[imsohappythatiama]

ISUKappa, I agree.

Our success with our chapters (in my opinion) can be attributed to a number of factors.

First, we are very selective in our approach to expansion. We consider many sides of any expansion situation before deciding whether or not to send a packet of materials to the campus where expansion is being offered. If we find that the housing situation, campus environment, recruitment numbers, administration support, alumnae support in the area, support from other chapters in the area, etc. (plus a number of other factors, which are too many to list here) are lacking in any way, we don't send in a packet of information. In short, we only go after expansion on campuses where we are *positive* that we can give the new chapter 100% support in all of the areas that we identify as critical.

Once we do decide to pursue expansion and are accpeted to colonize, our colony support is very strong, and encompasses a variety of support levels, which continue for at least 2 years (and sometimes longer) after the chapter is installed.

For established chapters that are experiencing troubles, we have a similar multi-faceted support structure that is custom designed to support the chapter and help it acheive goals (mutually set by our National leadership and the Chapter's own chapter council). Our support package includes (but is not limited to) live-in Chapter Consultants, repeated Travelling Consultant visits, Fraternity Officer visits, Assigned Coordinators of Chapter Development, Kappa Trainers, and other support visits and programs. We don't come in and "fix" the problem for the chapter women; rather, we give them the support and the tools and the guidance to help them see how they can improve, and how to acheive those goals. Then we see them through the process of reaching those goals. Chapters emerge incredibly strengthened, even when the process is lengthy and difficult.

Kappa's volunteer network--from Fraternity Council members, to Regional Council members, to Associate Council members, to Advisers and Alumnae Association officers is incredible and dedicated. And then you add in our Risk Managment Specialists, our Kappa Trainers, our Chapter Consultants and Travelling Consultants, our Coordinators of Chapter Development, our Alumnae Visitors....it becomes a vast network of dedicated support--not just a bunch of "titles" that are given without responsibility or expectation. When a chapter has troubles, we have the human resources and the central organization to devleop a program for them, and to support them throughout that program.

Additionally, we use our network of volunteers and resources to support chapters in times of strength so that they do not turn a corner and end up in a place where we are faced with problems. When our chapters do well, we are very vocal about telling them where their strengths are, and where they could still improve. We are very diligent about keeping our chapters from complacency. Most of our chapters are supported directly by an Advisory Board, and a Province Director of Chapters, and indirectly (or directly as needed) by their Regional Director of Chapters and the Director of Chapters--not to mention by the entire Fraternity Council, if the need arises.

Finally, (and take this with a grain of salt, because it is just my opinion/perception), Kappa is often known to be "hard-line" in its approach to upholding its Standards and its Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Policies. I prefer to think of "hard-line" as our "Tradition of Leadership." When we commit ourselves to something--whether it be our ideals, our governing documents, a new chapter--whatever, we take all necessary steps to fulfill our promises. In short, we hold our chapters, our members (and ourselves) accountable when they fail, and we cheer them when they succeed.

Russ, I hope this is helpful. If I can provide any further insight, please let me know!