help with attendance!!!
 

My sorority is having a really hard time getting girls to show up to philanthropy and just regular sisterhood events because of laziness. Do you have any ideas of how to get girls to want to show up. I was thinking of some kind of points system but I really need some better ideas.

Thanks!

Distribute monthly calendars and give reminders each week at chapter. Assess a penalty for missing mandatory events. If you can't fine your members, you can take away privileges like first dibs at choosing rooms in the chapter house or social probation. Talk to your advisers and regional directors for more ideas.

I've found that positive reinforcement helps out tremendously with attendance.

My last active year, we had what we called "Pi Points" (I think that is what it was called?) and every woman in our chapter had a designated row with her name in it.

For every meeting (each one was dated), every Philanthropy event, social and other sisterhood event, each sister earned "points". We even had points for completing designated study hours.

There was a cut off day for all of the points to be calculated and you had to have a certain number of points to attend formal at the end of the year.

Granted, if you are in a NPC sorority, I believe meetings are mandatory, so if meetings were missed, in addition to missing out on the points, you were assigned the penalty that was designated in the chapter bylaws or wherever your sorority keeps those.

We had the same problem last semester. We implemented door prizes, a point system, etc. We also handed out calendars and assessed small responsibilities to various people so they'd have a piece in the success of the event.

I think the key is to look at WHY they don't want to attend. Are the activities fun and inviting? Did they vote to agree on doing those activities or did someone just plan it and say "show up"? Is sisterhood lacking? Is the chapter over programming?

I second the calender. I am in different organizations, so when i recieve the calender with the chapter minutes it makes my life a lot easier to plan things.

My chapter also fines girls who don't give an excuse notices but it's mostly for really important events like ritual...

Good luck!

Within my organization, we consider all events mandatory, whether they're fundraising, philanthropy, academic, or social. Our policy is that any time a sister cannot attend an event or is going to be late/need to leave early, she must notify either the chair running the event or the president no less than 24 hours in advance. After that point (unless there's some kind of unforeseen emergency, of course), we give out demerits, which come with a small fine; if the fines are not paid in a timely manner, the sister may be put on probation. This can also happen if the number of absences becomes significant enough, even if she is paying the fines.
Unfortunately, sometimes, you're just not going to be able to entice someone to attend. It's a shame, and you sort of wonder why someone would join a GLO if they don't have the time or desire to commit to it, but it happens. With our system, it basically puts the responsibility on the sisters themselves; they know the rules, and if they choose to break them, that's their perogative. Hope some of this helped- I know it's frustrating, but keep your chin up!

While all want to entice, apple on a stick, maybe it is time to use the stick!

If they cannot come to meetings or charity events, then they do not need to come to the partys.

Set a number of mandatory events that can be missed or after that, then no social functions.

Let them sit at home on party nights too. If that doesnt work, then why are they even there?

Apple on a stick?

You're kidding right?

When I was an undergraduate member, my chapter had a point system. We received points similar to what Texax*Prinecess mentioned below, so many points for each event. In order to be able to attend large social functions, like big date parties and formals we had to have 80% of the total points. If you didn't, you weren't able to go.

I think that adpiucf's suggestion of supplying members with a calendar on a monthly basis is an excellent idea. Another similar option might be, if your chapter has a group listserve, maybe you could send out an email of upcoming events on the first of the month.

I think that AGDee raises some excellent questions. IMO, overprogramming is a big problem in society today. I think too many people have too much to do. The chapter that I belonged to during college was smaller than many of the other chapters on my campus at the time, however, we had the inherent feeling that we had to keep up with the Joneses. I think that one of the best ways to deal with this is to try and combine things together if possible. We had a chapter rule that if an officer did not announce something more than two weeks prior to the date, she could not make the event mandatory. If she wanted to make it mandatory it had to be put to a chapter vote. I think this helped cut down on the last minute mandatory events.

on the whole "point system"...my chapter is looking to start one of these. I am part of the committee that is to establish (and by establish i mean look over what our e-board created and nod my head to em if its ok) the point system...and it sucks. does anyone have an electric copy of their point system? id really like to see what other chapters do, as we also have a HUGE problem with attendance

feel free to PM me with the list.

