Quote:
Originally posted by KappaKittyCat
We're a relatively young chapter at a small liberal arts school that has the traditional "liberal arts" anti-Greek mindset. Sororities are looked on as little better than cults. We have deferred Recruitment, so freshmen have an entire term to become involved and busy beyond all belief before Recruitment. A large majority of them have already found their niche with teams, clubs, ensembles, etc., and many fall prey to the stereotypes. It's hard enough just getting women to go through Recruitment. Most women who go through just do it to get their RC off their back. We usually have 60 women come through and 30 drop. Our Panhel is horridly weak and does more infighting than self-promoting.
So my question for y'all has two parts, really.
1) How do we encourage women to try out Recruitment? I've used every argument I can think of and we still have lousy turnout.
2) How do I help my little sis who's now Membership Chair (and, bless her heart, went through Recruitment twice so she really knows what PNM's are looking for) train all of our new girls to recruit for the Greek system in general and Kappa in particular?
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*Foreword: KappaKittyCat attends my alma mater, so some of these responses may not be applicable at other schools. I just wanted to keep the thread rolling, it raises a lot of important issues.
Now...
To answer your first question, you need know only 4 words: LIVE IN YOUR LETTERS!! Be seen wearing your letters everywhere: to Downer, to concerts, to the Rec Center, etc. Other selling points I used when I was a Rho Chi: Plaster the bathrooms with lists of famous Greek women, Greek life word collages, reasons to rush (it's free, there's free food, it's a chance to wear those terrific shoes you got on sale
). Have Rho Chis have "office hours." The best RC I ever saw was one who let all the freshman girls in the dorm know that she would be studying in the dorm lounge from 9-11 Monday and Wednesday nights, and she made a point to greet freshman girls who came into the hall and was always there to answer questions. Go to parties. All of them. Be seen having a good time together as sisters (and watch that liquor intake!!). Get in the mindset of rushing as though you're the most popular girls on campus: People get to be popular because they're outgoing, smart, funny, and generally pleasant to be around. Popular people can have fun in all different kinds of social situations
As for the shyness factor: Call me a b^*#h but they just have to get over that. Practice at parties, and with freshman on your floors. Have them say hi and get to know the freshmen they live and study with. Invite them to lunch after class. It's something that has to be practiced over and over. Shy is NOT the way to be during rush. Think about the women who rush, and put yourself in the PNM's shoes. Would YOU want to join a sorority whose members seemed afraid of you? Shyness can come off as having a lack of social skills, which is the kiss of death during rush. Don't be afraid of them, you're all equals! Stress to them that Recruitment is the single most important thing you do as a group and it is the one time they will have to put aside their inhibitions and think of what's in the best interest of the group's getting bigger: if you don't have members, you can't have philanthropy events, etc!
Panhel is weak? Document their weakness and call them on it. Make them realize that numbers are down and if they want to survive they're going to have to get down to business and work together. As far as recruiting for the Greek system: I understand the need for Greek unity, but if the chapter is essentially recolonizing, I think you need to put your own needs ahead of those of the other groups on campus. How often do you think they consider YOUR needs?
Question number 2: Where does your Membership Chair live? Can she observe Recruitment at another school near where she lives, especially a place like UW-Madison where rush is held a month before your school even starts its first semester? Have her read that booklet cover to cover and talk to your alum advisors. Also PM me (or email) with her address...I happen to know a certain former Membership Chair quite well who may be able to help her...wonder who that could be
It's late and I've rambled, I may post more later.
Loyally delsigmata.
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