Promises & Commitments
Dr. Shokooh Miry, Sigma (U of California Berkeley), International Vice President
I write this In the Loop article with a heart filled with gratitude for my time serving on the Executive Board of Alpha Omicron Pi. Our fraternity has brought me an abundance of blessings, the most vital of which is connection to a group of women who share my core values and serve as inspiration for the work we must do to create a better world.
I am also writing just a few weeks into a new year ripe with possibility, and only days after the 60th presidential inauguration in the United States, when new leaders voluntarily take an oath of office and promise to serve. Whether you are a sister who is a citizen of the United States, of Canada or of another country, this is a month and time of change that brings an opportunity for reflection and can serve as rich inspiration for examination of values and beliefs.
What is an oath? What is a commitment? In my mind, these words reflect a covenant, which is a special promise or agreement made voluntarily with others. They bring to my mind the promise that each of us made, before our sisters, to each other and to our ideals on our initiation day. I came to my initiation day from what many consider a non-traditional background. I am the daughter of muslim immigrants and the first woman in my family to attend university and graduate school. I have a strong commitment to equity and justice, and much of my life is engaged in the work of the empowerment of women and non-binary folk— whether individually or politically.
When I think back to my initiation into Sigma chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, I recall the words and symbolism of Ritual and I remember how powerful it was to have them shared with me in the presence of women who I continue to have no hesitation in calling upon as beloved friends. I also recall the promises made, and exchanged. I believe deeply that our Ritual is a force for the empowerment of women and encompasses core values, universal to all regardless of background or belief systems. This is precisely why sorority is powerful, and this is why I feel so strongly that the world needs AOII more than ever. The world is calling out for values-based leadership. The world is starved for the leadership of women and individuals whose perspectives and experiences center love.
As we move forward into this new year, I invite you to think back to your initiation. Reflect on the promises and commitments you made and exchanged in our Ritual and you may find you agree with me that our promises and commitments encourage us to:
- Seek out the opinion and ideas of others
- Be open to listening and collaboration
- Build community
- Approach discussions with curiosity
- Remain respectful and non-judgement— even & especially in disagreement!
- Center the dignity of yourself and others
- Show a willingness to listen and learn
- Work to raise the status of women through education and leadership
- Offer promises related to friendship, acceptance, non-judgement and support
- Invite women to community, service, and leadership in the world
Our founders established an organization centered in love and service that offers women and the world we live in exactly what is needed now more than ever. Four progressive, bold, intelligent, courageous women were our founders and remain my inspiration for leadership that meets the challenges of our times.