At any rate.....
As stated before, I don't see any 'decline' in the numbers......
I didn't read the initial question (I just jumped on the bandwagon)....and maybe the question was stated clearly, I just didn't read it
.... But are we talking about 'decline' in number or quality applicants/members or losing luster?
Well...as to the numbers.....there's absolutely no decline in 'interest' as I see it. Our numbers speak for themselves (I can only speak for Alpha Kappa Alpha). Read my previous posts....I don't know about your schools, but at the HBCU's and the white schools where I've participated in 'rush', there's no decline.
As far as quality applicants....well, we select from the pool of college women at that particular school. More 'people' are able to go to college...not just the 'young, gifted and black'. So we select from that pool.
Luster (interest for college women).....there again, I think the numbers speak for themselves. EVERYBODY DOESN'T WANT TO BE GREEK NOR CAN BE GREEK!!!!
Some people interest lie elsewhere. That's OK! We are all unique creatures. I have friends that aren't GREEK material and have no desire to be affiliated with such organizations. It doesn't mean that we are on the decline...it means that they are not interested. Just like there's a whole bunch of people who want to be doctors, hey...but everybody can't be nor want to be one.
I've noticed that a lot of people turn their one 'incident' on how it is done everywhere....'On my campus, you can't get people to come to rush...yeah...there is a greek decline'. That's your campus!!!!! I know at one black school that assisted at, there were 400+ girls at rush!!!!!!
And kudos to the women that gave suggestions. Actually, at a lot of schools, some of the stuff you suggested does goes on.....maybe just not at your school. I know schools where they have 'simple' informational/teas at the beginning of the year....joint community service projects....Grad chapters that post every single event that they are hosting on their website or in their local 'black' paper......
Good luck to each of you.....
And as far as Mr. Ross (Lawrence)....I don't know about you Rainmain (meaning I don't know your take on everything)....his point is we may be out of business due to 'lawsuits' and the like if we don't get our stuff together as far as this 'hazing' mess! (what I've gathered from emails w/ him and posts on other boards). And I must concur....we as members of our respective organization MUST follow our rules to preserve our precious organizations. That's the least we can do for our 'Founders'!