The "R" word
 

Is there something wrong with using the word "recruitment" when talking about NPHC sororities? I've been in several situations where people think that recruitment is only something PHC sororities do. I often hear my NPHC family say "We don't recruit, aspirants have to come to us". Does anyone find this problematic? :confused:

Unfortunately a lot of members of NPHC organizations equate recruitment with begging. There is a difference between introducing someone to your organization and just flat out begging them to join. If more people sought out quality candidates rather than just putting up an informational sign and hoping someone shows up, the entire Divine Nine would be better off.

All of us have(or should have)events on or off-campus that are open to the public. Naturally you will have aspirants that attend those. However, there may be a community-conscious, goal-oriented person out there that either you or another Frat/Soror knows that may have no clue about Greekdom. By showing them what your organization is about, you may earn a quality candidate. Likewise, that person may spread the word amongst others. It is not like the '80's and early-'90's when a lot of people came to college knowing that they wanted to pledge. A lot of students nowadays are totally clueless about what BGLO's are really about. All they may know about or see is stepping, parties, and lawsuits. If we took the time to reach out to the student body rather than waiting for them to come to us, it would let them know that Sigmas and Zetas are not just some people walking around the yard in blue t-shirts with letters on them. It would let them know that we are looking for proactive and dedicated individuals, not just someone who wants to learn how to step or get into parties for free.

frat, no truer words have been spoken! i concur that if WE select those people that we believe to be quality individuals and will be ASSETS to our organizations we will be better off. no, it is not begging it is informing, the individual makes the decision based on SOME of the information you may provide (and hopefully, some of their own research). begging and educating are NOT synonymous!

If we say we don't recruit we are not being truthful to ourselves. As much as it is denied Sigma Beta, Archonette, Amicies, Men Of Tommorow and almost everything else we do is recruitment. Like stated before there is a difference in connotations between PHC & NPHC. Trust every time I have my letters on I know there maybe someone who might want to be blue.

Keep Recruiting cause they still gotta go on the wall.

GOMAB