Two sororities and one fraternity at Sam Houston State University have come together in hopes of bettering the name of Greek life during National Hazing Prevention Week.

Sigma Sigma Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta and Lambda Theta Alpha have worked together throughout the week to raise awareness for the act of hazing in Greek life across the nation, and will continue today and tomorrow.

Greek stereotypes are what National Hazing Prevention Week attempts to correct, according to Sigma Sigma Sigma vice president of operations True Hernandez.

“I think a lot of people are apprehensive towards joining Greek life,” she said. “They think they will be hit or stuck in a trash or whatever TV and movies portray Greek life to be. We are about our philanthropies and our community service and brotherhood and sisterhood.  It’s not about being better that you or being more superior to you. It’s about being together.”

While the event is a national project, Hernandez said that spreading awareness at SHSU is Sigma Sigma Sigma’s main priority.

“[Sigma Sigma Sigma] nationals is 100 percent against hazing,” she said.  “It has its own program for it, and we’re trying to show that to the rest of the councils.”

While the three organizations are from different councils, Michael Gonzales, Phi Gamma Delta star packet, fundraising and financial chairman, said this presents a good opportunity for different Greek groups to work together for a good cause.

“It’s good to have relationships with any Greek organization,” he said. “I think that Greek is Greek no matter what council you are in.  We’re all here for the same reasons, to wear our letters proudly and represent our sorority and or fraternity.  I think it’s a good thing that we can all come together and do an event to better the name of Greek life.”

Gonzales said that Phi Gamma Delta’s headquarters sent a representative to give an alcohol education and hazing class that helped members become aware of the issue.

“It’s not necessarily that it’s going on, but it’s to raise awareness so people understand that [Greek life] isn’t what TV has made it out to be,” he said. “We’re just here trying to better ourselves and trying to grow.”

While the national awareness program lasts only a week, Gonzales said that hazing is never tolerated and he hopes that students start doing their research on Greek life at SHSU.

The groups will have a table in the mall today and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information on Greek life at SHSU, visit shsu.edu/greek