[SWTXBelle]

Not to mention the fact that a struggling chapter CAN turn it around and be successful. If, at the first sign of trouble, chapters closed, we'd have very few chapters left.

It is entirely possible to have a chapter full of intelligent, attractive, involved women who are caught in the "death spiral" - they aren't at total, because they are perceived as being "smaller" they can't pledge quota, and so it goes. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and sometimes, with a great deal of work, it can be stopped. But often there comes a time when it is better to close the chapter and hope someday an opportunity to recharter will present itself. While it is in the best interests of the GLO, and the members certainly understand that, it is painful. Terribly painful.

I will also add here that in talking to members of chapters which have closed I have noticed that the chapters themselves tend to be VERY close. Sisters who go through a character-building experience like this make extremely strong bonds. It certainly isn't something you would wish on a chapter, but a bit of a struggle can really draw sisters together.

And I don't know that all fraternity members can "get it". Most fraternities seem to pull charters as a result of some untoward action on the part of the members. It is undoubtly painful too, but at least there is something someone did "wrong" - with sororities, often they've done everything they can think of to turn it around, and despite all their good work they just can't get the numbers. Apples and oranges.