Interest Question
 

I hope Greeks from all councils, as well as those independent of any council and any non-Greeks will share their opinions on this issue. When you were researching GLO's, or if you are doing this currently, what did you look for in an organization?

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

Re: Interest Question
 

It's funny that you posted these questions because I was wondering the same thing. From the extensive growth of multicultural, latino, and asian sororities and fraternities, I really wondered what makes a person want to start chapters of sororities they never met before??? It seems like the sororities with the "cutest" colors or most technical websites grow at a faster rate than the other sororities. When you take away all of the fancy advertisments, most organizations are the same (same mission statement, same purpose, same goals).

I chose Zeta Sigma Chi because I got to know some of the members in the sorority. It wasn't because I loved peach so much, but it was because I loved what I saw them doing and trying to achieve. Their love for the organization and each other was strong and I wanted to be apart of that. It makes me sooooo upset when I hear someone saying that they joined XYZ because their colors were so cute (most people just won't admit that was their reason...) How could you make you decision on that? :mad: I saw all the things that I could do for my organization instead of what my organization could do for me...

Re: Interest Question
 

Re: Interest Question
 

Good questions! I'm going to answer these as I would have answered when I was going through recruitment, for the most part, as I think that's where you're going with this:

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer? When I started college, it was with the intent that I would transfer after my freshman year (I was 17). So, I would not have looked twice at a local, and was trying to keep to sororities that had a chapter at the schools to which I wanted to transfer.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers? As a freshman, the big-to-middle chapters were more my style. There were 3 chapters who had less than 20 women in each, and I really didn't give them much of a chance.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters? It would depend upon their campus reputation, or the women themselves. If they had made a good impression, I would give them a chance.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level? Yes and no. I would be lying if I said that liking the colors of the sororities I put at the top of the list wasn't a factor, but there was one sorority whose colors I liked, but didn't rush (I still haven't figured that one out after all these years!). I think it was more knowing that I liked ABC & XYZ, and isn't it great that I also like their colors situation.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you? When it came down to the two chapters I preffed, it was all about the sisterhood shown & the history dynamic. Both had a long and stellar history in the sorority arena, and were well known. Both had similar colors, gorgeous sisters, and a wonderful sisterhood. But as much as I wanted to please my family with my legacy chapter, I knew from the first day of rush (and reading their literature) that I wanted to be an Alpha Delta Pi.

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

One with more because to me part of the allure of a sorority is knowing you have sisters all over the place.


2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

More. Because size is most associated with strength.


3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

That's a tough one. I think not because I would wonder why they hadn't grown.


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

When I rushed there was no Internet ( :eek: ), but if there had been I almost certainly would have been swayed by the quality of the website. I think that today that is a very important aspect which is why I wish my sorority had a website to compare to, for example, Tri Delta's or Delta Gammas.

As for colors, the fact that I like pink and green was just a pleasant bonus.


5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

The strength of my sorority on my campus is what made me choose to pledge there. I didn't know much about the national size/reputation back then. Now, as an alum, I'm happy to know that we have a strong alumnae network as well.

Going through recruitment, I didnt put very much emphasis on colors, website, size, or any other general aspect. I feel that in chosing a sorority, you have to go with your heart and find the house that most fits your PERSONALITY.

when i rushed there was no internet, so websites were not an option. however, if i were a pnm now, i would check out the websites to get to know a little about each chapter before going to the recruitment events. i probably would've formed impressions of each group before actually meeting them... i don't know if that would be good or bad. i hope that i would have been open minded enough to look beyond the website. as it was, i went through rush without any preconceived notions. my relatives and friends who were already at fsu were very gracious and didn't make any comments about any group. as for size of chapter, i must admit that i would have been a little leery of joining a small chapter. i was more interested in a medium or large chapter. as a rushee, i was more "in the moment" meeting each chapter and not too concerned about their national organization or how many chapters they had. i was more concerned with how i would fit in with the chapters on my campus. the physical house mattered. and i certainly wasn't concerned with alumnae groups!(although i have served as president of two different alumna chapters)
i don't remember caring about the sorority colors, crest or badge, but as it turned out, i like my sorority's the best-is it because i like my sorority, or because i like turquiose and grey, crowns and
strawberries? i don't really know! it is funny how things turn out.

Re: Interest Question
 

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

More chapters. I want to know that I have sisters wherever I go. If I happen to move, I want to be assured that I will be able to find an alum group to get involved with.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

Large. I don't know if this question pertains to the organization as a whole or the local chapter. While rushing as a freshman, admittedly, I only wanted to join a house that had large numbers. At the time, the chapters with the largest numbers were the strongest. I didn't want to have to worry about struggling to bring up our numbers or reputation.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

I would pick an organization that has more chapters over the length of existance.

Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

I looked at the local level websites. This was the late 90's so individual chapters didn't go out and get a web designer to do their website. Needless to say, none of the chapters on the UCF campus had impressive websites. So, I certainly didn't base my decision from this.

What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

My organization has a huge presence throughout Florida and the South. It was one of three sororities that I knew a lot about prior to rushing. I knew a few of the girls that went to my HS who had eventually joined Zeta. I was friendly with these girls and this sparked my interest for Zeta.

Re: Interest Question
 

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I didn't know much about my GLO before I joined. And didn't care about the numbers and such but looking back now, I'm glad to be apart of a large GLO with sisters all over the world. It never fails that where ever I go, I find a sister.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

I don't care that Chi O can boost of having the most members, because quanity isn't what I go for. But I do like to see that AGD has life and is growing daily. I also am a Charter member of my chapter, so I would have to say that numbers didn't attract me.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

No, age is great for tradition but I like having the balance of years with growth.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

I don't think that most people set out to wear Red, Buff, and Green, but it grows on you. When I joined, my color of choice was blue, so no again. As to the website, I did look at the websites for the chapters on my campus and the GLOs that were looking to come to my school. I liked AGD's from the start, so yes.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

I loved the Purpose, the newness, the alums I met, and the Flowers. Also I liked the Squirrel for personal reasons.

Re: Interest Question
 

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I had no idea about the size of my org. nationally, or any of the rest on campus. I was interested in sororities on a chapter level ONLY. Of course, now that I'm on the other side that's NOT a mentality I'd suggest to a pnm....


2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

I rushed to meet girls, so I only considered the two largest orgs. on campus. I was a transfer student and quite honestly rushing was a last-minute decision.


3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

I already mentioned that I didn't do my research like I should have, so let me say something else: as far as age on campus... I could have seen joining a colony. I think even as a PNM I would have recognized the value in being a founding sister.


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

I almost joined Sigma b/c I liked their colors better. So, yes.


5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

Size & quality of girls.

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I didn't do much research before I went through on # of chapters nationally.... but I did look to see if they had chapters at certain schools... but I only had three to choose from anyway... so

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

I couldn't really compare the sizes of the chapters on campus when I went through... since I went through informal so I don't think it was really a factor for me... I think all of them were with in 10 members of each other at the point anyway .. so..

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Thinking about it now I probably would just join the older one with fewer chapters... because it proves they have staying power...but I didn't think abou that when making my decision...


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Not directly but it did cross my mind that I didn't like a certain chapters' sweaters the first night... (which where letters in their colors on a grey background) But I almost ended up joining so... Website not too much... I only got a chance to look at the other two chapters website and not phi sigs... so I guess it coudln't have been that big a deal if I joined without checking it out.


5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

quality of girls, the general comfortable feeling I got hanging out with them.


__________________

Re: Interest Question
 

Many of these were moot points because I joined a fledgling colony. I didn't really pay any attention to the number of chapters, the numbers, whatever. I was just excited about the fact that I could be a part of something that would make a lasting impact on my campus. A rare opportunity for anyone.

However, being on the other side of things, rushees join for different reasons. Certainly our great statewide and nationwide alum and chapter network have been a factor. I've never seen a guy give a damn what the colors are. I might be worried if he did.

I don't think folks really care about how long an organization has existed. Most are interested in what's in it for them now. Of course there are always exceptions.

Re: Interest Question
 

Currently, I am a non-greek. I can see how the image or colors of an org can make people want to join an org..(i've seen it happen before)..and that's kind of sad. The problems I've had with joining an org so far has been the ideals of that orgs that I was interested in...yes, ideals differ in every organization...and also an org that fits with my background and values..that's most important..something that I can proudly represent..and so far, that org is not in my college...but we shall see :)

Thank you
 

Thank you to everyone who responded! I appreciate your feedback.
GD79

Re: Interest Question
 

Interesting thread...

I joined a newly founded local, so there's your answer. ;) For me, it was more important to consider the sisters at my school, rather than the number of chapters/sisters nationwide (or lack thereof).

I'm glad, though, that we later became a chapter of AEPhi. I now have sisters everywhere, which is nice. I also ended up settling in the Northeast US, where AEPhi has a big presence.

I rushed before the Web came into widespread use, so nobody had a website. (I later built my chapter's first website.) I didn't care about the colors - it was the intangible qualities that were more important to me. (Although green and purple are pretty :) )

As for why I rushed and joined my local - when I first arrived at their first rush event, I immediately felt right at home, like these were the sisters I never knew I had. It's hard to describe... :)

Re: Interest Question
 

When you were researching GLO's, or if you are doing this currently, what did you look for in an organization?

