A Message From The Chairman

NPC’s “Something of Value” Program Helping Women Since 1995

We deal with young women every day — more often in the best of circumstances than the worst of circumstances

But when women enter adulthood, they encounter all the challenges that come with taking those first independent steps away from home. Growing up is never easy or simple. It’s occasionally unpleasant, disappointing, challenging, frustrating and life altering.

The National Panhellenic Conference addresses the small-to-large life challenges with  its 26 member groups in a program called “Something of Value.”

“Something of Value,” a peer-based program with experienced facilitators and attorneys, has been dealing with some of the toughest issues that young women have faced in their lives for the past 15 years.

Our executive leaders fashioned the program in 1995 when an advisor asked for help at a Pennsylvania campus.

In the past five years alone, we have reached more than 8,000 women in 37 different states over some of the most pressing and bothersome issues on college campuses across the nation. NPC leaders and staff conduct about 20 on-campus programs a year, with underwriting and support from the NPC Foundation and member groups.

For one weekend on one campus with Panhellenic women in one room, we’re invited and provide two-person teams who address the problems college women face in their lives when they leave home. Large group and small group discussions are held to create an environment of trust and collaboration so change can begin to take place.

We are usually invited by unanimous agreement of College Panhellenic Associations. Those women also involve “emerging” leaders and adult advisors who play a role in leading small discussion groups. In those group discussions, women are faced with coming to terms and facing the issues on campus, the issues in their sororities and perhaps the issues in their own personal lives.

In confidence, women gather to talk about their internal and external struggles — both as individuals and as NPC members. An attorney who volunteers her time runs a mock trial during the program with the intent of showing the women that their risky behaviors can have real life consequences.

Playing select parts in the trial, it’s up to the group of women to determine the liability for the actions “on trial” and the potential consequences — including the civil and criminal penalties that could result as real-life consequences.

An action plan is created  to make sure that any challenges are addressed, dealt with in a positive manner and, hopefully, resolved.

“Something of Value” is about making a difference.

If you know of a chapter or campus that could benefit, then please invite us in.