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ABOUT DFL

National History

NATIONAL HISTORY

When Ms. Anh Ngoc Nguyen began her education at the University of Georgia, it was difficult to find friends who could understand and relate to her Asian background. In the predominantly white school of 30,000 students, minorities, especially Asians, were very underrepresented. Worse was the lack of unity amongst the few Asians on campus. In the winter of 1998, Ms. Anh Ngoc Nguyen and Ms. Theresa Sung discussed the idea of creating an Asian-interest sorority at the University of Georgia. With the support of her family and friends, Ms. Nguyen began her quest to find other females who shared a common belief: promoting Asian awareness through sisterhood. Her quest led to the formation of the founding class.

 

The founders felt a need for an Asian-interest sorority to promote Asian awareness on campus. They wanted to educate their peers about the Asian culture and to strip away the stereotypes that were attributed to Asians. They felt that a sorority would serve the community much better than joining a club because they felt the Asian clubs were often limited in serving the entire Asian community as a whole. Because these organizations were often segregated into their own ethnic backgrounds, they tended to promote their own culture. The founders felt that Asian cultures could be better exhibited and promoted on campus through a sorority.

 

The ever changing status and membership enrollments in these clubs varied from semester to semester due to the lack of mandatory attendance policies and motivation, making it difficult to form lasting friendships. The turnover of officers at elections were often dramatic and led to strife within the clubs. It was not a matter of who was the best person for the job but who had the most support. In addition, most students who move away from home to attend college get homesick. Thus, the sorority wanted to provide a sisterhood for women with the guidance and support similar to that of a family. With these goals in mind, the founding class: Anh Ngoc Nguyen, Theresa Sung, Sarah Chong Mi Cho, Carmela de Guzman, Yvonne Minh Ta, Linh Khanh Do, and Rebecca Kim Stephenson took on the enormous task of creating Delta Phi Lambda on December 5, 1998. They suffered many setbacks and heartbreaks facing opposition from their school, peers, and competitors, but they were adamant in their beliefs and continued their mission to create an organization that nurtures the talents of its members.

National Policies

NATIONAL POLICIES

Delta Phi Lambda's goal is to keep our sisters accountable by upholding the values and principles of the sorority at all times. 

If you need to report an event or incident at which an injury, loss or other risk-management breach or concern has occurred, fill out the Incident Report Form. This form is for members and non-members to use.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS POLICY

 

  • The possession, sale, use, or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on
    chapter premises or during a sorority event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the sorority should be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city, and institution of higher education, and should comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines. BYOB is defined as one (1) six-pack of 12-ounce beers or one (1) four pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage. ​

  • No alcoholic beverages should be purchased through or with chapter funds nor should the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is discouraged.​

  • OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the sorority without specific invitation, where alcohol is present are not recommended. Any event with alcohol present that can or will be associated with an entity of a sorority should require a guest list prepared twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the event. It is recommended that a list of those who attend be maintained for several years. ​

  • No members, collectively or individually, should purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).​

  • It is recommended that the possession, sale, or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or  CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises, during a sorority event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the sorority be prohibited.

 

  • ​No chapter should co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at, or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is present could​ ​be conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of the organization and college or university policy. 

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  • No chapter should co-sponsor, co-finance, attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or organizations.

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  • All recruitment activities associated with any chapter should be non-alcoholic. No recruitment activities associated with any chapter should be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy. 

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  • No organization, member, pledge, associate/new member, or novice should permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games.” The definition of drinking games includes but is not limited to the consumption of shots of alcohol, liquor, or alcoholic beverages, the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “beer pong,” “century club,” “dares,” or any other activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol. 

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  • No alcohol should be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program, activity, or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night,” “big sister/little sister” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and initiation. 

HAZING POLICY

 

No chapter, colony, member, or alumna of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. shall condone, conduct, or participate in hazing activities in any form. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined as:  

​"Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off sorority premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol, paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading, or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy, or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law."

SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT POLICY

 

Delta Phi Lambda and its members must comply with federal, state, provincial, and local laws related to sexual violence and harassment. This policy includes, but is not limited to, definitions around consent, sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. 

 

  • The employment or use of strippers, exotic dancers, or similar, whether professional or amateur, at a Sorority event is prohibited.

  • The Sorority will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This includes any actions, activities, or events, whether on chapter premises or off-site locations, which are demeaning, ranging from but not limited to verbal harassment to sexual assault by individuals or members acting together.

  • A chapter will not sponsor or participate in any activity, including competitive games, community service or philanthropic endeavors, activities associated with recruitment, social events, or events related to activities, such as homecoming or date auctions, that are abusive or demeaning to human beings.

Read the full policy here >

SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT RESPONSE PROTOCOLS

 

Delta Phi Lambda is committed to fostering the importance of disciplinary standards as they relate to the mission and virtues of the Sorority. Judicial policies have been established to protect the Sorority’s purpose, provide safe and approved sorority activities, and safeguard the interests of respective university communities by asking members to uphold the rules and regulations of the universities that allow Delta Phi Lambda chapters to exist and operate. 

