Quote:
Originally Posted by Abitworried
Hey guys,
I recently went through rush during the Spring and got a bid from the fraternity that I wanted. However, after accepting my bid I realized that the fraternity has about 23 active members with 12 pledges for Spring. Also, I heard that only one person crossed during Winter. Rushing for other fraternities throughout the week I thought most chapters hovered around the 50-60 range and this gotten me a little worried about the growth of the chapter I'm in. I understand I'm only a pledge, but having 23 active members can't be a healthy number, can it?
I will say that the morale of the fraternity is very high though. Almost every active was at every rush event and the bid party they hosted for us was a blast. I really lack the experience in the running of a Greek organization so I was hoping the experienced members on this forum could share some insight.
Thank you.
|
It really can vary by campus and Inter/National Organization, but what it comes down to is your chapter being able to function financially, and at a level acceptable to the members on campus. The thing that I noticed about your post is that you mentioned the morale is high, which is crucial for any chapter to succeed regardless of size. I'm not sure what the dynamics of your chapter are, but when paying your bills ask what your money is going to and about the financial health of your chapter. This is often announced and discussed at chapter meetings but I'm not sure of your membership status or how your group works.
If you have 35 or so members and can function (academics, bills, social functions, etc.) that's great. With a smaller group you have better opportunities to get to know your brothers, be involved in your chapter leadership wise, and maybe even at the Inter/National level. If the members are getting what they need from the fraternity experience it will allow you as brothers to find new and more members who fit in and not just to take people to pay the bills or be a number.
Don't worry about lacking experience now, because I think you're a new member who hasn't been initiated and this is the time to learn about your group, get to know the initiated members and form bonds with your pledge brothers. Be as involved as reasonably possible while keeping up with your studies, ask questions, and enjoy your new member period.