Make sure your sorority chapter, events, and meetings don't suck. If that's the case, all the point systems, reminders, calendars, and door prizes in the world won't help. Bringing food or making things mandatory may increase attendance, but that's still treating the symptoms instead of the underlying problems. This goes for all types of organizations.

I've also noticed that attendance and lack of attendance is contagious. Sometimes people only go somewhere because their friends are going, even if they are not interested in the main event. Then there's times when someone may have an interest in the event in itself, but will not go because none of their friends are going. I guess you need to get the more influential or popular people interested first, then their friends will follow.

Do you not have fines for missing things? I know a ton of chapters that do that.

Some organizations cannot fine. We cannot fine or assess members for anything. At all. Ever.

I like the idea of a points system. The chapter I advise has a very difficult time getting women to attend mandatory events. Less than half the chapter was at initiation last weekend, yet almost the entire chapter will be at their semi formal this weekend. Go figure.

In addition to a points system that has already been mentioned, if people are falling into the "I'm not going because my friend isn't going" mode, then maybe you could consider additional "buddies" during the year. For example, if you notice that Seniors are starting to slack off, maybe have "secret Senior sis's" or something. Where more active members are paired with those who are slacking and encourage them to come to the manditory events. If your chapter has families, maybe one family could be paired with another. Then they could sit together during meetings (rather than everyone sitting with thier clique).
I know when you are a new member attendance isn't even an issue- but then you have a big (or some equivalent) and maybe a rose sis/panda pal/heart sis (you get the point). Maybe try to bring back that enthusiasm to the actives.

Feel free to trash my ideas!

I know the post was awhile ago, but for any of you still looking for an example of an accountability system. This is my chapter's. I used ideas that I found here, some that we already had, and my own ideas, to come up with this new way. You also need to make sure that you dont break chapter or national bylaws for your organization, as that is a problem that I am having for a part of it, and now ammendments to the bylaws need to happen. Hope this helps you out! :)



All members must earn 75% of the merit points, with the exception of seniors, who need to only earn 50% in their last semester, each month (As stated in the chapter Bylaws)

All members must attend 2 sisterhood events, 2 philanthropy events (one being internal), and 2 intramurals each semester. (As stated in the chapter Bylaws)

All events will be divided into three areas: gold, dark blue, and light blue:

• Gold events are defined as chapter retreats, perfection week activities, recruitment week, chapter goal setting & officer training, any ceremony, chapter meetings, and any other event deemed as a gold event by the executive board or the appropriate chair.

• Dark Blue events are defined as sisterhood events, alumnae events, philanthropy events (internal and external), new member meetings (if applicable), new member events (if applicable), house beautification days, Big/Lil revealing, and any other event deemed as dark blue by the executive board or the appropriate chair.

• Light Blue events are defined as socials, intramurals, semi formals, grab-a-dates, formal, date functions, Homecoming events, Greek Week events, Panhellenic meetings, Panhellenic events, Greek Student Success, and any other event deemed as light blue by the executive board or the appropriate chair.

These color designations require a certain percentage of the total points from that color to be acquired each semester:

·Gold events: 100%
·Dark Blue events: 50%
·Light Blue events: 20%

All Gold events require a written excuse to the Recording Secretary or the appropriate officer 24 hours before the event, unless another date/time is specified. Work is not a valid excuse for any Gold event.

If an excuse is given within the appropriate time, no merit points will be awarded, and the missed points will need to be made up with bonus points.
If a chapter meeting is missed, with an excuse, that member must read and sign the minutes from the meeting, (which will be placed in the recording secretary’s box Mon-Sat) in order to receive half the merit points for that meeting.

If an excuse is not given within the appropriate time, that member will receive five (5) demerits, which will need to be made up with bonus points. (Special situations will be considered on a case by case basis)
If a chapter meeting is missed, without an excuse, that member must read and sign the minutes from the meeting, (which will be placed in the recording secretary’s box Mon-Sat) or that member will receive an additional five (5) demerits, which will need to be made up with bonus points.

If a chapter retreat, perfection week activity, recruitment day, chapter goal setting/officer training, or ceremony is missed, without an excuse, the member will be assessed a $25 donation to the Housing Corporation Board for each event missed (as stated in the bylaws), in addition to demerits.

No event can be deemed a gold event without at least two (2) weeks notice by the officer at a chapter meeting. Emails do not constitute proper notice.