 

Read the full protocols here >

ANTI-RETALIATION POLICY

 

Delta Phi Lambda prohibits retaliation against any individual – members and non-members – for reporting, inquiring, or cooperating with a report around a violation of the Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy. Retaliation is any action, statement, or behavior designed to punish an individual for filing a compliance report, cooperating with a compliance investigation, seeking guidance regarding a compliance concern, or deterring one from taking such action. Anyone filing a formal complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in Good Faith and be based upon a reasonable belief. Delta Phi Lambda prohibits retaliation even if the concerns raised in good faith are not confirmed following an investigation. Members engaging in the following activities, after a complaint is made, may be found in violation of the Anti-Retaliation Policy:

  1. Communicating with the respondent or opposing party in an investigation, complaint, or charge, whereas the communication could be interpreted as undue influence and harassment for the involved parties

  2. Reprimanding members or giving inadequate performance evaluations based on personal interactions rather than professional work ethic

  3. Assigning members to less desirable positions or making it difficult for them to perform Sorority work

  4. Engaging in verbal or physical abuse towards the respondent or other parties involved in the complaint

  5. Spreading false rumors

  6. Treating members negatively based on their associations with the involved parties

 

The Anti-Retaliation Policy immediately goes into effect after the respondent makes a formal complaint with the Sorority, meaning that actions during the interim period before and after an active investigation are covered in this policy. 

Read the full policy here >

AUTOMOBILES AND TRANSPORTATION POLICY

 

When transporting members to and from Delta Phi Lambda® events, the use of appropriate safety precautions is required, including using such modes of transportation where the driver has not been consuming alcohol. In addition to complying with all state laws, university regulations, and local ordinances, members of legal drinking age who choose to consume alcoholic beverages must do so safely and responsibly. Common carrier, such as taxis, buses, and university or hotel transportation, is the preferred method of transportation to and from all Delta Phi Lambda events.  


We also recommend against “Safe” or “Designated Driver” programs because while they are well intentioned, they present significant claims potential.  


Use of personal vehicles shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner/operator. Any individual who drives or provides transportation in conjunction with sorority activities shall obey all applicable motor vehicle laws, including those concerning vehicle safety, vehicle operation, financial responsibility, and the transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Operators shall ensure that vehicles are properly maintained and are operated in a safe manner. Rental vehicles shall be operated in accordance with rental contracts.  


Financial Responsibility laws generally impose responsibility for accidents on the driver or owner of vehicles. The sorority assumes no responsibility or liability and provides no insurance to drivers or owners of vehicles for accidents, injuries, or for any damages to vehicles not owned by the sorority that may be used in conjunction with sorority activities.  

MEMBERS' PERSONAL PROPERTY POLICY

 

Use of personal property in sorority activities shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the owner. The sorority assumes no liability or responsibility for any loss or damage to any personal property of members even if used in conjunction of sorority activities. 

WEAPONS, FIREARMS, AND PERSONAL PROTECTION ITEMS POLICY

 

For the safety of its members and guests, no sorority member or guest may carry a weapon or firearm of any kind while conducting sorority business, acting on behalf of, or attending any event in the name of the sorority. Personal protection items, such as pepper spray, alarms, or whistles, may be carried and used if needed.  

HIGH RISK EVENTS POLICY

 

Chapters cannot afford the exposure of sponsoring, organizing, endorsing, or participating in events or activities which involve a high-risk of physical injury or damage to property. While no definitive list of such events can be given, Chapters must take a common sense approach to evaluating the risk of a particular event or activity. Examples of high-risk events include, but are not limited to the following: bungee jumping, parachuting, low ropes courses, athletic events such as boxing, rooftop functions, water skiing, or other water-related activities, especially those activities which relate to any type of temporary pool or water slide.  

UNRECOGNIZED GROUPS POLICY

 

Delta Phi Lambda, while respecting the First Amendment rights of individuals at public and private institutions to associate, supports the discretion of host institutions to recognize or to suspend recognition of Greek-letter organizations. Chapters of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. are not permitted to affiliate with an organization, chapter, or member of an organization or chapter that is not recognized by their respective university. This includes organizations, chapters, or members that may be at a nearby university of a Delta Phi Lambda Chapter and applies to any event that an observer would associate with Delta Phi Lambda. 

For those Greek-letter organizations that are recognized by their university, there should be current and substantial policies and protocols in place in the event of an incident between member organizations. Recommended criteria for measuring an organization’s stance on sexual violence and harassment are included in the appendix. Chapters or groups of members who are operating as a Chapter that violate this policy will be referred to the National Board of Directors for investigation.

NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

 

Delta Phi Lambda®  is fully committed to a policy against legally impermissible, arbitrary, or unreasonable discriminatory practices or procedures.

 

Any individual who lives and identifies as a woman is eligible for membership in Delta Phi Lambda. Individuals who do not live and identify as a woman are not eligible for membership, even if they were assigned female at birth. The membership status of initiated members who undergo a change in gender identity or gender expression will not be affected, so long as the member agrees to continue to uphold the values and mission of Delta Phi Lambda. Our organization will be mindful of each potential member’s personal situations that may conflict with sorority activities provided that these situations are communicated in a timely manner with the current members of our organization and as such, those potential members will not be barred from the opportunity for membership due to those circumstances beyond their control.

