Back in Action
 

Hello all, the cat is back! The sorority had a record of 8 pledges. This semester is different since we utilitize the net and technology more rather than require weekly meetings. the sisters and pledges meet up with each other when they can - to grab cup of coffee and so on, rather than require all to come in at same time. Hard to do with such hectic schedule. CSUS is a "commuter" school and most sisters carry 15 to 17 units load, work full time job including weekends and night time or have night time courses. I am a bit envious of the nationals as some of the girls have no jobs and the family pays for their own place, car, etc. It is easier for them to be more available and contribute tons of hours. But the important thing to remember is that when we have an event or project we all come together. But I need ideas of activities to do together. I want something original. So far we are having a graduation party, christmas/hankuah party, good bye school party, etc. but what games or things to do?? this is the fourth year of the sorority so hard to be original lol. ANY ideas???

::::waiting for an influx of sex threads::::

I think an important thing to remember is that not everyone's parents pay for everything. It isn't like that across the board, regardless if you are in a national group or not. The majority of the girls in my chapter worked as well as participated in many other activities. I don't think communicating via the internet all the time is a great thing either. What's the point then? Anyone can do that, I think it is more important in participating in face to face events.

Re: Back in Action
 

There is a backstory. ODO is an ASL/hearing disability centralized sorority. Perhaps, due to the nature of the group, communicating via the internet is just easier. Just FYI...

On a side note BabyP, I'm sure there are members of groups (national AND local and non-greek) where they have their memberships paid for but still don't come around much. Members come from all walks of life.

Re: Back in Action
 

It's great to utilize the internet to distribute meeting minutes and chapter announcements, but you need to commit to a weekly executive team meeting and a weekly chapter meeting to get members mixing and making things happen.

Some event ideas include:
A Professor Dessert/Sorority Honor Society Induction
Chapter Retreat to play games, learn sorority history, policies and to set goals
Set up Study Buddies where sisters can motivate and encourage one another to succeed
TV Night to watch a popular show
Philanthropy Events: Host a fundraiser that involves the campus and community to educate them about your philanthropy and raise money for it, too
Community Service Projects around town (5K runs, reading to children in an after-school program, beach cleanups, etc)
Alumnae Tea
Formal or Semi-formal banquet at the end of the year
Membership Education Workshop on Resume Writing, Self-Defense, CPR Training, Time Management
Town Hall Meeting: Members get to assess how the sorority and officers are doing and set goals for improvement
Recruitment Workshop: Educate members on member selection and practice recruitment convesation and selection methods
New Member Retreat
New Member Social
Ritual Review: Meaning of the Ritual and how to apply it in everyday life
Serenade the sororities and fraternities and leave them ABC LOVES XYZ gift baskets

You don't have to do all these ideas, but these are some suggestons. Keep a master chapter calendar and don't try to overprogram or throw in last minute mandatory events. It frustrates members. And whenever you can, see what you can do to kill 2 birds with one stone. For example-- your Resume Writing Workshop can be a Recruitment Event, Member Workshop and Community Service Event if you open it up to the whole campus!

Remember that all college students are busy. Many of us work our way through. I joined an NPC as an undergrad and guess what? My parents didn't pay for a dime of my sorority, my college, transportation, clothing or my housing or food! Nada. I was completely on my own, without any money saved through the years to pay for this-- the first in my family to go to school. I completely empathize with your members who have busy lives but it should be impressed upon them that if they join a sorority, there will be certain requirements to maintain active status-- regular meeting attendance (meeting should be at the same time each week), X number of service hours, attendance at recruitment workshops and recruitment events as well as Initiation and Member Retreat.

Good luck. Staying organized and giving ample notice to events is key.