A strong support for philanthropic service has been long-standing belief for nearly every national sorority. Our Rho Sigma Gamma – the Society of Recovering Sorority Girls – is no exception. But as a potential or new member, it’s important for you to understand the role of philanthropic service.

Typically, sorority girls have been women of privilege. While we realize that isn’t necessarily the case now, we will take a quick look at history. In the mid-19^th century, when the first few sororities were being founded, there were very few institutions of higher learning for women to even attend. The Georgia Female College in Macon, Georgia, was the first college to grant degrees to women in 1840. The Methodist Episcopal Church gained title to the school in 1844 and renamed it Wesleyan College, considered the home of America’s first two national sororities, Alpha Delta Pi, founded in 1851, and Phi Mu, established the following year. The first "sorority girls" were daughters of wealthy plantation owners, seeking close friendship and support. These women were also much younger than today’s freshman, going away to college at age 15 or 16.

While formal documentation of philanthropic efforts doesn’t begin until the early 20^th century, there are numerous accounts of the first "sorority girls" caring for soldiers and civilians harmed and made homeless by the Civil War. Given their personal backgrounds and geography, it’s logical to understand why this service was important to them.

But after the establishment of the National Panhellenic Conference in 1902, adopting specific philanthropic organizations and efforts became a trait associated with national sororities. This tradition continues today.

The Society of Recovering Sorority Girls has chosen its philanthropic efforts based in part on the theory that its members, recovering sorority girls, continue to be women of privilege today. We recognize that many of our members have worked hard to complete degrees and continue to work hard in and outside the home, and so the phrase "women of privilege" takes on a slightly different meaning. But there is nothing wrong with celebrating the privilege of your enlightened state of mind which allows you to enjoy life to its fullest. Rho Sigma Gamma’s philanthropic efforts seek to encourage women to attain the privilege of higher education and greater independence. Whether it is inspiring high school girls to go college through Project Cinderella or being a part of the new beginning through Suited for Change, our greater philanthropic goal is to give all women the sense of privilege that was instilled in us.