** Click here to download a copy of these FAQs for your files. ** 1. Q: When was Phi Alpha Nu Fraternity, Inc. founded? A: July 30, 2006 in Charlotte, NC. 2. Q: When was Phi Alpha Nu Fraternity incorporated? A: February 12, 2007 with the State of North Carolina. 3. Q: What is a LGBT Women’s Fraternity? A: LGBT Women’s Fraternities are organizations whose members are lesbian and in most cases, identify with a masculine presence (i.e. butch or stud of all variations) that believe and live by the same set of principles and foster a close friendship through those principles. Phi Alpha Nu‘s principles are Friendship, Respect, Trust, Unity, Support, Intelligence, Leadership, Mentorship, Professionalism. 4. Q: What type of organization is Phi Alpha Nu? A: Phi Alpha Nu is a non-profit, non-traditional, education based, social and service fraternal sisterhood for lesbian women who identify with a masculine presence (i.e. butch or stud of all variations) 5. Q: Is Phi Alpha Nu a local or national Fraternity? A: Phi Alpha Nu is a national organization and we are currently expanding. 6. Q: What does Phi Alpha Nu look for in new members? A: The selection process is not easy. Phi Alpha Nu looks for many characteristics in its potential members. We search for lesbian women who identify with a masculine presence (i.e. butch or stud of all variations) and who embody the spirit of Friendship, Respect, Trust, Unity, Support, Intelligence, Leadership, Mentorship, and Professionalism. Some of the criteria we use to select our potential members includes but is not limited to; academic performance (current/previous), community service involvement, personal interest, motivation, confidence (not arrogance), interpersonal relationship skills, and personal interaction with fraternity members and other potential members during the acclimation/line session. WARNING: Selfishness, immaturity, thuggishness, confrontational and glory monger mentalities, inconsiderateness, and egotistical and arrogant attitudes, just to name a few, have no place in Phi Alpha Nu. In essence, if you are one who knows you will not be able to personify and/or maintain our ideals, please consider another organization!!!! 7. Q: Do you have to be in college in order to participate in your program? A: No, Phi Alpha Nu is non-collegiate meaning we are not a "college-based"organization; we are not regulated by any educational institution. However, we do encourage our members to continuously further their education. 8. Q: Who can join Phi Alpha Nu Fraternity? A: Although we do not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation or identity, disability, or national origin; Phi Alpha Nu reserves the right to offer membership exclusively to lesbian women who identify with a masculine presence (i.e. butch or stud of all variations). 9. Q: Does Phi Alpha Nu have a sister sorority? A: Not at this time. 10.Q: How long is the Initiate Process? A: A Line Session is completed in 4 phases which can last up to 3 months (i.e. 9-12 weeks). . * Phase 1: Line Acclimation (the preparation period), which typically lasts 1-3 weeks. * Phase 2: Covers weeks 1-5 of the “official” process. You must be invited to continue on to the next phase. * Phase 3: Covers weeks 6-8 of the “official” process. You must be invited to continue on to the “final” phase. * Phase 4: The Final phase which covers week 9 and Finals Weekend of the "official" process. Upon successful completion of Phase 4, one may be initiated into Phi Alpha Nu as a member. 11.Q: Does it cost money to join? A: Yes, Phi Alpha Nu is a self-supported organization. For the most current fees, please see http://phialphanu.org/downloads.html or contact dom@phialphanu.org should you have additional questions. 12.Q: What will I need in order to go through Phi Alpha Nu's initiate process? A: At a minimum, you will need: • Computer with Internet Access • Cell Phone; land line phone or voice mail service • Camera (preferably digital) • Specific items from our PAN Store • Additional “administrative” items outlined in the Line Manual 13. Q: Will I get hazed while I’m in your program? A: Phi Alpha Nu strictly prohibits hazing in any form, to any of its members or potential members. Hazing is illegal and considered a crime in most states and jurisdictions. Potential members of Phi Alpha Nu should not agree to submit to hazing in order to obtain membership into our organization. Our Line Sessions are based on instruction, experiential learning, mentoring, community service, and sisterhood activities…which have no room for any Hazing activities. Know your rights: www.StopHazing.org 14.Q: I don’t live in North Carolina, how can I go through your program? A: You’re not required to live in North Carolina in order to go through our Program since it’s primarily conducted virtually, much like an advanced and accelerated on-line college course. 15.Q: Where will Finals Weekend/Induction Ceremony be held? A: Potential members, who are invited to attend Finals Weekend, will be required to attend at one of the designated locations. Furthermore, Finals Weekend is a national mandatory requirement that typically lasts approximately 3½ days; Thursday-Sunday. Potential members are responsible for their own transportation when attending Finals Weekend. Accommodations for Finals Weekend at the designated locations are arranged by Phi Alpha Nu. However, fees do apply and the amount is dependent upon the number of potential members that will be attending Finals Weekend. In essence, all potentials members attending Finals Weekend will split the cost for their accommodations. 