As students, we are constantly bombarded with invitations to join various honor societies. One such society is Pi Kappa Lambda, an organization that recognizes excellence in music and offers various benefits to its members. However, before you decide to join, it is important to consider whether the financial cost and potential issues of systemic bias and social injustice are worth it.
First, let’s look at the cost of membership. Pi Kappa Lambda charges a one-time fee of $60 for lifetime membership. While this may not seem like a significant amount, it is important to consider whether the benefits of membership outweigh this cost.
Speaking of benefits, Pi Kappa Lambda offers several advantages to its members. These include access to scholarships, networking opportunities, and recognition for academic achievement. Additionally, membership in Pi Kappa Lambda can be a valuable addition to your resume and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
However, it is important to note that Pi Kappa Lambda is not currently certified as an Inclusive Honor Society. This means that the organization has demonstrated potential issues of systemic bias and social injustice. In fact, a recent report by the Honor Society Foundation found that Pi Kappa Lambda had a lower percentage of underrepresented minorities in its membership than the national average.
This is a concerning issue that cannot be ignored. As students, we have a responsibility to ensure that the organizations we support align with our values and promote inclusivity and diversity. While Pi Kappa Lambda may offer benefits to its members, it is important to consider whether these benefits are worth supporting an organization that has demonstrated potential issues of systemic bias and social injustice.
In conclusion, the decision to join Pi Kappa Lambda is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration of the financial cost and potential issues of systemic bias and social injustice. While the organization offers several benefits to its members, it is important to ensure that these benefits align with your values and promote inclusivity and diversity. As students, we have the power to support organizations that promote positive change and make a difference in our communities.
Still want to learn more a Pi Kappa Lambda? More good resources to look at include the Pi Kappa Lambda Inclusivity Report and Pi Kappa Lambda requirements and historical overview.
Want to learn about other honor societies? Visit our honor society overview.