Krista,
Although all of my sisters are University students, we are not a recognized campus organization, and we have no intention of becoming one. We made this decision because we didn't want to be in competition with other sororities. We want people to realize that we are a different sort of organization. I give you A LOT of credit for putting our sisterhood out there in the college setting. I'm sure it is hard work, and I am really proud of the Kettering sisters for keeping Beta Sigma Phi going. Even if you can only take three or four pledges, you will be helping your chapter to significantly grow. Remember, our goal is to spread the light of the torch, and even a single new Beta Sigma Phi is important and special!
Because my chapter is operating on a University campus, I do understand the pressure to measure up to expectations. I went through formal rush as an undergrad (never pledged), so I know the basic mood and routine of that period. It is a high stress time, but the prospective members need to see high energy and high enthusiasm instead. The first rush we held was one week after Formal Rush on our campus. We called it our "Strawberry Bash." We decorated the room with balloons and streamers. We served chocolate dipped strawberries and a strawberry shortcake dessert. The sisters (10 at the time) wore strawberry name tags. We spent the time chatting with our visitors, and we played a get-to-know-you game. Only four girls attended, but three of them accepted our invitation to join.
I realize that we were working with very different numbers than you will have to accomodate. Four ladies is much fewer than you will see, I imagine, but I think the strawberry theme was really fun!
Good luck, Krista. I'll let you know if I think of anything else.
Erica
