Before You Found a New Sorority
 

Since we don't have a comprehensive thread about founding a new sorority and because there is no known cure for founderitis, how about we put together a How-To for folks. If you are thinking about starting a new sorority or if you are looking to nationalize your local, please stop here first.

Greeks, please only post about your own type of organization/council so that the recommendations will be as accurate as possible.

In fact, I will even work on compiling a list of groups/individuals who have come onto GC asking about founding a sorority.

EXPANSION...THE SAGA
Rush at UCSC

WHAT NOT TO DO
SKEPi

NON-NPC NATIONAL/REGIONAL SOCIAL SORORITIES (RECRUITMENT-BASED)
Running List

STARTING A NEW SORORITY/NEW CHAPTER OF AN GENERAL (NPC/NPHC/ETC.) SORORITY
Alpha Theta Nu
Rho Sigma Zeta
New Greek Girls
Alpha Grl
dixiegirl09
ehanline
New Christian Local
Rhode Island College
Genevieve
cep1017
NPC Interest
New NPC Sorority
Redraidergirl
Theta Xi Beta
jcolon
jayhawkgirl
ashb316
audrasue
MissJai
Swtmartini
MySTiK BaLL
dallasdoll
MissVirginia
MissVirginia
dreamsmanda
Cody46
Rechartering a sorority
Omega Phi Sigma
Culver8824
Silmanarmo
KIX

STARTING A NEW SORORITY/NEW CHAPTER OF AN SPECIAL INTEREST SORORITY
Non-Collegiate Sorority
Sorority for Grad Students
Academic Sorority
Technical College
Creating a Co-Ed Local
Christian Sorority
Plus size Sorority
Hospitality Sorority
Attracting Potential Co-founders - Christian
Dance Sorority
Beta Sigma Phi - Erica812

STARTING A NEW SORORITY/NEW CHAPTER ON A NON-GREEK CAMPUS
Alpha Mu Sigma
bianca131
Mimi6389
mckid

AFFILIATING WITH A NATIONAL SORORITY
Ramapo College Interest
That1LoudChick
MDJenny29
klplovely
Jfurr1126
Zetagymnast
Sphinx101
MissyKramer
dhgirl
Omega Phi Delta
Alpha Sigma Delta
Theta Kappa
Engineering Sorority (OHNOITSJESS)

ESTABLISHING/DEVELOPING A NEWLY FOUNDED SORORITY/CHAPTER
LaDy B
Zeta Xi Delta
Pi Rho
Pledge Ideas
Delta Rho Delta
Inductions

PARTIAL LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS

(More to come - feel free to send me links)

FOUNDERS OF SUCCESSFUL LOCALS AND NATIONAL EXTENSIONS/EXPANSIONS, PLEASE POST HERE!

I'll start...

If you are interested in starting a chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., please visit http://thetanuxi.org/exp_underg.htm. That's all you need to know.

Please do not come to Theta Nu Xi if you have been rejected from another sorority/other sororities in an attempt to spite them. Only if you are truly interested in the mission, tenets and programming of the Sorority should you pursue your interest in her.

oh dear, preciousjeni, you are in my head.

Do not attempt to start a new NPC group if you (the "interest group" you) haven't already gone through NPC rush.

Do not attempt to start a new NPC group if the majority of groups on your campus are under total.

Do not attempt to start a new NPC group if your campus has informal rush and you only rushed one sorority. You need to check out ALL the groups.

I'm sure I will think of more later.

I know you said sororities, but founderitis is not just a woman's disease. It affects you AND me. Know your status.

If you want to charter or recharter a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, here is the information you will need: http://www.alphaphialpha.net/Resourc...ines_Final.pdf

LOL! I had considered including fraternities, but I figured that was a whole other ball of wax. Fraternity men, please feel free to post as well!

yeah, no kidding. unfortunately that is happening on my current campus. These group of ladies faked being interested in the current orgs on campus, some are even droppees of NPHCs, but decided to ask a large national organization to come to campus. For us personally, some stood outside the building where we held our informationals and tried to persuade the ladies who were coming to join them instead. We only found out much later because one of the interested ladies went on line for us and told us.

