"I had to go looking for DG and it took me a while to find it," Sherber says. "Publicizing events is difficult because we're not recognized by the University."

She adds that many women come to Harvard with a negative perception of sororities and other female social organizations. Even most current members of the groups originally came to Harvard disdaining the idea.

But through substantive events like DG's performance of "The Miracle Worker" to benefit the Perkins School for the Blind, the sororities have gained campus respect.

"It dispels the myth that we're purely frivolous," Sherber says.

When the Seneca started, there was considerable interest but also skepticism, Seru says.

"One of the biggest challenges is making it clear to the campus who we are, our dual mission," Seru says. "A lot of people see us as a final club. That's been the hardest. It's just so frustrating when you spend so much time on other activities."

Seru says the Seneca had difficulty getting support from alumnae for the same reason.

"It's the same problem that's on campus. They don't believe our mission," Seru says.

But after a year of concrete proof, donations have come more steadily.

Originally conceived as a sister organization to the Delphic final club, the Seneca's aims have gone beyond social life to give it a reputation as a women's advocacy group.

With members' active involvement in the Women's Leadership Project's upcoming Women's Guide and the annual Take Back the Night, the Seneca has taken a lead in the fight to advance women at Harvard.

"We hope to be a service to women," Seru says. "We see ourselves as a resource. If different groups need help, we want to be available for them as well."

But beyond this political focus, the Seneca has worked on improving social life for the whole campus.

Their highest-profile event of the year, the Red Party, was open to all who paid the $10 admission price. It was praised as a successful opportunity for a diverse group of people to interact.

"I was most proud of the Seneca at the Red Party," Seru says of the event. "I saw the potential of the Seneca."