I wanted a multicultural org, or an org that was very tolerant towards diversity and focused more on service than social.

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

No, because bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. I have heard a lot of my friends in larger orgs gripe about disorganization and XYZ person on a power trip.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

Same as answer to number 1.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Probably because in a smaller sorority, you could have a better relationship with the people in surrounding chapters.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Not at all

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

I chose Delta Gamma Pi because it was a Multicultural Service Organization and while I was in college, I was very interested in volunteering etc.

Re: Interest Question
 

Good thread!

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

No, not really. Each organization is different on each campus, and when I went through Rush, I didn't know anything about the national makeup of any group we had. Even if I went through now, knowing what I do, it wouldn't be a factor in my decision.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

This would depend on my mood, I think. :) I know that's a weird answer, but, sometimes smaller is better because you get to know everyone. My sorority, when I was in college, was always at or above total, which was 55. We were one of the larger sororities on campus. I have friends who went to big schools who were in groups with totals of 150 or more. How would you know everyone? You would see girls wearing your letters and not know who they were (or at least, this is my perception), so, numbers really wouldn't matter in my decision either.


3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Um, again, this wouldn't really apply to my decision, so I can't answer the question.


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Nope. Websites weren't really as big as they are now when I went through rush. Colors did a little bit - I was turned off by Alpha Chi's red/green thing - too much like Christmas (no offense - I just wouldn't want to look at that all the time!), but I dropped them from my list for other reasons.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

The group that I chose was the group where I found that I fit in the best on my campus. They were the most welcoming, friendly, outgoing girls, and they all seemed like they had similar personalities to me. Most importantly - the quality/reputation of the girls was the best!!! Sometimes I think that if I had gone through Rush at a different school, I might have joined a different group. But I'm VERY VERY happy with my decision!!!

I actually went through the recruitment process to join a different sorority (I knew 2 or 3 of the girls). Then I saw the rest of them, and I just didn't feel like I belonged there.

1)When you were researching GLO's, or if you are doing this currently, what did you look for in an organization?

I wanted a sisterhood that I felt at home with - one I didn't have to conform to, but that fit me from the start. I was already familar with the greek system when I rushed, so before I even met the girls I researched each GLO - their creeds, purposes, philanthropies etc..


2) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I would like to say it doesn't matter, but I preferred nationals simply for the networking. I love meeting sisters from all over the hemisphere when I'm traveling :)

3) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

see above

4) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

history is important, but it really came down to where I felt the most comfortable

5) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

nope

6) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

My pull to AGD was first their philanthropy of Juvenile Diabetes. Then after I met the girls, I fell in love and found my second home :) How I love those Alpha Gams!

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I didnt know the difference when I rushed- i didnt care too much. Now, I wish AXO had more of a presence in NJ, since mine is the only collegiate chapter. Although I know AXO is huge nationally, it doesnt matter for me too much being that I am pretty much staying put here.... (i know this wasnt the question, exactly...)

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

at first I wanted larger numbers, but when it came down to deciding which chapter I wanted to join, i chose the quality of the women in AXO over the quanity of XYZ.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

nah, not a factor at all


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

nope, I didnt even visit the websites.


5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

the women who were sisters. the women I saw at Rush, some of who became my pledge sisters. how much the sisters loved each other.

Re: Interest Question
 

For the record: I was a charter member of my chapter, so I chose to join based on national representatives and the national organization.

(Answering these questions as a sorority woman)

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?
It depends on the established chapters. Are they filled with sincere, caring women, or are they just filled to be filled? Having the network of many established chapters and alumnae is a great asset to a Fraternity/Sorority, so having more established chapters can be good, but I would take a close look at quality vs. quantity and make sure it's what I'm looking for

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?
Again, it depends on the campus. At my school, total was 92, which may seem rediculously small to some and gigantic to others. For me, it was a perfect size. Our chapter was one of the larger chapters, but we still had the some of the same problems the smaller chapters had. Larger numbers does not always guarantee a good chapter