We find out after they asked for approval that their sorority nationals did not even know they were interested, and got the Greek Advisor here (who is pushing sooo very hard for them to come that he refuses to allow NPHC or non-mainstream org to put in a vote) to do all the leg-work for them (they did not follow protocol of the school or the sorority to get approved...ie, you need to be approved by the council before the dean, and they went straight to the dean to get approved, and since my school is very big on greek s- 50% greeks, with hopes for more diversity, he said yes).

They show up to presentation purposely wearing the sororities colors, and stole a lot of other orgs purposes/missions/philantrophy, and because the Greek Advisor barred NPHC and us alums from attending (he sent out a very nasty email saying that if we showed up there will be consequences), and kept non-mainstream org from questioning them, they were approved by NPC. He even prepped them on how to answer the questions he knew would be asked by NPC. They cried at the presentation because they were so happy to have found finally found a niche at my school. Just a little bitter not about the org, but these ladies and what they have done to try to come on campus. They can't see that by doing these things, that they've damaged their orgs reputation more (and btw, even if they do come on campus, these ladies will find no help or collaboration from NPHC because of their behaviors during this period; at least not until these first group of ladies graduate).

So here's a question for you:

What is so wrong about a group of ladies who didn't find the sisterhood in other organizations, but are finding it somewhere else? How you do really know they are only doing that to "spite" the other groups and not because they truly are looking for their "place"?

From the sounds of it, you are talking about a NPC organization because the "non mainstream orgs" weren't allowed in on the presentations... on some campuses, affiliates or even non-affilates of the campus panhellenic are not allowed to make decisions that would affect the campus NPC, just like the NPC groups are not allowed in on making the decisions that affect the other umbrella organizations on the campus.

And even though you said they "stole" the missions/values/whatever of other groups, unless they stole them verbatim, like for example, had their open motto be the exact same as another groups, it doesn't make sense that they stole something. Most sororities exist for the same purposes: fostering sisterhood, creating leaders, excelling in academics, etc.

nope, they aren't trying to bring an NPC org on campus, and they work a lot like NPHC/LGLO/MCGLO than NPC. But, it would have been nice if NPHC and non-mainstream orgs could attend their presentation since they aren't an NPC org, and would know them better than NPC orgs, but nope, the Greek Advisor would not let us in.

And yes, obviously, it is not everyone is doing it to be spiteful, just a couple of the leaders who have caused a lot of trouble because of the tactics they've used. They lied about when they started doing paperwork (it wasn't until about 2 weeks before presentation that they initiated contact w/their Nationals, and that is only because their Greek Advisor did it for them). And again, none of us have anything against the organization they are bringing on campus, just a couple of these ladies who are severing greek relations by being highly disrespectful and even malignant.

I believe this question was directed at me. If they are truly looking for their place, by all means, check out what there is to offer before making a decision. What I'm talking about is women who approach organizations and explicitly state, "I didn't make it into an NPC sorority, so I figure it would be easier to start a chapter of your sorority" or something to that effect. We've seen women come onto GC and talk about the stereotypes of sororities on campus when it is clear they haven't truly investigated them before pursuing another organization. That's not a good look.

And this:

Btw, it's UCSC, not USCS. :-)

Amen. Quoted for emphasis.

but it happens...

And I would hope that organizational officers would be keen enough to ask the right questions and make sure the opportunity to expand/extend is really worth the time and money.

Ack! Thank you!

True, but the problem is that there are some good liars out there. I've seen it happen too many times... It's really sad.

http://www.omegaphialpha.org/OPAToda...ons/index.html

DISCLAIMER: Omega Phi Alpha is not a substitute for any other sorority, nor is it a stepping stone for any other sorority. Attempting to use our organization in this way is only going to cheapen your experience and the experience of the sisters around you, so please, if either of these is your reason for wanting to bring a chapter to your campus, don't bother. We don't need the drama.

do not start a sorority/fraternity because you want to

• wear letters!!,
• stroll/party walk,
• step,
• have a hand sign,
• have a call,
• to put on your resume...
• HAZE!

