[sopranology]

Three words: Values. Based. Recruitment. It seems so simple, but it is absolutely essential. You want guys who aren't going to flake on you and who are in it for more than the booze and girls? You need to find the guys who already live your fraternity's ideals or, at the very most, just need a little pushing.

I'll agree with some of the previous posts and say that it was ridiculous for Headquarters to set your recruitment target at 30 when your whole chapter was just 35 ... however, was 65 close to campus total? Did the original 35 all come together in one year or were they an established local fraternity who decided to go national? If it was the former, then the target of 30 makes more sense ... if 35 men could come together in one year, without any real organization, to start your chapter, then, with the formal organization and name of a national fraternity, 30 men should be able to join, no problem.

I grieve for your chapter since mine was in a similar situation not that long ago, although it had to do more with general lack of recruitment and financial problems instead of lack of ideals and brotherhood, but even the problems of my chapter could have been lessened, if not altogether avoided, if the members had focused on pledging women who were willing to commit themselves to the ideals of Alpha Xi Delta.

Stop lying to nationals about membership and stop thinking about getting more members just so that you can have better parties and "get in" with the top tier sororities. Remember why you joined TKE and all the great times you've had with your brothers (there has to be at least a few), and really reflect on why you want your chapter to succeed. Build up a strong foundation of values and the house won't come tumbling down.