Watch out downtown Jefferson City!
Nearly 300 Beta Sigma Phi sisters will be avidly shopping and inquisitively touring as part of the sorority's 2013 state convention.
The 10 chapters in Jefferson City lobbied strongly to host this year's "Show Me Some Sisterhood" convention, rising above doubt and cynicism.
So, they have worked hard to show off the Capital City through Sunday, said member Sherrie Brant.
Although the Jefferson City chapters are proud to show off their town, the sorority convention is mainly about fun and friendship.
The sororities have a little competition with scrapbooking and chapter books.
But the rest of the convention will be entertainment, like Brant's fashion show featuring 13 Beta Sigma Phi sisters of varying ages and sizes.
Throughout the year, the individual chapters also work on community service projects and donations.
Globally, Beta Sigma Phi boasts more than 250,000 sisters in both land and online chapters.
A women's social, service and cultural organization, it is the largest Greek letter sorority of its kind in the world. Beta Sigma Phi was organized 82 years ago in Abilene, Kan., as an intellectual and social outlet for women during the Depression.
In the local Beta Mu Master Chapter, many of the members have been involved since the first citywide rush in 1974 formed three chapters.
"I had never met any of the other members until our first meeting, yet we bonded right away," Brant said.
A doctor's wife, Brant appreciated the fresh variety of personalities and interests.
For a Chicago architectural designer, that was the beginning of lifelong friendships, ones she relies on today.
"Our socials and programs let us get to know each other better and help us to continue to grow in our sisterhood," Brant said.
But where the bond truly reveals itself is when crisis strikes. The sisters bring meals and support when another member faces illness or loss, she said.
"The extra mile, that's what sorority and chapters are about," Brant said.
Young women today find it difficult to be involved with the sorority, where they miss the growing fellowship, she said.
"Loyalty, service and good friendships - you just don't pick those off a tree," Brant said.