frustrated with the sisterhood

Okay, I've never posted anything before but I really need to do this. Partly to vent and partly to find some advice from an outside source.

I pledged my sorority about a year ago. During the semester of my pledging I was voted secretary (It sounds wierd since I hadn't been a member for at least a month but we were a colony at the time and my pledge class took up 2/3rds of the chapter)

Last semester went pretty well. As secretary I am a member of the executive board. I love being able to help make major decisions for the chapter. We did have however a little drama here and there. There was also the problem of individuals becoming inactive. But that was okay. We dealt with these issues and moved on and got things done.

Now its a new semester and things looked like it was going to be a good one. We started the year off by having a group discussion on why we joined. Everyone was happy and we had a group hug at the end. Then the problems came.

We do a lot of community service. This is why people say they joined. Our entire semester is already planned and packed full of projects. Everyone was given the sorority calender and asked to sign up for projects. Sisters signed up but then backed out at the last minute. We're left trying to find people to fill the spots. So far we have ended up having way less girls then we should at projects. Everyone says they want to do good but then don't show up.

Then there was rush. We are not part of a council so our rush is independent from the other sororities. Everyone knew when it was. Well, that week I start getting phone calls stating that some sisters can't make it. Understandable, some of the excuses were valid (ex. family emergency), but when rush came barely 15 members were there. It was pretty humiliating when we have almost 50.
Then the ones who were there were not acting in the best manner (ex. talking about drinking in front of the rushees when we stated that we are dry, interrupting speaches with stupid jokes and comments)
Surprisingly anough we have 3 girls who said that they would accept a bid from us and 6 that said they were strongly considering. These girls are the best. They are smart and out going. And I know that they are willing to be there for the sorority. We invited them to a gettogether that they didn't have to come to, but 2 came and stayed the entire night (8:30pm - 1:30am). (we did have quite more sisters than I expected there) I am really hoping that all nine accepts our bids.

But those girls that are all ready members are not showing their love for the org. No one is willing to do any work. I feel like we the execs are doing it all on our own. I love my sorority emmensely. I love it for everything it was founded on and I don't want to see my chapter die. I plan on running for prez. I feel as though if I could do a lot of good. But at the same time its so hard to keep going.

Thanks, I'm sorry for the long message but I had to get it out.

Sounds like your organization is having some major growing pains! I strongly suggest that before you do ANYTHING else, you have your e-board call an emergency mandatory meeting. Tell the sisters there will be a sizeable fine if they do not attend (this usually gets attention!). Have a clear agenda to include, for example: what is appropriate behavior in front of prospective members, what type of committment will be expected from each person, etc. You get the idea.

Bottom line, there are issues that need to be discussed immediately. Tell your sisters that you better get your house in order before you invite anyone else into it. I wish you all the best, and remember, it happens to many new organizations.

[SoCalGirl]

It's sounds like the girls may be over programed. Cut back some. Then the girls won't feel like they're always being required to be somewhere and will be much more productive. Have the execs meet and brainstorm ideas, but most importantly ask the chapter at the next meeting what to do. Cause if they don't like the ideas, you could find yourself with a lot less members.

[Finer Woman10-A-91]

From a general organizational perspective and to piggyback off of SoCal...if you chapter feels like the eboard is making ALL of the decisions...and the chapter is not having much input they may run as well...try to practice a more inclusive decision making method. The members wwill feel more responsible if they have a hand in the decisions from the start. Good luck.

------------------
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

[ahhkbah]

I agree with opening up the hierarchy but tardiness to community service is unnacceptable. When you give back you do it, no EXCUSES. Try implementing a system of fines and suspensions to get the members attention. If they care that may wake them up. If not, suspend them and don't let them wear nalia or attend functions. 5 dedicated members outweighs 100 so-so members.


--I want your whole heart, not some half assed attempt.