[equeen]

I agree wholeheartedly with you, ZChi!

Originally posted by Asia2000:
Thanks. People always say go to the national rep for help. But, for many of our problems, I really don't want them to know we are having those types of problems. So we basically try to figure out everything ourselves. But it's made us a pretty strong unit.

In my experience, that strength is wonderful - unfortunately, it makes only a small, core unit extremely strong, and leaves others out of that strong bond. Honesty (sometimes blunt) makes for total unity and strength. Also...do trust your future Sister and National Representative - she is there to guide you through anything and everything. It's better to be honest to her about the issues you're experiencing as a group - and frankly, which group doesn't face issues? She is there to guide you. Please do trust her.

However, it is really difficult getting everyone totally involved in the process of putting together the packet. It seems like if the core group of leaders don't take charge and just do it, it won't get done.

Trust me, Artimis and I (and a few others in our IG/Colony) felt the same frustration. One thing I learned when in that situation: it's best to communicate, up front, the frustrations you're facing. Talk to individuals one on one, and figure out before it's beyond the point of no return if (a) this is something they just like the idea of, or really have the interst/time/energy to commit to making a reality. It's a fair question, and one that deserves an honest answer. The worst thing you can do is simply to have the core leadership take care of everything, just to keep things moving along, while the others are there simply as "warm bodies," creating numbers for membership. This certainly accomplishes the goal of founding the sorority, but only in the short term. It has the potential to polarize the group, create an imbalance in future chapter leadership, and burn out members who have taken on the lion's share of the responsibilities.

It's actually a bit frustrating. How do you motivate them to help? Can't keep giving them responsibility when they've previously proven incompetent, tu sabe? Plus, it's getting late in the game to run experiments and hope this person or that person comes through.Any suggestions?

I agree - you can't keep on giving responsibility to those who haven't shown their committment. It's not an easy solution - but keep true lines of communication open, and be honest. If someone cannot commit (now or ever), don't ask them to hold themselves to it. There is still time (I assume, your organizations rules might be different) to walk away without compromising an oath you've sworn. Also, individuals may find that the sorority is not for them after all, though they may respect its ideals and goals. Finally, some people may simply have underestimated the massive time committment required in establishing a sorority. Perhaps they'll regroup and come back when they've found/made time, perhaps not.

At the end of all of this, you may find your potential membership drastically reduced. Don't despair - with the quality of the women remaining, and their ability to keep things moving, you will be a stronger, tighter, more dynamic sisterhood.

Best of luck to you and your group, Asia. I hope our comments are helpful to you.



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