Workshops for a new chapter?

[Atlanta_OPhiA]

My sorority just welcomed our newest chapter in to our sisterhood not too long ago (Alpha Delta chapter down at Georgia Southern University, hooray!). A few alumnae from my chapter are traveling down there next weekend to help out with ceremonies and to give a workshop or two.

My chapter has been around for a while, so I'm having a hard time thinking of what big questions and issues a newer chapter would encounter in their first year or two. I'd like to give a workshop that would really benefit the chapter, but I'm stuck on what to discuss.

So, for anyone from a fairly new chapter of your organization, what do you think would be a good workshop to give to these girls? I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

[adpiucf]

Some topics

1) Marketing your organization: maintaining a high profile, examples of events to promote your name (dinners with non members, Greek Sisterhood Socials, Panhellenic New Member Mixer, Apple Polishing Professor Dessert, Philanthropy Event, getting members into 1-2 organizations outside Greek Life, etc.), maintaining a classy profile by going to class ontime and being nice to others, not posting questionable things on the internet, and learning talking points if someone wants to know more about your org.

2) Making Ethical Decisions: a workshop on respecting chapter decisions, making good choices for yourself (alcohol management, hook ups and scandals), living a healthy lifestyle (nutrition, drugs, etc.), ethical decisions in school, respect for sisters, don't be a boyfriend stealer, acceptable behavior in public, the importance of discretion

3) How to Wear Letters/Dress to Pin (fashion show and Q&A, can also pair with how to dress for a job interview including tips on natural makeup that you need for a professional job interview)

4) Parliamentary Procedure/Officer Structure/Set up committees

5) Ritual Review and The Meaning Of Our Ritual (historical perspective, a break-down of the values expressed in the ritual, talk about the Crest and what it stands for-- as an activity, everyone can make a personal Crest with symbols meaningful to their lives)

6) Know your sisters (getting to know you games. in large and even in small chapters, not everyone will be best friends. Some people may dislike one another. This is a good forum to talk about conflict and approaching people tactfully if they have done something that upsets you... instead of going to Standards to do it for you)

7) Chapter Goals setting (interactive goal-setting workshop like #1 GPA, make quota at recruitment, have 5 socials in the first semester)

8) Sorority Vs School (the importance of good study habits and setting up a scholarship plan to help members balance school and sorority)

9) Hazing (show a video like Friendly Fire, talk about examples of hazing, explain why it is wrong and against the principles of the org and the importance of making mature decisions. Encourage an open dialogue about what is hazing and what is not)

10) PRIDE-- learn fun facts about your org, arts and crafts so you can make fun gifts to add to your collection of tshirts and memoribilia (ie: scrapbooking, making letter tees, pin boxes, etc), teach songs, and share stories about when you were a collegian: inspire them to be excited about their sorority! Also talk about being Panhellenic and encourage relations with other chapters; discourage negative talk about other chapters.

[ADSigMel]

That is a GREAT list! If you don't mind, I'd like to swipe some of those ideas for my sorority's National Convention.

[Atlanta_OPhiA]

Agreed, that list is fantastic. Thanks adpiucf

[galpal]

Have you considered tying in the topics of fundraising and recruiting with the concept of chapter budgeting ~ it's good for sisters to know up front that if there's no money, there are typically no parties!