Pledge Project Ideas

[Lisa81388]

Hi everyone,

I'm in a small local sorority at Rutgers University and I'm going to be pledgemaster in the fall. Every semester, we have our pledges work on a pledge project... (i.e. scrapbooks of previous pledge classes, create a video of past pledge classes, create an actual bar, etc) and I have no clue what to assign them for their pledge project. Typically, the project promotes bonding between the girls and it is not a fundraiser or philanthropy event or anything like that... PLEASEEEE share some ideas.... I'd appreciate it, thanks!

[court4short]

I was in a co-ed Fraternity so I don't know how useful this will be to you, but we had to do a pledge project and it was awesome. We had to throw the Brothers a party (dry, obviously) on a Sunday (from like 12-3 or something). We came up with a theme, but kept it a suprise from the Brothers. They only were told what to wear (casual attire, cocktail dress, bathing suits, whatever). Our theme was "Keepin' it Cool in the Country", where we had different games such as a hay barrell toss, lasso-ing a pig (spelling?) and also a dress up station with farmer outfits where the Brothers could dress up and take pictures. We had country themed food, and even a pig roast because one my pledge Brothers raised pigs! We also had a pie eating contest. More details included tee-shirts for all the pledges (they were red, on the front said our pledge class name and Farm Party 08 and on the back it said "Keepin it Cool in the Country" with a picture of a pig). We made banners for our pledge mom, Senior Vice President, and the President of the Fraternity. It was very cool and each pledge class does it. The pledge class that my little was in did a luau theme. It's exciting for the Brothers (or in your case, sisters) because they don't know what the theme will be til they get there! Alumni were also invited. Just an all around fun day, and it really brought the pledge class together.

(Sorry this was so wordy!)

ETA: The Pledge Mom, Senior Vice President, and President all got shirts too which was cool for them. They also hung up the banners in their apartments which was nice for them. Forgot to add that we also made cups for every Brother with their names on it. Who doesn't love free cups?

[Lisa81388]

Thanks for the suggestion! =)

But, we already have our pledges have a "Pledge Party" for the sisters at the end of the semester the week before they cross where they usually give out small favors.... usually the pledge project has to do with making a one large "gift" for the sisterhood... when I pledged we made a slideshow/movie about each pledge class and showed it in the Spring at our formal... another pledge class made a scrapbook of each prior pledge class (my sorority is circa 2002)

[court4short]

Aww ok, good luck though!

[Senusret I]

In my chapter of APO, the pledge class project was decided on by the pledge class itself, with the approval of the pledgemaster. Can you guys do that?

[perfectinpurple]

We've done a few different "pledge projects" in my professional fraternity:

We've done ty-dying with the bigs and littles. The pledge class designed the shirts, ordered them, set up the tydye, etc. It was fun, but messy so be careful!

We've done a sports day where we all go to a park and play different sports. Teams can be split up anyway you like (bigs vs. littles, family A vs. family B, etc). At the end of the day the pledges gave everyone a small nerf-like football with their name on it as a keepsake.

Something else fun is to make a giant banner for the new pledge class (or bigs and littles). You can come up with a cute slogan, or even just a standard "XYZ pledge class '09" you can decorate it in your colors or symbols etc and have everyone sign it. Do this early in the semester, so you can display the banner for your events (big/little reveal, your pledge party, and possible for after their initiation).

One last suggestion that can be really fun. Have the girls make pin boxes for their sister's pins (or their own if you're comfortable letting them do that). You can buy small cardboard boxes really cheap at craft stores (I think around 50 cents at michaels). Decorate them with paint, ribbons, rhinestones, glitter, and anything else you can think of! It's a great keepsake to display, plus you'll never lose track of your pin

Sorry this got to be a little long, but I just wanted to give you all the suggestions I had! I know how it can be when you're looking for that perfect idea.

[DLanoliN]

Scavanger hunt. They're great for bonding. Depending on how small you are, they can find things that represent sisters or for each sister. Making it creative is key, not just the usual silly items, but makes items personal and have them require thought about eachother, the house, alumni, and members. You can list the items in a cryptic way to spark thought and discussion for the pledges.

[33girl]

First off a scavenger hunt is not a pledge project...pledge projects should be either something that the pledges make that lasts or an event that benefits all the members.

Secondly many NPC sororities do not permit scavenger hunts. But even if they did, like I said above, a scavenger hunt is an activity, not a pledge project.

[perfectinpurple]

Originally Posted by 33girl

First off a scavenger hunt is not a pledge project...pledge projects should be either something that the pledges make that lasts or an event that benefits all the members.

Secondly many NPC sororities do not permit scavenger hunts. But even if they did, like I said above, a scavenger hunt is an activity, not a pledge project.

Also, I know some Universities consider a scavenger hunt to be hazing. So you should definitely be careful if you want to plan one.

[DLanoliN]

Originally Posted by perfectinpurple

Also, I know some Universities consider a scavenger hunt to be hazing. So you should definitely be careful if you want to plan one.

Oh wow, I am sorry! My mistake.