Some suggestions (regarding ZPhinest's post)
 

These are suggestions from an "outsider"........

~ General information sessions/meet-n-greets. Were non-members can meet, interact, and learn more about BGLO's in relaxed settings (as opposed to a rush-type setting). Maybe even hold this event over a "Parent's Weekend" so that they can attend as well.

~ More sessions on what is expected from a member (or to become a member) of XYZ----very FRANK discussions (I had to piggyback off Miss Priss's post because I thought this was a GOOD suggestion). Knowing is half the battle. :D

~ More publicity in terms of public events and chapter achievements (i.e. the success of a fundraiser, etc). This may help to dispel the perception that BGLO's are _______(organized gangs, don't do nothing, no longer relevant, etc.).

~ Regarding publicity, maybe the campus/city's local NPHC could start a quarterly newsletter listing such events and achievements. This newsletter could be sent to local high schools, news media, campus/city administrators, local interest groups (i.e. NAACP, Urban League, etc.). The more folks know about the good things going on (instead of the bad things that usually get the attention) the better.

Hmm...
 

Well I don't think this question will ever be answered one way or the other. Why? Because people who have been rejected from (fill in the blank) org will always be bitter and blame that org. People who are already members will become defensive at this and lose their objectivity. And people like me who are trying to walk in the other side's shoes will never know what that feels like unless we truly get to the other side. So in my opinion, the personal barbs and such are kind of inevitable in this situation. What is a solution to the problem? I don't have a clue. All I know is one can't really begin to think of solutions until they have found a way to repair the miscommunication and/or bridge the gap between the two perspectives.

I co-sign with HK. I think those are things that every greek organization could do to foster membership.

I have a question though. Why would a organization choose not to have intake as a solution to the problem? What about those interests who are quality and could bring good things to the table for ABC, where does it leave them?

Wow, I'm surprised at the number of posts to this thread. I'm glad that there are so many opinions out there, and actually a few solutions :D Just to clarify a few things:

1) Yes, I was talking about Black Greek life, i.e. NPHC

2) Yes, I was thinking about undergrad when I posed the question but talk about the graduate level has spurned further food for thought. Note: I don't see any sort of decline in graduate interests, at least not in the DC Metro Area

If possible, can we direct further posts toward the undergraduate population?

In my opinion, the sooner we fix this Intake/Pleding problem, the sooner we'll see undergraduate membership increase

I cannot speak for my soror....
 

Gamma girl,



I'm not saying that stopping intakes is a solution to the problem . Like I said before, I don't see a GD, it must be a regional thing. :confused: So, this "decline" is not a problem for me. Trust me, I will let you all know if it ever becomes a personal problem. :D

My stance on that (intake) has NOTHING to do with this subject. However, my rationale can only be discussed with my sorority sisters. :D

Interests will always exist. Every interest cannot become members, soooooo they continue with their lives and serving others. One does not have to belong to a particular organization to serve their community. :D

@ 2D,

Okay I understand now. I'm sure that that's something that's the business of your sorority. Thanks for the clarification.

Re: Re: Let's not get sensitive either.
 

Stating "all greeks" is a generalization considering the subject of "how good are these other orgs" was never brought up and I don't recall any bashing of other orgs (at least for myself). I happen to agree with some of these newer organizations, but again "that's a whole other topic". In her own words, miss priss has summed up my feelings on your last question.

Re: Some suggestions (regarding ZPhinest's post)
 

Thanks H1974, great minds do think alike! But I totally meant that from the members' perspective in terms of what makes a good member. Remember ANY event takes money but it's just our .02 cents right? :D

E06, (I hope I'm not out of place by asking) I guess my question is can the intake process ever BE fixed? There seems to be a huge disparity between how the "process" should be done. We all know that MOST undergrads want a "process" ( I won't get into the paper vs real issue--not the place for that). However, because of the changing times, new organizations attracting "quality" "clients" (lol @clients), and the massive lawsuits that has occurred in each HBGLO there must be a renaissance (if I may use) in the guidance, instruction, and facilitation of incoming members...don't you think? :confused:

Re: Re: Re: Let's not get sensitive either.
 

For clarification, "all greeks" as in NPHC, NPC, IFC... not every greek in those orgs...

Greek Decline????
 

Actually,

I don't see the 'greek' decline as people say. I have been a graduate advisor for several chapters. And each and every year, we get more and more people showing up. And looking at membership numbers for the year (on a national level), it isn't declining....actually, since 'MIP'....we've crossed a lot more people! Lines were a lot 'smaller' back in the day at most schools (the bigger HBCU's still had big lines)!(just my observations).

And trust me....even at those schools with lines of 50-150...there are a lot of girls still rejected! Everyone is not selected! I still run into random people on the streets inquiring about greek life (when I wear pari!) and over the internet...I can't tell you how many emails I've received from people I don't know.....So as to the question of decline.....I just don't see it.

But at any rate........everyone 'sees' things from their point of view. Because I'm in the 'greek' world...I meet/see 'Greeks' all the time.

Lastly....not saying that people can't discuss what they want to discuss....and I'm definitely not saying the people who aren't Greek shouldn't talk about such....but why do you care? If we aren't going to be here...we aren't going to be here. You weren't a member in the first place....(that's just my opinion...and that's just how I think about other orgs. when people post about them).

How, maybe such is declining at your schools...but from the numbers that AKA has...we are still growing. Are members staying active...that's another question altogether.