Bonus points can only be used toward Gold events. Verification for Bonus points must be turned in by required date to be considered.

Each month the recording secretary will review the total merit points available, and evaluate each members standing. Any member deemed to not be in good standing will then be placed on merit point probation. The terms of merit point probation are outlined within the chapter bylaws.
The last month of each semester (November & April), the total points for the semester for each member will be determined. If the member does not have the required percentage for each color designation, that member will be placed on merit point probation.

At the end of each semester, the recording secretary will total up the merit points acquired by each new member class. The new member class with the highest amount of merit points per member, as well as completed the percentages for each color, will receive an award, which will be designated each semester by the recording secretary.

If budget allows, the member who has completed the percentages for each color, and has the highest amount of merit points at the end of the semester, will also receive an award, at the discretion of the recording secretary.



Chapter Meetings 20

Chapter Retreats 20

Perfection Week 10 (per day)

Recruitment 15 (per day)

Goal Setting/Officer Training 10

Ceremonies 15

Initiation 20
Any other event given Gold designation 15

Sisterhood Events 10

Internal Philanthropy Events 10

External Philanthropy Events 5

Alumnae Events 5

New Member Meetings (if applicable) 10

New Member Events (if applicable) 5

House Beautification 5

Big/Lil Revealing (if applicable) 5

Any other event given Dark Blue designation 7

Socials 5
Semiformals/Grab-a-Dates/Date Functions 5

Formal 10

Homecoming Events 5 (per event)

Greek Week Events 5 (per event)

Panhellenic Meetings 5

Panhellenic Events 5

Greek Student Success 5

Any other event given Light Blue Designation 5


GPA from the previous term:
4.010
3.5-3.9 7
3.4-3.0 5
2.9-2.7 2

Chapter Dues paid by the 10th EVERY month 10

Holding an office 7

Chairing an event 5

Participation in an external philanthropy/ 3
Homecoming/Greek Week event

Holding a position in Panhellenic/Greek Council 5

Holding an office for any Greek related event 5
(TOTOGS/Greek Week/Homecoming/GSS/etc)

Participation in an outside organization 3

Holding an office in an outside organization 5

Working:
30+ hours per week 10
20-29 hours per week 7
10-19 hours per week 5
Under 10 hours per week 3

We have a point system that is standard among all chapters. There are spaces to add activities that are specific to each campus, but the general point system has become standardized.

BS, I do not know how NPCs do it, but We are required to have a calendar of Events for if not a Semester at least a year.

It is in there in black and white.

If it is there at least a Semester, it should be. If Some are working part time jobs, or going to classes then they should be requried to attend.

If they can not attend required fuctions with above reasons, then they should be not allowed to go to social functions.

Your decission.

You crack me up.

I learned that motivation is the key. Our organization had problems with service event attendance and philanthropy project participation... but when the parties rolled around they were always there =)

I would suggest creating some sort of awareness newsletter via email or at meetings about why attending events is not only good for the organization but also for each individual.

The first things to look at are:
1. Are the events just crappy, or are they fun?
2. Are they scheduled to avoid classes, exams, major athletic events or theatrical productions?
3. Is two weeks notice given (for those that have jobs)?

When I was VP of my chapter in 04, I made monthly calendars. I also sent out e-mails with important announcements from each exec member and upcoming events after every chapter meeting. It seemed to help as far as communication goes. If they at least know when everything is, there's really no excuse if they just plain don't show up.

As far as merit points go, we've come up with several different methods over the years, but none of them really seemed to stick.

I also remembered that when I was a collegian, we started having trouble with attendance, especially at socials with fraternities. What we ended up doing was this:
Since every event required a majority vote, we set it up so you voted by signing up to go to the party. If you signed up for the party, it was mandatory for you to go or else you were fined. If you didn't sign up, it was a "no" vote and you weren't required to go. If not enough women signed up to make the party feasible, then we didn't have it. It worked pretty well from what I can recall because people only voted yes if they really planned on attending rather than just raising their hand without thinking about it.