RUNNING A CHAPTER IS EXTREMELY HARD!!

If your campus does not have any NPC organizations, your process is slightly different.

FIRST, read this link: http://www.npcwomen.org/extension-info.aspx

READ THE PDFs AVAILABLE. THEY EXPLAIN THE PROCESS IN GREATER DETAIL THAN ANY OF US HERE CAN.

Basic Questions to Consider:
-Does your university campus satisfy the requirements listed on the link above (4 year accredited campus)? If not, you are not eligible. Sorry. You might consider transferring to an eligible institution.
-Is the lack of NPC groups because the campus has traditionally banned such organizations? This may well be the case, particularly at some religiously-affiliated institutions, women's colleges, etc.
-If your campus has banned such organizations, DO RESEARCH (eg talk to Director of Student activities) and see if this might change with some student interest. Many schools that formerly banned Greek life are now more open to it. If your campus will not alter their position--sorry.
-In rare situations, an NPC may colonize without official campus recognition (for example, at some Ivy League schools). This however is rare. READ THE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO "PROPER AUTHORITY" AT THE ABOVE LINK. You may contact the NPC extension chairman with questions to determine if you investigation must end there.
-If you school does ban NPC-type organizations, consider whether you are open to investigate other types of organizations and activities that are allowed or already exist on your campus. There may be other kinds of GLOs on your campus. Obviously do NOT view these orgs as a "backup" but you may discover an interest in them upon research. Do you research first and DO NOT WASTE THESE GROUPS' TIME IF YOU ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN NPC MEMBERSHIP. The research process is intended for you to discover if there is a spark lit in YOU about these orgs, not for you to become Greek at any cost.

-If it happens that there is no ban on NPC and the lack of NPC presence on your campus is for other reasons, work with your Director of Student Life.
-Use the link above as your major resource. Be prepared to answer the questions listed on that website. For example, if you go to a nontraditional college (and this term can have various meanings) be prepared to explain what the role of Greek life at your campus would be and why it is needed. You need to have a vision of the role of NPC on your campus.
-If possible, ally with other interested individuals in this process. Remember though to let the administration take the lead. YOU NEED THEIR SUPPORT.

If anyone has any revisions to this... let me know.

Moderators, would it be possible to add this to the "Sticky" posts at the top?

preciousjeni, thank you for starting this thread! What a valuable resource!

Expansion Story
 

Well, this is pretty relevant to this page but it wasn't listed at the top of the thread. My chapter went from a local org to chapter of an NPC. Here's the link.

You are now represented, my dear. :D

So I posted my question on another thread, but was then redirected here. There has been some great advice here and I can clearly understand where some of you are coming from. I was originally an initiated member of an NPC organization and while I loved the ladies when I joined I didn't like what the new girls who came after my pledge class changed the sorority into. Basically the few of us who were left decided we should start a local sorority. We wanted to found our sorority on certian ideals and we want girls who believe these things and try to follow them in their life.

Anyways, to my question, When a local sorority comes on a campus that is dominated by NPC sororities and really has no local sororities on campus what tends to be the reaction? Are they accepted by the greek community or do they find it hard to fit in? Some of my sisters are concerned about what will happen when we go public with our organization.

TheataXi,
It depends on the campus atmosphere. Other groups may feel an addition to the greek system as a positive thing but then you may have individual members who feel threatened. I think it also depends on the success your school has as far as how many students go greek. somtimes adding another group to compete with is not in the best interest of other organizations. Before you attempt to put your group on the local map at your school, i'd suggest asking your greek advisor, if it was possible your group has a place to exist on your campus. This is important if you want to make sure your org will have continous enrollment after you graduate.
The concern your members are having is natural. My group is a little over a year old and as we get bigger, we are still scrutinized by many individuals. Be prepared for alot of questions. People will want to know WHERE you came from and WHY. It's up to you to answer it how you feel. If your campus allows the registration of a local organization the acceptance of your group may go smoothly but like i said it depends on the campus.

