Heritage

The year 2010 saw the birth of what started as a vision - an idea of an organization, a sisterhood that would cater to the needs of teens of Second Life. Thanks to the tremendous strides made by our three founding mothers this dream was realized, and took form as the entity. Gamma Alpha Phi Sorority, Incorporated, the first teen sorority in the Second Life.

There were several causes leading to the realization that such an organization was necessary. Up until then all Second Life, sororities were oriented towards the adult population. Many female teens wanted the close-knit environment and feeling of inclusion that comes with being part of a sorority family.

With the emergence and development of Second Life, families came the Second Life child/teen. As the teen population increased and it became harder to find a teen friendly environment, the need for teen oriented groups and activities grew. With this growth, the need for support groups and outreach programs were at an all time high, primarily for the high percentage of teenage girls.

Seeing the growth of Second Life families, many people opened elementary schools and high schools.  Teens were now able to partake in a setting created with them in mind.  Although this enabled an atmosphere that was teen friendly, a huge void still needed to be filled. Outside of the classroom, teens were still missing a place to go and equality. There was a severe lack of establishments and groups that supported whom these people chose to embody in the virtual world.

The scarcity of options and nonexistent inclination to tone down some of the more adult themed groups or clubs were a constant reminder to these teens that they were still the minority, and that their struggle for equality on every level had just begun.

It was during this historical time period, that a group of women convened to discuss the formation of a sorority for teen girls. Its focus would be to actively integrate itself into the social and second life community service arena that other second life residents had been involved with.

Together, as a united front they could compete, collaborate and assist with any Second Life groups and establishments thus making their voices as loud and profound as the majority voice; their concerns equally as important.

Gamma Alpha Phi was recognized by many of the Second Life schools and family based communities as the First Teen Sorority founded in Second Life, though many may claim the same honor.  This organization was the first to recognize the need teens had for a support system, thus creating one.

The desire to progress, dedication to their community, and the aspiration for the advancement of the teen females marked the beginning of Gamma Alpha Phi.

It allowed the independent teen girl of a new era to have a sense of belonging and with that, achieve her highest potential. It would define a new role for the teen girls, one with education, goals and vision in hopes of great success.

Now, just a few short years later, we have seen the outcome of such an organization.

Gamma Alpha Phi has contributed to the advancement of all people by helping to produce inspired teens of many races, ethnicities, and creeds. These women come from all aspects of Second Life, for we are not part of any school. We support all teens. From all schools or none at all. 

Gamma Alpha Phis has also paved the way for many other teen sororities and even some fraternities. Now coming back from a brief hiatus Gamma Alpha Phi is ready to continue what it was created for.  From 2010 to date, Gamma Alpha Phi has upheld its purpose and mission, each day realizing the Founder's dream - that it may serve as a quintessential trailblazer for all teens.

*If interested in Gamma Alpha Phi, please check out our Membership page on how to become a part of the legacy that is GAP*

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