16.Q: Where are chapters and colonies of Phi Alpha Nu located? A: While we are continuously to working to establish more chapters and colonies, we currently have chapters and colonies in the following locations: North Carolina; Virginia; Ohio; Texas; Illinois and Washington DC * For a complete list of specific cities, please see: http://phialphanu.org/ccroster.html 17.Q: What is Phi Alpha Nu currently doing in the community? A: Currently we are working with or in support of the following organizations and events (both National and Local levels): American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association Habitat for Humanity AIDS Walk CROP Hunger Walk America’s Second Harvest American Library Association * For a complete list of organizations, please see: http://phialphanu.org/svc.html 18.Q: When does Phi Alpha Nu hold its Line Sessions during the year? A: We hold Initiate Lines, primarily, in the Fall and Spring on odd years and only during the Spring on even years. 19.Q: Does joining and being in a Fraternity take a lot of time? A: Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one’s time. Time management is an essential facet of fraternal life. Through fraternity involvement, Phi Alpha Nu initiates and members learn how to balance their time. 20.Q: Can I join Phi Alpha Nu if I am already a member of another Fraternity just like Phi Alpha Nu? A: No, simultaneous membership in more than one fraternity, of the same type (LGBT Women’s Fraternities) is not allowed due to conflict of interest issues. 21.Q: What can a fraternity do for me? A: Well, a fraternity provides a network of people and resources to use at your disposal. The goal of Phi Alpha Nu is to uplift its members and encourage them to commit to lives of excellence. 22.Q: What does it mean to join a fraternity like Phi Alpha Nu? A: Joining a fraternity like Phi Alpha Nu means a much higher level of involvement in self-development. Thus, allowing each individual’s talents and abilities to be improved and used to their potential, benefiting themselves and the fraternal sisterhood. As a result of how the fraternity is structured, opportunities for leadership are available for those who seek it. Most importantly, the fraternity can provide its members with a humanizing experience in the community and the world. 23.Q: What is the difference between GLBT Greek Fraternities, Sororities and Houses? A: While GLBT fraternities, sororities and houses share the ideal of “family,” they differ in their structure, objectives and activities. 24.Q: Can I join Phi Alpha Nu if I am currently a member of a House or another non GLBT Greek organization? A: Candidates for membership into Phi Alpha Nu who are current members of a House or other non GLBT Greek organization will be given consideration on a case by case basis. 25.Q: I’m a little unsure about the whole “fraternity” thing. If I submit an application, does that mean I have to join? A: As with anything you apply for, absolutely not. It is totally understandable to be a little unsure about whether to join a fraternity. However we strongly encourage you to; (1) Assess what you’re truly looking for and; (2) Be aware that although there are numerous groups and organizations in existence, they each vary in their ideals, expectations and requirements. No matter if it’s a fraternity, sorority, house or other “family” set you are considering, do your research and choose wisely. See the following site to aid you in your research of LGBT Greek organizations: http://lesbnsororities.ning.com 26.Q: Will all of this affect my personal life? A: Ultimately, we advise all initiates of the time commitment of our process. We expect our initiates to fulfill all required activities. We do however, understand most of our initiates and members have jobs, go to school and have families (for most a combination of all three). We place a lot of emphasis on time management to help our initiates and members to organization their time. We also understand that some things can’t be helped, in cases like these we deal with the individual’s on a case to case basis. 27.Q: Will my identity be automatically exposed if I were to become a member? A: No, absolutely not! Phi Alpha Nu always adheres to privacy in terms of “family” business” and it not only protects its own information and activities, it protects its members. Your identity is only revealed if you have provided us with the permission to share it with the public in writing. Whatever your reasoning for privacy, your identity and your membership in and with Phi Alpha Nu will only be revealed at your discretion. 28. Q: Why does Phi Alpha Nu pride itself on being the “Different LGBT Women’s Fraternity”? A: Phi Alpha Nu prides itself on being different, not just for the sake of being different, but because of the creative rewards that comes with thinking outside of the box and the pursuit of being the Leader of the LGBT Women’s Fraternity community. Phi Alpha Nu refuses to be stereotyped as "just another one of those lesbian ‘want to be’ Greek organizations." We are dedicated to the idea that a “TRUE” LGBT Women’s Fraternity is much more than a social group but a “TRUE” home for Lesbian women to thrive and be their best selves.