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?
I think I would prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer. Just because they don't have the "most chapters in the nation" doesn't mean they aren't a good Fraternity/Sorority (and likewise, just because they do have many chapters doesn't make them bad). Again, it refers to the quality vs. quantity question. Are they opening chapters just for the sake of opening chapters or are they really looking hard into the dynamics of the school and what both the Fraterity/Sorority and women at that campus can gain from having a chapter there.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?
Not really while I was going through recruitment. Even though I was a Legacy, I went through with an open mind. I enjoyed seeing what made the chapters different and also what similiarites there were between the chapters. And I thought it was fun to look at the different insignia and colors for each chapter, but for me personally, it didn't really sway my decision. Though, having been an active member and now as an alumna, I cherish those colors and symbols even more. Most chapters didn't have websites yet when I was going through recruitment, but I did find, when I was our chapter's webmaster, that we got quite a bit of interest through our website.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?
I felt comfortable there. Like stated above, I was a Legacy (older sister) so I knew the dynamics of the house, a bit of history about the organization and the reputation on campus. I knew Kappa was for me when I started crying during the 5-party-day session at the house because I was homesick and I had been cut from almost every chapter and I was feeling horrible and they didn't freak out about it. They comforted me and made me feel at home. The ladies there classy and graceful yet down-to-earth and that's what I loved.

Re: Interest Question
 

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I think it would not be so much the number of chapters, as much as the services they provide. If it's a smaller group that offers awesome opportunities and programming the number of chapters would not matter to me. I would not join a sorority just for the national character if I didn't like the women at my to-be collegiate chapter.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

Same as above. As far as individual chapters, I actually chose the chapter I did because it was the smaller of my top 2. I didn't want to get lost in the shuffle.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Yes, if the reason they have few chapters is because their expansion policies have been conservative (not because they had a bunch of chapters that croaked). I would rather see a group that expands slowly and carefully and gives a great amount of attention to each new chapter than one that expands willy-nilly just to increase their chartered chapter count.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Website n/a back in the day...I liked the colors, but they really did not affect my decision. If I would have liked the girls I wouldn't have cared if I hated the colors.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

The women I met at Rush...I felt comfortable with them and there were all kinds of women in the group - no clones!

bump
 

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

As a collegian on a Greek-dominated campus in the Southeast, I was concerned only with the reputations of the chapters on my campus. I rushed as a sophomore, so I had my freshman year to observe the sororities on my campus. I was really only interested in what I had seen on my campus.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

At my university, the strongest chapters were the ones with the most members. These chapters had the highest GPA's, the most awards in intramural sports, were in the news the most for their accomplishments, were involved in more non-Greek activities, etc. Also, every Wednesday on my campus was "Greek Letter Day" and all the Greeks were in letters. The bigger groups had a very obvious presence. Our smaller groups had less prestige and their internal challenges were publicized by disgruntled members.

Again, I only speak of the experience I had on MY campus. I am sure there are many smaller chapters out there that are very successful.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

This was not a consideration when I was a collegian. I was concerned only with the chapters that existed on my campus, their accomplishments, members and campus image.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

When I rushed in 1997, national GLO's were just beginning to get web sites, and only a few of the chapters at my campus had web sites. In my off-time, I would look at these web sites to learn more about those groups. It excited me for my upcoming recruitment, and, in my eyes, made me better prepared to meet that group because I had an idea of their history, philanthropy and traditions, and I could share that I knew this with them. (Which I hoped would make them see how interested I was in joining!)

Colors really weren't a consideration. Sure, there are some colors I like better than others, LOL, but in joining a sorority, I was going for a group with a great reputation, with members I could identify with and be friends with. I was looking for an organization where I could make friends and get involved with campus life!

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

I had a full school year to observe the sororities on my campus. There were stereotypes, to be certain. I went into recruitment expecting to love certain groups and dislike others. I quickly learned that these stereotypes were not entirely true!

However, in my year as an Independent, I had met women who belonged to GLO's that were in my classes, lived in my dorm, or were in campus organizations with me. I really looked forward to visiting their sororities at recruitment because they were so nice and wonderful (and I looked forward less to visiting the houses where the women I had met in day to day campus life were not so nice!) In retrospect, that really showed me that recruitment is a 365-day-a-year process. You never know how your attitude as a member of a GLO will influence a future PNM!

Ultimately, I chose my sorority because I liked the women I had met there, and I felt I could be myself around them. They did have a great skit, lovely chapter house and were cute girls who were involved on campus, won a lot of awards and were respected by the other Greeks on campus. Yes, the little bells and whistles (the decorations, skits and accolades added to the package) helps. But when all is said and done, these women were my sisters before I was extended a bid. We were just comfortable around one another.

Re: Interest Question
 

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?
Number chapters didn't matter to me.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?
I will admitt that when I was an undergrad I wanted to join a chapter that had a large variety/diverse group of girls.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?
Period of time around didnt matter either.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?
Nope

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?
They told us that it was OUR chpater and that we could build it how we wanted it to be.