Sorority Relations

WyoAlph · #1 04-12-2006, 11:23 PM

I have enjoyed looking through all of the social/mixer ideas on the social board and I've searched for it, but I haven't exactly found what I'm looking for, so I'm going to pose this question here.

What are some ways a fraternity can improve its relations with campus sororities?

My chapter already has a pretty darned good relationship with them, but we'd like to improve to the point where we're the unquestioned No. 1 in social preference.

Our sororities are pretty adamant about obeying national non-alcoholic mixers guidlines, so many of the ideas on the other board will only work as date functions for us.

Thanks in advance.

KSUViolet06 · #2 04-12-2006, 11:33 PM

Alot of the fraternities here go to the sorority houses and serenade them. We also have a tradition where fraternities go to the sorority houses and spray paint their parking lots/driveways with things like (for example) SAE <3's SSS. That's always fun.

WyoAlph · #3 04-26-2006, 09:52 PM

I'm going to bump this thread. I know there have got to be more ideas out there than this.

Tom Earp · #4 04-27-2006, 09:40 PM

At Wy. Un?

What is Greek Life Like There? Might Be a good way to start.

LPIDelta · #5 04-27-2006, 09:49 PM

If you have a house that has dinner, I would suggest hosting a sorority for dinner once a month and go all out--get dressed in shirts and ties, have your advisor welcome them, escort the ladies to their chairs and seat them etc. Learn and practice formal etiquette and dining skills--this is important for career prep, but women tend to dig it when a man can display his charm and skills.

If you don't have a house, see if the campus food services will cater such an event (possibly for free if you tie in the educational element of etiquette training) or maybe an alum will host you at their home or ranch.

Serenading is a good idea, too.

Hold joint new member/pledge education events with the sororities. The new members will enjoy the opportunity to do things with other groups.

Hayrides are fun too.

WyoAlph · #6 04-27-2006, 09:53 PM

Sororities: Four of decent size from 35-70 women. Sigma Alpha and Sigma Lambda Gamma are also on campus, but they don't necessarily view themselves as "social" organizations.

Fraternities: Eight varying in size from approx. 15 to about 65. Average size is roughly 35-40. Farmhouse has colonized at UW and Pi Kappa Phi is planning on forming an interest group next year.

As I said before, the sororities are sticklers for abiding by their national by-laws about not promoting mass attendance of events featuring alcohol.

Inter-Greek relations are pretty good, but my chapter is looking to improve our relationship with our sororities. We've got a pretty good rep with them, but we know there is always room for improvement and we're going to need to make efforts to ensure we maintain our current standing. We're just looking for simple, fun ways to improve them.

dpufiji · #7 04-28-2006, 02:12 AM

One of the things my chapter did this past fall which seemed to work out relatively well was have a sorority over for a barbecue each week. Our house mom helped with the grilling and we held the events in our backyard while the weather was nice and just had a sort of an informal environment where people talked and got to know each other.

KSigkid · #8 05-01-2006, 09:45 AM

We used to do Rush and philanthropy events with the sororities. We also helped organize a Powderpuff football game during Greek week. All of those things helped us as far as sorority-relations, and would work on your campus (especially if the sororities are sticklers for the rules; all of these events are safe/legal).

WhiteDaisy128 · #9 07-13-2006, 10:17 AM

Just think of all the things a boy would do when trying to get a girl to like them a lot...send flowers and notes to the sorority house from your fraternity (we were always especially impressed when Fraternities sent formal invitations to events and thank you notes afterwards). Make banners for no reason at all and hang them on your house saying that you love ABC or XYZ. Think of unique events...not just parties to drink at...have a night at the drive in's if there is one in your area. Serenade as Jocelyn suggested. For no reason at all, donate $100 to the sororities foundation (make sure to pass the check through the local chapter).

axidgl · #10 07-13-2006, 03:41 PM

Is there an event on campus that your fraternity men could accompany the sorority women to? There is night on our campus where the seniors welcome the incoming freshmen, and it is a dressy event. The fraternities would have their pledges would bring each new member of the sorority their flower, then walk them to the event. It's a fun way to get to know the new members, and it doesn't take too much effort.

Tom Earp · #11 07-15-2006, 01:32 PM

Singing to a Sorority House is nice. Having a cook out and inviting a Sorority is also nice or invite all of them.

We do a hot-tub-a-thon and invite a sorority to join us and both get notice and PR for the Charity Event.

We used to have run outs with a sorority after Tues. night meetings. Go to a bowling Lane and bowl. It does not have to be just a get together and drink type party. That can cause problems.

Do charity events together. I am sure each GLO has their own local event and helping each other is nice.

If I remember correctly, LXA is at Wy. Un.