|
I would agree with 33girl. I am not saying you should justify why you've decided to start something new to us here on GC, but often on campuses where there is a large Greek presence competition is really high.
Some chapters, especially sororities, may also have received threats of their charters being pulled if they don't reach numbers because it is really expensive for most nationals to exist if they are not able to perpetuate themselves on their campus.
If there is something about your sorority that sets your group apart from the others (for example a cultural, religious or academic purpose) it might be a way to explain why you want to start something new.
One way to help ease some of that tension is to host socials with them or to co-sponsor a program or community service event. When my sorority first came onto my campus, there was a great deal of tension. I know that the other sororities did not understand why we felt the need to start a new organization (even though we were fundamentally different). But a year later we had a completely different relationship with them. They no longer see us as a threat to their recruitment at all and we have socials and teas together several times a year. (You may want to start with the fraternities. In my experience, they are often friendler unfortunately than the sororities)
I think that those socials are the first opportunity that you have to become "human" and not "those people who are messing it up for the rest of us".
If none of this works, you should talk with your campus' Greek Director. They often have really good insight into what is going on with each chapter and may be able to provide you with some advice about working with the other organizations. Good luck-it is hard work, but not impossible.
|