provide a good democratic social experience. Give value beyond college years. Create, through their ideals, an ever-widening circle of service beyond the membership. Develop the individual's potential through leadership opportunities and group effort. Fill the need of belonging. Fraternities Continue Because: Young women feel a continuing need to belong. Parents appreciate fraternity values and standards and cooperate to make membership possible. College administrations, recognizing the values of fraternities, continue to welcome them on their campuses and to invite them to establish new chapters. College Panhellenic A College Panhellenic Association is composed of all NPC member groups with chapters on a campus. A College Panhellenic Council is the local governing body and is composed of one chapter delegate from each women's group. The College Panhellenic Council is responsible for local Panhellenic operations in accordance with the NPC UNANIMOUS AGREEMENTS, policies and procedures. Their duties often include governance of the recrutiment recruitment process, programming for the campus, providing opportunities for chapter interaction, etc. Alumnae Panhellenic Based upon NPC policies, Alumnae Panhellenics set up their own organizations and carry out programs in line with their special interests or situations. Fostered by NPC, well-informed Alumnae Panhellenics enhance the fraternity system through scholarship Awards, annual educational/informational functions for prospective college freshmen, philanthropic projects, community participation and civic leadership. Insert text, photos, links, and more here!