With the situation you described, you may have a very hard row to hoe. Especially if the sisters that are left in your NPC sorority are well liked by other sororities and fraternities.

When you say you don't like what they changed the sorority into - are you talking risk management issues (i.e. hazing, substance abuse) or that they are just a different type of girl? If it's the former, I would go to the national headquarters before turning in your pin and throwing away the chance to be involved as an alumna. If it's the latter - who voted them in? I mean, how did you end up with girls that you have nothing in common with?

Reading another thread I was wondering if it was possible to post threads about the difficulties for founding an organization? It seems that people are posting about how In Need their campus or community needs 'a new group' but many do not realize that it is more than just a process of picking some letters, and calling your best friends and you a GLO. Locals going national or even locals that have lasted decades and centuries on particular campuses are the result of the hard work, effort, and dedication of founders who were determined to see their cause last long after their graduation. I am all for groups of serious students and community leaders coming together for the purpose of Something, but I am not for threads about people who appear to only want to be in a GLO just to be in one. So if there are any posts about it I would love to see them posted on up there. Great job on the thread so far!

The section entitled "ESTABLISHING/DEVELOPING A NEWLY FOUNDED SORORITY" is for this purpose. It's still a little bare because it's hard for me (not being part of a local) to have a good idea of what locals want to see. If you have some threads in mind, please PM them to me!

TTT

Will the mods at least consider making this thread "Sticky"?

It surely would make updating it a lot quicker. I added the new group yesterday.

stick-eee?

(anyone who watches The Soup will get this.)

BWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH

Please find this on YouTube.

ask and you shall receive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCmdVw7N_F8

yes. yes, it FREAKING is. it makes me want to curl into a ball and cry sometimes it's so stressful, and i'm not even the one in charge for real.

This is true. That why when women are interested in our organization, we immediate ask or suggest that they research both the options they currently have on campus as well as other sororities. While it is important that they understand and can truly live-out our mission statement; our sorority must also put a lot of trust in founders to try to carry through on doing what needs to be done to set the foundation for a chapter. It's a lot harder than it looks.

There are so many sororities out there. You may just find one that exist already that matches your ideals.

Starting a prehealth sorority
 

hey everyone,

I read some of your messages and they seemed really helpful so i was hoping you could help me.

I'm currently in the processof starting a pre-health sorority at my school. We have started to recruit members picked a name and other stuff.

What can you suggest that we do and what are the best ways to go about doing it?

Thanks

Mel

Yikes. That's a pretty vague question.

Refer back to page one and look at these sections: "Starting a special interest sorority" and "establishing/developing a newly founded sorority"

I googled "health sorority" and found three so far... who knew?!

(Not counting the nursing sorority I've heard of)

Thanks for your help...yeah that was vague sorry

Ok so we recently picked our name Delta Epsilon Kappa and figured out a few more details.
I guess some of my major questions are more directed towards rushing and pledging and dues.

We have 9 members including of myself right now but within the next few weeks we hope to have more.

We were trying to figure out how much we should make our dues. We won't have a house.

Also about rushing have any suggestions on what we can do.

Also about pledging we thought of some stuff but we need more.

What are some of your policies for things?

Thanks

Mel

As far as policies: If you're wanting to found a sorority, you're going to have to figure out these things on your own. If you use other organizations' standards and practices, potential members might be more inclined to pursue the other organizations. Make up policies, rituals, etc that fit your organization's (and its current members') goals and values.

As far as dues: Contact your Greek life office. Ask them what typical dues are at your school and make yours comparable.

Also, like Sensuret said, do a Google search. It may be better to bring an existing organization to your campus rather than starting from scratch.