Helping out another sorority

NothingBetter · #1 09-10-2010, 12:04 PM

Hello all!

So I am going to be helping out another chapter with recruitment this weekend. This will be my first time recruiting at all, and it is with another chapter at a school I have never even visited! I am a little nervous to say the least. Does anyone have any advice specifically for recruiting at a school you do not even attend, with a chapter you do not know well?

Thanks all! I have read the general threads for advice for girls on the other side for the first time, but there are definitely things unique to helping out another chapter that I am nervous about.

limegreen · #2 09-10-2010, 12:20 PM

I helped out another chapter with recruitment many years ago. My advice is to mention the fact that you ARE from another chapter. It shows that the sorority is not just one chapter, but an organization of many chapters and there's potential for visiting other campuses and making even more friends and a broader sisterhood. Leave the individual campus chat and local info to the local members and discuss the national organization, philanthropy, etc.

Avoid talking about specific customs from your chapter and campus.

33girl · #3 09-10-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limegreen

I helped out another chapter with recruitment many years ago. My advice is to mention the fact that you ARE from another chapter.

Yes, yes, YES.

There are several stories on here from PNMs who talked to members of another chapter who DIDN'T mention that fact right off the bat and it left the majority of them with a very bad taste in their mouth for that sorority. Which, of course, is the opposite of what you want to do.

If it's at all possible, get there early and spend some time with the girls in the chapter beforehand so it doesn't seem like you just dropped out of a helicopter or something. LOL

pearlbubbles · #4 09-10-2010, 12:33 PM

When I went through recruitment, one of the chapters had a chapter from a nearby university come to help and I remember myself and many other PNMs being turned off by it, so I imagine that feeling is unavoidable. My best advice, thinking back on that experience, would be to make sure to mention it, otherwise the PNMs might feel hurt later. And they'll probably be a bit turned off anyway, but this isn't your fault.

Otherwise, keep the topics general "get to know you" type of subjects )travel, movies, whatever) and the national organization. If there's any way to make sure they can also talk to an active at that chapter, that might be best, but I know it could be difficult and is out of your control.

I'm sure this is a tough situation to be in and I wish you luck! Hopefully you have some time to see the campus and meet your sisters before you have to go right into recruiting.

NothingBetter · #5 09-10-2010, 12:42 PM

That is all great advice thank you! We (there are about five girls from my chapter coming to help) are planning on arriving around an hour early tomorrow so that we can explore the house and talk to the girls. I have been trying to find more information on their specific chapter too so I am not completely hopeless when I am talking to pnms. I am definitely starting too late with that, but I have been in denial that this is happening for awhile lol.

How would you guys suggest bringing up that I am from another school? The chapter is not struggling at all, they just had a lot of seniors graduate in the spring.

Also, I realized it will be even weirder for us there since we do not have a chapter house (none of the sororities on my campus do), and we will be recruiting out of a house this weekend!

pearlbubbles · #6 09-10-2010, 01:34 PM

Five is a lot easier than a whole other chapter and I think that will make a huge difference, since it sounds like the chances the PNMs will be able to talk to a greater number of sisters at the campus than in the experience I mentioned.

I wouldn't necessarily say it right out, but do it as soon as you can in a natural way. I think the explanation itself is the most comforting. And, like I said, if it's only a few of you, it shouldn't be much of a problem at all as long as you do tell the PNMs.

I think, if nothing else, it will be a fun experience for you.

I'm getting excited about helping with recruitment this weekend myself, so best of luck.

AGDee · #7 09-10-2010, 01:38 PM

I would do it on introduction.. "Hello, I'm NothingBetter from the ABC chapter at My University."

Be prepared to explain why you are assisting as well, some will ask. "The chapter here at Your University had a lot of seniors graduate last year and since we are right down the road, we offered (or were asked) to help."

Ideally though, you would have spent a little more time with this chapter prior to recruitment. For instance, two of my chapters which are geographically close do plan sisterhood type things together so if they did help each other with recruitment, they at least know the other members and can talk about things they did together.

MysticCat · #8 09-10-2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGDee

Be prepared to explain why you are assisting as well, some will ask. "The chapter here at Your University had a lot of seniors graduate last year and since we are right down the road, we offered (or were asked) to help."

Okay, way out of my lane, but here goes:

Would it be too over-the-top to tweak what you suggested by saying "Our sisters here . . . " rather than "the chapter here"? To me that seems like a natural way to underscore that sisterhood extends beyond the single chapter.

/Back to my lane.

pearlbubbles · #9 09-10-2010, 02:00 PM

^I actually think that's a perfect way to put it.

DubaiSis · #10 09-10-2010, 02:22 PM

And I think addressing the situation directly and right away is best. I think you can address the issue the way you did to us and move on in the conversation. Just make SURE that you are bumped by a chapter member and not by one of the other visitors.

They are a great chapter, they just graduated a lot of seniors and they wanted to have as smooth a recruitment as possible, so they asked for some assistance and you were happy to help your sisters! I'm really enjoying visiting this terrific campus. You must be very excited to start college here. What's your major? HA! You get the point.

And I'd get there as early as you can, even the night before if you can swing it.

AGDee · #11 09-10-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Okay, way out of my lane, but here goes:

Would it be too over-the-top to tweak what you suggested by saying "Our sisters here . . . " rather than "the chapter here"? To me that seems like a natural way to underscore that sisterhood extends beyond the single chapter.

/Back to my lane.

Definite improvement on my wording.. thank you!

NothingBetter · #12 09-10-2010, 05:31 PM

Thanks! I'll let everyone know how it goes

Titchou · #13 09-10-2010, 06:14 PM

I'm not trying to derail this at all. However, any time I have been involved in a situation like this - and it's been several times - CPH had to approve us bringing in other women and we made sure they were told what to say and what not to say. I'm surprised you havent clued in on that.

33girl · #14 09-10-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titchou

I'm not trying to derail this at all. However, any time I have been involved in a situation like this - and it's been several times - CPH had to approve us bringing in other women and we made sure they were told what to say and what not to say. I'm surprised you havent clued in on that.

Do you mean they weren't allowed to say they were from another chapter?

The Panhel at the OP's school might just be a little more laid back about it. Especially if it's only 5 girls.

LatinaAlumna · #15 09-10-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearlbubbles

When I went through recruitment, one of the chapters had a chapter from a nearby university come to help and I remember myself and many other PNMs being turned off by it

Just curious--why did you feel that way? Wouldn't potential members think, "Wow, that's great that their chapters stick together and support each other."