Quote:
Originally Posted by misscherrypie
We have the assistance of advice and encouragement from my big and one other Beta Sigma Phi....otherwise, it's just us. Most of the time, it feels like we're flying blind and playing everything by ear....which is no way to charter a chapter, I'll admit.
The fact that Beta Sigma Phi International offers almost no guidance to those charting new chapters, other than sending the needed documents to fill out and send back to international is something that I know annoys the snot out of Beta Sigma Phi members in general. It's a major gripe among us Beta Sigma Phis across the planet and one that I personally think that International ignores.
The major reason why there are so few collegiate Beta Sigma Phi chapters is spelled out in this thread: No guidance, no set process to recruit younger members (International suggests that we invite women with which we are already familiar to a two event and things go in from there.) and while international is helpful in some ways....in many ways, they need to make changes....and while I've read thread after thread of my fellow sisters contacting International and offering their assistance in different ways....they are always rebuffed.
(End of vent)
So, basically....I can understand the confusion. It's a wonder that we aren't all confused ourselves here in Nevada Nu....because there have been more than enough instances of "What are we supposed to do now???" In the last two weeks. We've found ways to deal...but the utter lack of supportive guidance from our International has been a detriment.
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I have to jump in here to clarify for non-members and maybe to help misscherrypie just a bit. I have participated in two Friendly Ventures, and International is actually quite supportive. They are "experts" in the kind of BSP chapters that USUALLY exist. Typical BSP chapters are 10-20 women meeting in a member's home or at a restaurant over coffee. They meet one or two times per month (depending if they are following the traditional or career format). They are NOT collegiate chapters. They do not operate like NPC chapters at all. Misscherrypie is right in saying that chapters are fairly autonomous. This has positives and negatives, but simply put, misscherrypie and other collegiate BSP chapters are basically molding their chapters as they wish. BSP allows for this as long as you are upholding tyour financial obligations, maintaining the values set forth in our rituals, and holding the required number of educational programs each year. You must also submit your meeting minutes to International. Otherwise, Nevada Nu and any other BSP chapter can operate as they choose. If misscherrypie feels like she is flying by the seat of her pants a bit, it's because she is treading new ground. There are very few collegiate BSP chapters, so it is completely expected for her to have to do new things. From what I've seen, I believe she is enjoying that aspect of the process!
International has designed a very simple, clearly-presented system for chartering new chapters--a process that we call Friendly Venturing. A Friendly Venture was designed to be a project organized by an existing chapter or a member-at-large who has moved to a new community. In the case where an existing chapter is nearby the Extension Officer and usually an extension committee would walk along side the new chapter until it is on its feet, usually about 6 months which is the length of Beta SIgma Phi's pledge period. The new chapter can select an Advisor from the chapter that is began the Friendly Venture. If a member-at-large Friendly Ventures, she is already experienced in the workings of the sorority, so she knows how to set up and operate a chapter.
Only recently has International allowed non-members to Friendly Venture. That was me 10 years ago!!
It was a very exciting ride for me. A few months into the process, I joined an online chapter of BSP, and I learned a lot from the women in that chapter as I helped my new chapter thrive. Some of them had been members for over 40 years! I also connected with two chapters in my area, and they conducted our Ritual of Jewels after the 6 month pledge period. AngelPhiSig and I have made ourselves available to misscherrypie to help her have a successful experience.
As the founder of a new Friendly Venture, misscherrypie will receive everything she needs to complete the chartering process. Our two texts, The Book of Beta Sigma Phi and The Invitation to Life outline every aspect of chapter operation. But if misscherrypie just submitted her paperwork, she hasn't received those books yet. They include the rituals, all aspects of running a meeting and conducting pledge training.
Misscherrypie, I know what you mean about International's reaction to the suggestions of members, but I'm not sure "rebuffed" is quite the right word. As one of the sisters who has approached International on these issues, I have always found them to be amazingly friendly and passionate about the sorority. They are actually extremely prompt with e-mail and phone calls. They aren't always in touch with the needs of younger women, but I do believe that there is a true desire to expand in that way.
I, for one, am extremely proud of the progress you are making! Just remind yourself, this is not a collegiate sorority FOR A REASON. It was never meant to be. BSP can operate on a college campus, but it is not meant to be the same as your fellow Greeks on campus.
Hope this helps!