Bring a House back from the Brink of Extinction
 

Alright, it wasn't until recently we realized how much trouble we really were in in terms of numbers and recruitment. Though I am proud to be the only pledge my semester and to survive the trials of becoming a Theta Delt on my own, I am concerned about the long term viability of my Charge. Other houses have run successful recruitment and retention and though our house has been historically strong as well -- we are in a definite slump at the current time and need serious help.

If there is anyone out there that can give suggestions (or stuff you've done and found works) about mass recruting (we need about 2 semesters of 7-10 guys each if we are to survive through 2006 -- I know this sounds small, but for Cal Berkeley, this is a large pledge class) I would really appreciate it and bring it up at meetings.

Thanks a lot. :)

Talk to people. no matter how fancy or how large your budget is, ultimately it's all about how the brothers interact with PNMs.

ACT,
I know what a rough position you are in...we are getting out of that in the chapter I advise. My BF's chapter was also hitting a rough patch when we first started dating as there were only about 7-10 actives at the time. They all sat down and had a commitment talk(kinda funny that guys did that, but I digress) and decided that they were all going to give their all and PR Blitzed the campus. That semester they set up tables during info week for all the orgs, actively went out and recuited guys, and ended up with about 12 pledges..all through the work of about 7 guys. To cut a long story short, their chapter is now quite a bit larger than it used to be and they are having a great time.

Look at the thread and article that details what Alpha Sigma Phi is doing at Berkeley. And if you're hazing, stop :)

Re: Bring a House back from the Brink of Extinction
 

The best thing that you can do is pick up some books on sales. Also, take a summer job selling anything, just to get the experience. Then someone needs to function as a sales manager.

I don't really have the time to detail what we did that works, but selling skills is all that successful recruiting is.

Work your butt off. The advice I used in my chapter is the stuff that national officers and the best brothers will tell you over and over again in every fraternity. Firehouse said the same stuff to DeltaSigStan in a post within 6 months ago if you want to look for it.

-Rudey

What she said - especially on the hazing.

One of the most successful rush plans I've ever seen detailed an "attack plan" for the men - brothers were expected to join 3 organizations on campus. They were to recruit quality men from these organizations (I think they were the soccer team, the mechanics club, and scuba club) and after a few years, pick 3 new organizations to expand to.

There's small things your brothers can do too - make sure they have something TDX on them every single day, even if it's just a backpack pin. Have them openly talk about their affiliation.

Have events where potential members will want to go - say "We're having a BBQ with Gamma Phi Beta tonight, would you like to stop by?" That way if they think rushing a frat is "lame" they can tell their friends they're going to meet girls, even if that isn't the real reason.

Everybody in your charge needs to dedicate themselves to this - EVERYBODY. One bad member will kill your rush.

One bad member most definitely can kill your rush- and the bad member's attitude tends to be the ONE that PNM's remember. My chapter completely folded due to two bad rush years. We went from 20 women my freshman year to a very shaky 6 by my senior year-- and only one membership class in two years (for one member). A huge problem that we had was lack of commitment from two of the six members-- they didn't want to come to events, didn't take meetings seriously, etc.

The key is to ask yourselves what you, as potential new members, would find unappealing or appealing about your chapter as it stands. Fix the problems, highlight the good parts. Be tight-knit as brothers, but not so much that you appear to be cliquish and unwelcoming to "outsiders."

Have all sorts of different events-- celebrate the diversity of interests that are already in your chapter in the members, and attract others who share those interests. Make sure to do things that encourage interaction (i.e. not movie nights, since you'll be sitting there watching the movie and not really talking).

I think GeekyPenguin's idea is a great one-- encourage your members to join another group on campus and get to know the guys there. :) The more diverse, the better chance you have of attracting members from all segments of the campus to strengthen both your numbers AND the quality of experience within the brotherhood!

~ Mel.

As most said, each Chapter goes through rough and rocky times. Russ gave some very good points and as Rudey said, work your butts off.

If there is hazing, put a stop to it now!

U. Cal is a tuff school for Greeks as many have become such as mine and has been over many years.

We too are in and have been in a rebuilding process for the last 2 years.

It is not an over night thing and will take a lot of hard work by every member of the chapter.

There really is no sure fire way to get New Members other than to show what you stand for and what you beleive. Dont just preach it, do it. Try to show you are there for a reason and best foot forward.

Never meet a stranger, intoduce yoursef to students, if they ask who you are affiliated with be proud when you tell them. If they turn down a nose, ask why. If they tell you, then you ahve a place to start a discussion!

The Very Best of Luck to You and your Chapter!:)