We, as members of a women’s fraternity, have symbols of our
membership. These symbols and their meanings are special and known only to us,
those who have the privilege of wearing them, yet we wear them as demonstrated
pride of our commitment to Delta Gamma. It is more than a piece of jewelry; it
is a symbol of our love, devotion and pride.
Former Fraternity President Maureen Sweeney Syring, Nu-Idaho, once
said, “Our badge is our outward symbol of our inner commitment.” It is
important to remember why we wear our badge and when we wear our badge. To wear
our badge, you should be aligned with the meanings and purpose of Delta Gamma.
The purpose of wearing our badge is to show our understanding, love and
commitment for the organization and those things for which Delta Gamma stands.
Consider this: you are always wearing your letters, but you
should wear your badge to show your additional pride and love for the
Fraternity and our mission and values.
When to wear your badge:
- Any time you are feeling your best, looking your best
- On chapter badge day to show pride in membership and the strength of the beliefs and commitment to Delta Gamma
- At formal chapter
- At Initiation
- At the Pi Alpha ceremony
- Founders Day
- Delta Gamma alumnae meeting
- Panhellenic meeting or gathering
- Delta Gamma memorial service or funeral
When it’s not a great idea to wear your badge:
- When you just rolled out of bed and are not necessarily looking your personal best.
- If you are having a really bad day and are in a not-so-good mood.
- If your behavior is not reflective of Delta Gamma standards or values.
FAQs:
Q: “I thought I could
only wear my badge if I was wearing formal chapter attire like a dress.”
A: There is no Fraternity policy for badge attire. Each
chapter has different dress requirements for formal chapter in its bylaws and
standing rules. Some state dresses; some state no strapless dresses; some state
business attire; some state nothing. The badge may be worn at any time;
however, as long as you look neat, polished and presentable and your behavior
reflects the standards of the Fraternity.
Q: “Is there a specific
place I have to wear my badge?”
A: The badge may be worn anywhere, as specific in Fraternity
policy. It may be worn as a pendant, on a bracelet or as a pin. If it is worn
as a pin, it is over the heart. A helpful tip for placement: place your thumb
on your throat, right above the sternum, spread out your palm, and place the
badge where the base of the pinky finger meets the base of the fourth finger.
Q: “I never ordered a
badge. Is it too late for me to get one?”
A: Any initiated member of Delta Gamma Fraternity may order a
badge at any time from the Fraternity jeweler, J. Brandt. www.jbrandt.com. New members order their badges with the help of their chapter's vice president: member education.
Q: “I cannot afford a
badge.”
A: J. Brandt offers a sterling silver badge option for
$45. For the price of a few lattes, you can have your badge for a lifetime.
Q: “I am in poor
standing and on probation with my chapter. I was told I cannot wear my badge.
A: Only members in good standing may wear the Delta Gamma
badge. When a member is no longer on probation, she may again wear her badge
with pride and as emblem of aligning with the standards of membership and the
values and meanings of the Fraternity.
Q: My friend resigned
her membership, but she still wants her badge. Is that okay?
A: If someone is no longer a member of the Fraternity, she
may not wear the badge. A badge must be returned to Executive Offices if a
member resigns or is expelled. By owning
or wearing a badge, a woman is demonstrating her beliefs and values are in line
with those of the Fraternity and she agrees to uphold the meanings and secrets
of Delta Gamma. If she no longer is a member, these no longer apply, and her
badge must be surrendered.
Thank you to Director: Scholarship & Rituals Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke, for this submission.
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