Philanthropy on our calendar is red on our calendar. Do you use the red, yellow and green system (red is mandatory, yellow is optional but becomes red if you sign up for it, green is completely optional)? Going to a philanthropy event is about as important as recruitment in my chapter. As far as sisterhoods, they are all yellow but it's required that each sister go to at least 1/2 of the scheduled sisterhoods. We used to have a big problem with lack of attendance to sisterhood events, but once we got bigger, it doesn't seem to be as much of a problem. I still don't understand why there are always the ones who only come to the mandatory events. Why wouldn't you want to go to the fun stuff too?

im the standards chair for our chapter and we utilize a points system.
at the beginning of the month, all sisters receive everything that is mandatory and they are expected to meet 90% of all of the points.
sisters are also allowed to turn in 'extra' points to make up for points that they may have lost, and for the chance to win a prize by having the most extra points.

we also fine 5.00/point for events like founder's day, initiation, recruitment, and retreats.

Idea, use the KISS principle. "Keep it simple stupid."

Make it plain and easy.

If you cannot do the work then you do not party!:p

I think Bluefish81 hit the nail on the head. Chances are the chapter is overprogramming. When membership doesn't want to participate, that shows that leadership is not in touch with the membership. Leadership need to refocus their efforts on making events fun which will increase participation. No point system or penalty system is going to work if people truely are not interested. The key is making them interested by re-recruiting your chapter.

Eventhough we can not force people to do the service they signed up for (by joing the sorority) like Tom Said about the parties. If a member does not attend X amount of service events then they will not get into the party for free. When my chapter used that people began completing service more often. It is sad that those type tactice have to be used. I am not sure what all is intailed with social probation, but maybe that would be an idea.

We're thinking about going back to our points system as well. The new girls coming in won't know the different, but I'm worried about the older members complaining.

Will adding a points system make events (even the fun ones) almost a chore that has to be done in order to attend the social events??

If the old girls have an issue, tell them you wouldn't have had to do it if they wouldn't be such slackers and blow off events. If they don't like it, the door is that way.

They need to realize nothing is 100% fun. Plus that their actions have consequences. If there's not a quorum at the meeting, you can't take a vote to have the fun mixer or formal. So then you don't have one.

My chapter did a combination of a points system and fines. Fines were for missing chapter meetings or ritual. Points for everything else. Members could also cash in points for event passes, granted said event wasn't a meeting, ritual, or recruitment.

I'll also echo other sentiments about overprogramming. It burnt my tiny chapter out REALLY quickly.

So what have been the results of adding a points system?

Has the points system backfired on anyone?

Also, my chapter doesn't fine... nor do we want to. There's another sorority on campus that fines and just added a points system.

I've heard that its helped a little... but members still complain.

Well, we won't fine... but I'd still like to know how effective the points system is.

Ours wasn't that effective. When we wrote our points system, we messed up on giving out points and not taking enough away, example: If I went to an event, I'd get 5 points. If I missed the event, I would still get 2 points. So people would end with massive numbers of points and not have enough taken away. Do take your member's lives into consideration when you write a points system. When we wrote ours, 80% of my chapter was working full time as well as going to school full time. When you only have two days off, do you really want to drag your ass into some speaker about date rape, especially when you have a lot of homework to do? No. So we had to take that into account. But points didn't help our attendance at all.

We don't do points. We just say, you show up and that's good. If you don't show up, and it's mandatory, then you are on social probation and can't go to any socials or anything for three weeks. This includes formals and date parties. If you get on social probation twice, you have other punishments. More than twice and membership can be brought up to the chapter. It works well.

We also have a rule that anything mandatory must be submitted to the programming director [who writes the calender] 3 weeks in advance, or it can NOT be mandatory. If it is 100% mandatory, then you must come or submit an excuse beforehand. If it is just 50 or 75% mandatory, then we take a signup sheet and if it is not filled then we start with excuses.

We also have a points system almost exactly like this.

Fines for missing other things too unless you had an excuse (i.e. illness, class, other organization meeting, sports event, etc). These excuses had to be legit and before the scheduled event. Example: you can't just say "Oh I didn't go because something came up" five days after the event.

point system sounds like a good idea...my fraternity doesn't do that, but we'll be looking into doing something like it in the fall I'm sure...

point system is only as good as it it is enforced!

If meetings and other things are mandatory, it boils down to either be envolved or not!

If they cannot attend meetings or events then they cannot attend social functions.:mad:

No Dime, No Dance! Before inflation!

Enforce the Rules!