[LAblondeGPhi]

Oooh, I agree with so much of the advice here.

Hairbrush - I applaud you and your pledge class for being willing to work hard and lift up the chapter. Sometimes it's true that chapters go on for years just doing the same old thing because that's what they've always done. Some chapters are small and have performance issues, and tend to attract new members who like that kind of vibe, thus perpetuating the problem.

Some of this advice is the same as what's already been posted, but it's good to reiterate:
- Focus on the actions of your pledge class and recruiting like-minded women in the fall
- If you want to make behavioral changes, bring your pledge class together and create unofficial rules of conduct for yourselves. Wait until you are in leadership positions before bringing this code of conduct to the chapter as a whole.
- Study to get good grades (especially if your chapter doesn't have a great GPA now)
- Go to ALL the sorority and fraternity philanthropy events as a noticeable group
- Have sisters get ACTIVELY involved in other big groups on campus: homecoming committee, student leadership, the alumni association, the steering committees for big events
- Develop a great "giving back" service event that will pull in the whole campus and Greek system: a clean-up, a free women's self-defense workshop, etc.
- Cultivate your style and pay attention to your appearance. We're women, we feel better and more confident when we look good. Plus, if your chapter isn't perceived as being attractive, then it won't hurt to make an extra effort on a daily basis.

And this last thing is very important: don't get TOO caught up in the rankings and being the underdog, it can really start to take a toll on your self-esteem. When you are so focused on bringing a chapter "up" in the Greek world, there is an inherent reiteration that you or your chapter are somehow less desirable. Take the time to focus on your, and your sisters', individual worth and betterment. Don't get too caught up in what the fraternities think of you, because that can lead to a "get the boys to like us/me at any cost" mentality, which can lead to a very unclassy culture within a chapter.

Think about what it would take to make the very best YOU that you can imagine: great grades, great involvement, social, classy, always put-together, witty, athletic, etc. Cultivate that in all of your members, and the chapter as a whole will be that, too.

Good luck!!