And to the person who was talking about 'orgs' that are multi-cultural and 'new' orgs. being more acceptable (something along those lines). We do have people of different backgrounds in our orgs. and a lot of us are accepting of this....as long as you agree with our standards and agree to promote what we stand for (usually something dealing with the black family or black community)....it doesn't make a difference.

I don't think there is a decline in interest either. From my perspective as an interest we're still going strong in our pursuit. Personally, I think there is a decline in the respect that is shown towards BGLOs and that includes members and non-members.

There is too much competition over petty things like stepshows and parties. Why not compete over GPA's and leadership positions? As an interested party, I could care less whether someone's process is one week or 9 weeks. I have better things to do with my time than discuss how hard someone pledged or didn't pledge. Everyone (members and non-members) need to just stop the pettiness and deal with real issues.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Let's not get sensitive either.
 

Newbee, why even consider other suggestions if the person making the suggestion has no real interest.
Like your signature says it all except one thing neverminds discuss the minute details.

I like what E1 said(paraphrasing here), it's not about the time you put in before but the time you put in after. Maybe we should spend time focusing on what happens after the "process" (and you have yours) before the "process" . Look, any dedication takes time and money. I think we as SFs need to understand that. We could bicker for days and days on end but until we come up with viable solutions like H1974 suggested we will end back up at square one.

I would like to see a Callback program where you are invited to an event and a survey of the event is done through a callback to let the future interest know that you appreciate them coming to the event (even if it is a lie lol)

Re: Greek Decline????
 

I concur 1908%

First a foremost, ALL NPHC organizations MUST be affiliated with a sponsoring graduate chapter in order for ANY university to allow them to be an "on campus" organization and work with that campus. It has to do with legal and liability issues...

No matter how one slice's it, an undergraduate member or chapter is NOT the sum whole picture of the BGLO. When a child sees only "those" members they are only touching the "tip" of the iceberg...

When I was a Graduate Advisor for my undergraduate chapter, I requested several young ladies who told me they were interested to attend several of the "graduate chapter" events. IT WAS THE OUTSIDERS--NON-MEMBERS--and NOT other BGLO's mind you--NOT even other GLO's that told these young ladies NOT attend--BUT average everyday "spoons" that like to stir up chit!!! They don't mean nuthin', do nuthin', say nuthin'--do count for nuthin' but stirrin' up chit!!! Ultimately, if the interest was too stupid to show up, it was on her. But, most of the time a resilient interest would come to the Grad functions and many a time, they were blown away with what they saw...

Back in the day, an undergraduate interest would want to be going to CHURCH to meet any graduate member of XYZ BGLO... Hey you may as well pray while your at it...

Realistically, most the NPHC affliates do not see decline in their memberships, there are increases... However, nunna us are hurtin' for members--Undergrad or Grad... So, it makes any discussion here moot... Don't you think...

Yes, there's room for improvement... All of the NPHC's are doing that--that is what a International Conventions are all about... Duh!!!! :confused: So to state we don't see the big picture is an understatement. Maybe the big picture is not for a member or an interest to see at that time... Because it takes time to know all things... And one needs years of training...

Thanks Soror.....
 

At any rate.....

As stated before, I don't see any 'decline' in the numbers......

I didn't read the initial question (I just jumped on the bandwagon)....and maybe the question was stated clearly, I just didn't read it:( .... But are we talking about 'decline' in number or quality applicants/members or losing luster?

Well...as to the numbers.....there's absolutely no decline in 'interest' as I see it. Our numbers speak for themselves (I can only speak for Alpha Kappa Alpha). Read my previous posts....I don't know about your schools, but at the HBCU's and the white schools where I've participated in 'rush', there's no decline.


As far as quality applicants....well, we select from the pool of college women at that particular school. More 'people' are able to go to college...not just the 'young, gifted and black'. So we select from that pool.

Luster (interest for college women).....there again, I think the numbers speak for themselves. EVERYBODY DOESN'T WANT TO BE GREEK NOR CAN BE GREEK!!!!:eek: Some people interest lie elsewhere. That's OK! We are all unique creatures. I have friends that aren't GREEK material and have no desire to be affiliated with such organizations. It doesn't mean that we are on the decline...it means that they are not interested. Just like there's a whole bunch of people who want to be doctors, hey...but everybody can't be nor want to be one.

I've noticed that a lot of people turn their one 'incident' on how it is done everywhere....'On my campus, you can't get people to come to rush...yeah...there is a greek decline'. That's your campus!!!!! I know at one black school that assisted at, there were 400+ girls at rush!!!!!!

And kudos to the women that gave suggestions. Actually, at a lot of schools, some of the stuff you suggested does goes on.....maybe just not at your school. I know schools where they have 'simple' informational/teas at the beginning of the year....joint community service projects....Grad chapters that post every single event that they are hosting on their website or in their local 'black' paper......

Good luck to each of you.....

And as far as Mr. Ross (Lawrence)....I don't know about you Rainmain (meaning I don't know your take on everything)....his point is we may be out of business due to 'lawsuits' and the like if we don't get our stuff together as far as this 'hazing' mess! (what I've gathered from emails w/ him and posts on other boards). And I must concur....we as members of our respective organization MUST follow our rules to preserve our precious organizations. That's the least we can do for our 'Founders'!

Re: Thanks Soror.....
 

Soror, RE L. Ross you are correct about what he means when he says we will be out of business. I have heard him speak and spoken to him personally and everytime I have heard him refer to NPHC orgs being 'out of business' it is because of lawsuits.