Kappa Kappa Gamma, one of the oldest and most prestigious sororities in the United States, has a rich history that spans over 145 years. Founded on October 13, 1870, at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, the sorority was established by six visionary women: Mary Louise Booth, Anna Boyd Ellenberger, Elizabeth Curtis, Marie Louise Law, Anna Patience Jones, and Hannah Jeanette Parker. These women sought to create a sisterhood that would foster personal growth, friendship, and a commitment to excellence. Today, Kappa Kappa Gamma is a thriving organization with over 260,000 members and 140 collegiate chapters across the United States and Canada.
History and Values of Kappa Kappa Gamma
The early years of Kappa Kappa Gamma were marked by a strong emphasis on academic excellence, leadership development, and community service. The sorority’s founders were guided by a shared vision of empowering women to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world. Over time, Kappa Kappa Gamma has evolved to meet the changing needs of its members, while remaining true to its core values of friendship, leadership, and service. The sorority’s motto, “Friendship is the Key to Happiness,” reflects the importance of building strong, supportive relationships among its members.
Philanthropic Efforts and Community Involvement
Kappa Kappa Gamma is committed to making a difference in the lives of others through its philanthropic efforts. The sorority’s official philanthropy is Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), a nonprofit organization that provides free books and literacy resources to children in need. Kappa Kappa Gamma members participate in various fundraising events and volunteer activities throughout the year to support RIF and other local charities. In 2019, the sorority raised over 1.3 million for RIF, with individual chapters contributing an average of 10,000 each. This level of commitment demonstrates the sorority’s dedication to giving back to the community and empowering future generations through literacy and education.
| Philanthropic Initiative | Funds Raised |
|---|---|
| Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) | $1,300,000 |
| Local Charities and Community Events | $500,000 |
| Total Philanthropic Efforts | $1,800,000 |
Key Points
- Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded in 1870 at Monmouth College in Illinois by six visionary women.
- The sorority's core values include friendship, leadership, and service, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and community involvement.
- Kappa Kappa Gamma's official philanthropy is Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), with members raising over $1.3 million in 2019 to support literacy programs and provide free books to children in need.
- The sorority has over 260,000 members and 140 collegiate chapters across the United States and Canada, making it one of the largest and most prestigious sororities in the country.
- Kappa Kappa Gamma's commitment to philanthropy and community service is reflected in its motto, "Friendship is the Key to Happiness," and its members' dedication to making a positive impact in the world.
Membership and Chapter Life
Membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendship. The sorority’s chapters are governed by a national organization, with local chapters operating under the guidance of alumni advisors and national officers. Members participate in a range of activities, including philanthropic events, social gatherings, and leadership development programs. Kappa Kappa Gamma’s membership recruitment process is designed to identify women who share the sorority’s values and are committed to its mission.
Leadership Development and Mentorship
Kappa Kappa Gamma offers a range of leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities to help its members build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their full potential. The sorority’s leadership development programs include workshops, conferences, and online resources, all designed to empower members to take on leadership roles within the sorority and in their communities. Kappa Kappa Gamma’s mentorship program pairs experienced members with newer members, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights into the sorority’s history and traditions.
In addition to its leadership development programs, Kappa Kappa Gamma also offers a range of academic support services, including tutoring, study groups, and academic advising. The sorority's members are encouraged to pursue their academic goals and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. With a strong emphasis on academic achievement, Kappa Kappa Gamma's members have gone on to achieve great things, including becoming leaders in their fields, entrepreneurs, and community advocates.
What is the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma?
+Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded in 1870 at Monmouth College in Illinois by six visionary women. The sorority has a rich history of promoting academic excellence, leadership development, and community service.
What is Kappa Kappa Gamma's philanthropic focus?
+Kappa Kappa Gamma's official philanthropy is Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), a nonprofit organization that provides free books and literacy resources to children in need. The sorority's members participate in various fundraising events and volunteer activities throughout the year to support RIF and other local charities.
How can I join Kappa Kappa Gamma?
+Membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma is open to women who share the sorority's values and are committed to its mission. The membership recruitment process typically takes place during the fall semester, with interested women participating in a series of events and interviews to get to know the sorority's members and learn more about its values and traditions.
As a prestigious sorority with a long history of excellence, Kappa Kappa Gamma continues to empower its members to make a positive impact in the world. With its strong emphasis on academic achievement, leadership development, and community service, the sorority remains a vital part of the Greek community, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for women to grow, learn, and thrive. Whether through its philanthropic efforts, leadership development programs, or social events, Kappa Kappa Gamma offers a unique and enriching experience for its members, one that will last a lifetime.
