The Gamma Phi Beta badge is a symbol of membership in our organization and means more to us than what a stranger sees.  It should be worn only by initiated members of Gamma Phi Beta and is never to be sold, loaned or given to another party.  The badge is to be worn at all events where ritual is performed and is to be returned to International Headquarters by any member who resigns or whose membership is terminated.  It should also be returned upon the death of a member, unless it can be worn by a legacy.

In the fall of 2002, a small group of members began a discussion regarding the sale of our badges on eBay.  This group, appointed by council, became known as the Badge Task Force, to determine what, if anything, could be done.

After surveying our membership during the fall and winter, it became quite apparent that the root of the problem was really a lack of knowledge on the part of our members about most aspects of our badge. 

The Badge Task Force presented its report to International Council, which decided to increase member awareness through badge education.  The Foundation and Sorority are also working to establish criteria for “historically significant” badges, which may be returned for an IRS tax receipt to the Sorority's Museum at International Headquarters, c/o Badge Task Force.  The donor, with their CPA or financial advisor will determine the value of the badge and receive credit by the Foundation as an “In Kind Gift.” 

Educating both alumnae and collegians of badge etiquette will be accomplished through several methods.  Collegians will be taught the importance of the badge as part of the Sorority's Crescent Values program.  Our graduating seniors will be reminded of our policies when they receive their Senior Celebration packet during Senior Celebration Week.  A pilot edition of the Crescent Catchers newsletter (a newsletter devoted to our badge) will debut at Convention and be available on the Web site, and occasionally in The Crescent.  Workshops on badge history and policies will be developed for future Conventions and Regional Leadership Conferences.

The Badge Task Force will continue to monitor badges on eBay and purchase “historically significant” badges for their return to the Sorority's Museum or to their Greek-letter chapter.  If you are interested in contacting members of the Badge Task Force or would like to join the group, please send an e-mail to the Yahoo! Groups site, GphiBBadges-owner@yahoogroups.com.