I am the recruitment head for a chapter that is basically in the same situation. We are at about half total, and generally draw a larger number from informal than formal, much to our detriment. Personal invites seem to really be the way to go with pnms, and offering free food on my campus is guaranteed to draw attention. As far as invitation quality something nicer is going to spark more interest, I'm lucky to have very crafty sisters who volunteer to hand-make personal invites. I think it might even do better than a stock invitation from a store, or a printout. I also found that when you deliver bids, brings snacks. We give bids in the morning before class (too early for my liking but some sacrifices must be made), and its easy to be grumpy at someone who just woke you up, but no one can be upset with a donut. Another one of my chapters strategies is an overall PR boost, our formal recruitment occurs in the fall, so getting to know freshman early through PR activities and my "bring a freshman" games (invite freshman to our open activities and win points toward some prize). And don't forget freshman boys, they know freshman girls.
I've found sister morale is my main concern, since recruitment is an ongoing problem and the sense of campus-wide competition leaves us a little demoralized. I agree with what was said above about using incentives and keeping on top of your chapter, but keep the incentives appropriate to your chapter, candy bars wouldn't get me anywhere, but I'm going to try laundry doing, room cleaning and meal cooking which hopefully will get me somewhere. Try reaching out to local alumns and your national for ideas , locations for parties, and donations for any sort of recruitment supplies.
I'd love to hear how things work out for you. Best of luck!
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