What is SISTUHS, Inc.?

Is SISTUHS, Inc. a religious organization?

Can any woman belong?

Is SISTUHS, Inc. a secret society?

Is SISTUHS, Inc. a sorority or a Greek Interest Group?

Can any woman belong?

What does SISTUHS, Inc. have to offer that other organizations do not?

How may I express a desire to join SISTUHS, Inc.?

What happens after I submit my application?

How long is Rites of Passage?

Can I afford membership in SISTUHS, Inc.?

Is SISTUHS, Inc. time-consuming?

Is there any memory work?

Q: What is SISTUHS, Inc.?[back to top]
SISTUHS, Inc. is a community service organization for Women of Color. SISTUHS, Inc. was founded on the campus of Florida State University on December 3, 1992 by Akiba Jackson and Germaine Smith-Baugh.

Q: Is SISTUHS, Inc. a religious organization? [back to top]
No. SISTUHS, Inc. is not a religious organization. SISTUHS, Inc. does not pretend to take the place of a religion or serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. Our members come from various denominations. Members of all denominations may belong to SISTUHS, Inc. We do participate in spiritual activities.

Q: Is SISTUHS, Inc. a secret society? [back to top]
No. A Secret societies are underground and hard to find. We are easily found within the community. Meetings are opened to non-members at the discretion of the President, depending on the topic of discussion.

Q: Is SISTUHS, Inc. a sorority or a Greek Interest Group? [back to top]
No, SISTUHS, Inc. is not a private or social club. We are a group of women that are organized in our endeavors and support our objectives. We are an open organization and will not discriminate against our Members or Prospective Members.

SISTUHS, Inc. is not a Greek Interest Group for any sorority. We support the members and chapters of Greek organizations. We have members that are affiliated with sororities and we embrace the rich history and traditions of Greek sororities. However, SISTUHS, Inc. is founded on a different set of principles and ideas.

Q: Can any woman belong? [back to top]
Yes. A Prospective member must be of good moral character, attend an accredited college or university or be 21 years of age or a graduate of an accredited college or university. A Prospective Member must also be willing to participate in the Rites of Passage program and Induction Ceremony.

Q: What does SISTUHS, Inc. have to offer that other organizations do not? [back to top]
Each of us is required to give back to our community, through our time, talent, or monetary effort. SISTUHS, Inc. is an organization that gives members an opportunity to join in a collaborative effort to support our communities.

Q: How may I express a desire to join SISTUHS, Inc.? [back to top]
If you are not familiar with anyone in a Chapter in your area, you may contact the National Headquarter at nbod@sistuhs.org or mail a letter to the following address to request contact information for a Chapter in your area:

SISTUHS, Incorporated
Attn: Director of Membership
PO BOX 540942
Opa-Locka, FL 33054

Q: What happens after I submit my application? [back to top]
Your application will be submitted to the Chapter Membership Coordinator and will then be forwarded to the National Headquarters. An Elder or the Chapter Membership Coordinator will contact you with the date and time of Rites of Passage.

Q: How long is Rites of Passage? [back to top]
Each Chapter attempts to plan the events of each meeting for the entire year. That usually includes some flexibility to accomodate Rites of Passage meetings for new members; however, in some instances very special plans cannot be interrupted. Therefore, Rites of Passage is a minimum of seven (7) weeks and a maximum of twelve (12) weeks.

Q: Is there any social involvement? [back to top]
Yes. Chapters have numerous fun activities for all members and their family and friends. Social activity includes members of SISTUHS, Inc. and our brother organization, Progressive Black Men, Incorporated (PBM).

Q: Can I afford membership in SISTUHS, Inc.? [back to top]
Maybe. The Application Processing fees total a range from $35-$60 depending on the Chapter. The Chapter dues range from $20 per year to $150 per year depending on the Chapter. Each Chapter levys its own dues, fines, and assessments in its local by-laws; however the National Headquarters assesses all other fines for Annual Returns and New Membership.

Q: Is SISTUHS, Inc. time-consuming? [back to top]
After your Rites of Passage Ceremony regular meeting, community service, fundraisers, and National Conferences and Conventions are available for you to participate in. These activities are available for you to attend as your time permits.

Q: Is there any memory work? [back to top]
Yes. You need to show that you are aware of the history, objectives, and founders of the organization. There is no mandatory memory work. A short interview at the end of Rites of Passage is encouraged.

Please direct any other questions to nbod@sistuhs.org or send correspondene to:

SISTUHS, Incorporated
Attn: Director of Membership
P.O. Box 20194
Tampa, FL 33622-0194