 

As an organization that strives for Asian awareness through sisterhood, we exemplify and appreciate the value of diversity and express respect for each individual and what they offer to our organization. No chapter shall permit discrimination in membership selection, initiation, chapter operations, or other activities of the sorority based upon any person’s race, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

POLITICAL NEUTRALITY POLICY

 

The essential functions of Delta Phi Lambda® require strict institutional neutrality, integrity, and independence regarding partisan political activities. This policy is designed to protect the neutrality of the sorority in the course of political activities that involve members of the sorority and to preserve the sorority’s tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.


The sorority must remain neutral on any political candidate or political campaign, and shall not:

  • Provide material support, whether monetary or otherwise (including the publishing or distribution of statements) concerning political candidates or campaigns.

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  • Utilize the sorority’s entity, letterhead, or any other signifier in such a way that an implied or actual endorsement or condemnation of a candidate or campaign can be reasonably inferred.​​

  • Engage in communication or advocacy on public policies outside of the sorority’s values or may be inferred to align with any particular government, administrative agency, government official, political party, politician, political campaign, insurgent group, terrorist entity, or political agenda.

The sorority does recognize the responsibility to its mission and its Dedicated Female Leaders®. Appropriate opportunities for learning and civic engagement are further defined in the Operations Manual without compromising the sorority’s policy to maintain institutional neutrality. Further concerns on the provisions of this policy shall be addressed by the Judicial Chairman.

FIRE, HEALTH, AND SAFETY POLICY

 

  • Any chapter with four (4) or more sisters in a single residence should meet all local fire and health codes and standards. 

  • ​All chapters should post emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance by common phones and in other locations. Evacuation routes should be posted on the back of the door of each sleeping room.

  • All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company or municipal authorities.

  • ​The possession and/or use of firearms, explosives or incendiary devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house are prohibited.

  • ​Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms except under controlled circumstances such as initiation.

NATIONAL QUICK FACTS

National Quick Facts

PREAMBLE

We, the sisters of Delta Phi Lambda, pledge to wholly dedicate our mind, body, and spirit to the completion of our mission. We will seek to improve the image of the Asian American. We will achieve this by acknowledging and spreading our unique Asian heritage. The bond between the Sisters will set an example for others in the Asian community. We will set this example by displaying the Virtues of loyalty, honesty, respect, dedication, integrity, discipline, and academic excellence. We hold these virtues to be true and will execute them in every venture the sorority will undertake. Delta Phi Lambda will remain strong through unity and our legacy will live on through the works of the sisters.

FOUNDED

 

December 5, 1998 at the University of Georgia

FOUNDERS

 

Anh Ngoc Nguyen, Theresa Sung, Sarah Chong Mi Cho, Carmela de Guzman, Yvonne Minh Ta, Linh Khanh Do, and Rebecca Kim Stephenson

MISSION

 

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. advocates Asian awareness, empowers women leaders through its values-based programs and forges Everlasting Sisterhood through diverse shared experiences.

VISION

 

Delta Phi Lambda will be the sorority that is recognized by universities and among the greater fraternal community for its progressive initiatives that aim to develop women into strong, independent leaders.

VIRTUES

Loyalty, Honesty, Respect, Dedication, Integrity, Discipline, and Academic Excellence

ALSO KNOWN AS

DFL, DPhiL, Dedicated Female Leaders®, Ladies in Navy Blue & Silver

MEMBERSHIP

1,900+ Initiated Members, 25 Collegiate Chapters (2 inactive), 5 Alumnae Chapters

PHRASES

Dedicated Female Leaders®, Everlasting Sisterhood®, Let Our Light Shine Forth

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY

Osteoporosis Awareness

Our partnership with American Bone Health provides opportunities for members to become peer-educators. As trained educators, members can educate local communities about risk factors and preventative measures for osteoporosis.

Learn More >

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Advocating for Asian Awareness, Empowering Dedicated Female Leaders®️, Providing Everlasting Sisterhood®️, Promoting Osteoporosis Awareness, Advocating for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Learn More >

NATIONAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Annual Convention, Midyear Regional Retreats, Chapter Led Program (CLP), National Alumnae Mentorship Program, National Alumnae Volunteer Program

Learn More >

NATIONAL PUBLICATION

Founded as The Jade Times Newsletter in 2009, the official publication of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. has evolved into EVERLASTING Magazine. The magazine is meant to inform, educate and inspire our members on subjects relevant to our sorority, our chapters, and the fraternal community. Through this content, we encourage members to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate the accomplishments of our sisters, and equip our Dedicated Female Leaders® to make a positive impact in their communities.

Our Symbols

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COLORS

NAVY BLUE & SILVER

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ANIMAL

BUTTERFLY

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GREEK LETTERS

DELTA PHI LAMBDA

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FLOWER

BLUE ROSE

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SORORITY INSIGNIA

CREST

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STONE

JADE

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