Quote:
Originally Posted by KoalaBear11
(Post 2205181)
I think you misunderstood... My adviser knows everything lol so that's not an issue and we don't haze we just have time challenges and stuff or they wear whatever we say wear but yeah
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I did not misunderstand. I think you misunderstand the current definition of hazing. It's very important to get a good understanding of the general definition and what activities are not allowed. As a general rule, doing anything "secret" that isn't part of your official ritual can be construed as hazing by most organizations.
First of all, those activities you have described are hazing. Time challenges and requiring members to wear specific clothing different from actives has been found to be hazing by many organizations and universities. If you're looking to inspire sisterhood, there are a number of ice breakers, craft projects, and group outings you can plan.
I don't know what "time challenges" means to you, but I assume you're talking about giving them x amount of time to complete y objective. No. This is not allowed. Your new members are not required to do anything to "prove" their membership or worth that are not set by your nationals. Anything else can be viewed by your university or your sorority as hazing. You can't have a scavenger hunt.
You can't make your new members dress in costumes, wear the same clothes every day, all wear the same color, wear a ribbon in their hair, etc. You can require them to wear their new member pin to meetings and to dress in pin attire, but that's pretty much it, and that pin requirement is also expected of initiated members. You can't make them do anything you are not requiring of an active sister.
Second of all, if your adviser knows everything, those plans should have already been approved and in place. Please consult with your organization for approved activities. Do not conduct anything in secret that is not an approved sorority ritual to avoid any appearance of hazing or impropriety. Your organization has worked very hard to build its image, as have its sister organizations. Flagrantly going against the rules undermines their work and credibility. Please treat your new members with respect. They are not children; they are adults who have committed themselves to becoming a part of your organization through approved new member education.
Here are some ideas for sisterhood activities: Plan a sisterhood sleepover or dinner or social. Plan an arts and craft project. Plan a philanthropy event that all the bigs and littles can do together to bond. Invite them to join you for a girls night out. Basically, treat them like the adults they are and respect your sorority's secrecy as it pertains to rituals and don't pollute it with "secret" activities and singling the new members out above of their approved new member education plans.
