Ways to give back?

[RiverSong]

I have been extremely fortunate enough to have recieved a bid as a second semester senior (and my gpa is no prize either unfortunately). What I'm wondering is, besides being as active as I can are there other ways that I can really give back to my sorority? It's such a short amount of time and I want to be as involved as possible. I'm just very greatful that it worked out for me to join. I had tried FR twice (freshman and sophmore years - but was incredibly shy so I don't blame them for cutting me eventually there), one COB event (the girls liked me but it would have been a pledge class of one which felt weird to all of us), and one prior spring rush (I was too choosy on this one and only went to two houses, and I could tell on one we had a good connection but each house only had like 7-10 spots with about 300 girls rushing that spring). I've been able to grown and become an open, not so shy person over the past few years and I love how extra easy it is for me to be relaxed and open with this lovely group of young women. I just so deeply want to do some thing(s) to give back to my house. I just don't know what I can or should do - advice?

[sigmagirl10]

Congratulations on your bid! Will you tell us which sorority? You don't need to tell us your chapter/school.

Your level of involvement probably depends what you are able to do as a new member vs. initiated member. Try to go to every event you can, take full advantage of the semester in your sorority. Remember that membership truly is for life, and as an alumna you can join an alumnae chapter in your city, volunteer in an advisory capacity for undergrad chapters, etc. When you go alum, you will probably receive information on how to stay involved, and if you don't, request it!

Are there any committees you can join to assist with planning events? Can you offer to help with preparation for Fall Recruitment--this can be especially rewarding, as you are then a part of preparing for the future of your chapter, even though you won't be there for actual recruitment.

In terms of growing closer to your new sisters, spend as much time with them/at the house as you are able--take advantage of casual socialization opportunities. Do a lot of girls get together and watch a particular show every week? Join them! Things like that.

Enjoy your last semester of college

[sigmagirl2000]

After you graduate, join your local alumnae chapter and get involved there. Consider advising in the future. Remember that sisterhood is for a lifetime, not just your college years.

Congrats on your persistence and sticking with it, and even more so on your bid!

[AOII Angel]

Work on getting initiated, make friendships with your sisters and stay involved when you graduate. That is what we ask of all members regardless of the year they pledge.

[AXOrushadvisor]

Become an Adviser when you graduate. Most chapters are always looking for volunteers to help with the collegians.

[adpiucf]

Be as involved as you can this year!

Make sure you pay your dues and go to all the mandatory events like meetings and retreats. Make an effort to be sociable and get to know your sisters. Call people up and invite them to lunch/coffee/girls night. Volunteer to participate in philanthropy events. Hang out at the house if there's one. Cheer your sisters on at intramurals. Play intramurals. Get the best grades you can to boost the chapter's GPA and finish strong. Sit with other sisters at graduation, and decorate your caps with letters if that's allowed; wear graduation stoles.

If you're going to be around over the summer, talk to your recruitment chair and see if you can help process recommendations and recruitment applications. Volunteer to assist with recruitment in the fall. Join your local alumnae association.

[AnchorAlumna]

Good for you! You are indeed lucky!
Pay your bills. Go to everything you can. Dress well, put on makeup - make yourself look good every day because you are representing your entire group every day. Smile! Participate as an alumna wherever you are. Treat every sister well.
And enjoy every minute this semester!