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  #1  
Old 02-24-2004, 01:45 PM
ZTAJennyZX ZTAJennyZX is offline
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Exclamation I Need Help- Ultra Important

First, sorry for the long post, but PLEASE READ!!!

Girls, I just don't know what to do!! Five years ago, we were Sorority of the Year, and had been EVERY YEAR before that. Somehow along the way, not only have we lost the title "Sorority of the Year" but also the desire to get it back.

From what I know, a few years ago there was a bit of drama. We had a sister join from another (much larger) university. After being here about a year or two, she was elected to be our President. She was running against a sister who had been here for 4 years, and that sister was really upset she did not get the position of President. The girl who had been here longest made a big deal about not getting the position and she, as well as a good bit of the chapter, turned in her pin.

I believe that was the point where we lost our zest. Now our chapter is the smallest on campus (35 girls as opposed to four other chapters fulfillung quota at 55) and also the least active.

I joined ZTA last semester and now, into my second semester, realize that I am one of about 15 girls who bleed our colors.

Halfway through last semester, I still didn't know who at least 5 of my sisters were, because they were NEVER around. My friend, who we crowned halfway through last semester STILL doesn't know who those girls are.

For example, for the past 3 years we have not fined and last semester (the first I know of) went by a point system. Every event was worth so many points and you must meet 85% of your points per month. You could write a letter to our secretary telling her why you must miss and event (class, work, emergencies) and then you were excused and given the points. Some of my sisters were still not meeting their points!

We just passed new Bylaws, and now we're fining. We have mandatory and priority events. Mandatory events (Crowns, Recruitment, recruitment workshops, our philanthropy stuff, ritual, etc.) are worth about $40 if you miss them. Priority events (Sisterhoods, mixers, meetings, etc.) are worth $5. We are fining for two reasons. 1) Our chapter's participation is low and 2)We need money for our budget. There are sisters who are complaining their butts of about fines. If you ask me, we don't pay enough for what we get out of ZTA!

As a PC officer (Activities), it's embarrassing not having even HALF of my sisters showing up. And it's the SAME girls EVERY time. I've talked to other PC and EC officers and it seems we've come to a wall. I want my sisters to participate. I want my sisters to be around. I want my sisters to ACT like sisters! It seems like all we can do is graduate the less active sisters out of the chapter and just initiate good girls. The problem there is that the less active sisters (who are required to be at Crowns and Recruitment) aren't excited about ZTA. And who wants to join an organization where the people aren't PSYCHED to be member?

I'm so upset about this. My chapter needs help, and I really hope my sisters in other chapters can offer some much needed advice. THANKS SO MUCH GIRLS!

Last edited by ZTAJennyZX; 02-24-2004 at 01:50 PM.
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  #2  
Old 02-24-2004, 02:01 PM
ztakrissy ztakrissy is offline
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First of all Jenny,
Your chapter may be experiencing some problems right now, but be thankful that yourself and the other 15 girls you described who "bleed the colors" are the glue that can hold up the chapter and repair it. I know my boyfriend told me when he first joined his fraternity they had a lot of internal problems and had to "clean house". Have you talked to your general advisor? Does your province president know about these problems?? You need to have some good alumanae advisors behind you to be stern. A lot of times collegiate members don't really respond to being called out by other collegiate members. Usually an advisor does have to step in. You are doing the right thing by trying to evoke change. Another small piece of advice would be not to let what's going on behind chapter doors to be broadcast to the rest of the school. Your girls are like walking advertisements to the other girls on campus who may be thinking of going Greek. When it comes time for recruitment look for girls who would be super-dedicated. Look for girls who are already involved in other organizations that way you know they will be accustomed to doing extracurricular activities that go along with sorority life. I found out after I went through recruitmen that my chapter's GPA was falling and they paid extra-close attention to all rushee's with high GPA's. So...don't get discouraged. Be strict--fine those who won't come--bring those up for judicial who don't keep their committments. The ones who care will stay and clean up their act, the ones who don't will hopefully leave so you can have space for someone better to fill their spot! Hang in there!
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  #3  
Old 02-24-2004, 02:19 PM
ZTAJennyZX ZTAJennyZX is offline
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Thanks so much Kristina. I'll definately talk to our PC and EC to see what we an do about getting someone in here to help out. Thanks again!
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  #4  
Old 02-24-2004, 02:25 PM
ztabchbum ztabchbum is offline
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All I can say is GOOD LUCK! My chapter went through something very similar and everything seems to be going well (I've been out of school for 2 years now but from what I hear things are going good). And I'm VERY proud that you have 15 sisters that bleed steel gray and turquiose blue! That's a good number for your chapter's size. Good luck with everything and keep us posting and if there's anything else you need - just ask!
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  #5  
Old 02-24-2004, 05:51 PM
ztabchbum ztabchbum is offline
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OMG I didn't even think to look at your location! Now I really wish my boyfriend and I had moved to Livingston with his parents just to try and help you and your chapter out. I too BLEED our colors and know how frustrating all of this can be. I think you have a good support base up there in TN so use it to your advantage. And when I come up to visit next fall I want to stop by and see how things are - and take you out of course!
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  #6  
Old 02-24-2004, 07:54 PM
ZTAJennyZX ZTAJennyZX is offline
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First of all, I am SO EXCITED to see ya'll know where I am and that you are from around here! It's nice to see ZTA Ladies so close to home! I'd love to meet ya'll!

Tippiechick- If you could, tell Rene' (who I think is the alum you are talking about) to get in touch with me. I'd REALLY like to talk to her, because I'm sure she knows EXACTLY what I am talking about.

ztabchbum- livingston, huh? i have a lot of friends there! when you come you SO have to get in touch! I as well as some of my sisters would LOVE to meet you!

All in all, I think I'm going to talk to our EC first, because surely they see the same problems I do. Also, our PC is VERY insistant (a word?) on getting our participation up. I am sure that we can get support from our alumnae group here.

You all have been a BIG help! Keep in touch and I'll keep ya'll posted!
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  #7  
Old 02-24-2004, 08:11 PM
ztabchbum ztabchbum is offline
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I'm not from there but my boyfriend's parents moved there in 2001 to build their log home - which I LOVE! I will for sure find you the next time we visit. We were there last year at theend of Aug/beginning of Sept. and I was so excited to find out there's a ZTA chapter. I almost hit a car when I saw our letters painted on the side of the campus bookstore! Good luck with everything and keep us posted.
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  #8  
Old 02-26-2004, 03:13 PM
FSUZeta FSUZeta is offline
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your province president

might be able to get a tlc to come for a visit-they are great girls who are well-trained before they hit the road and they have so much enthusiasm for zta that it is contagious. i have met two current zta's at fgcu where they are working with our newest colony and they are dolls!please, please let your alums. know that you are having these problems. as an alum myself, i can tell you if you will just let those ladies know that you need help, they will be there. it also sounds like some sisterhood activities are needed-is there a ropes course near you? in ropes course activities you are dependent on your teammates and it builds teamship. many schools and corporations use these courses to great success.
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  #9  
Old 03-03-2004, 02:04 PM
ZTAJennyZX ZTAJennyZX is offline
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Actually a TLC is coming next week. I'm taking her to lunch and plan on talking to her then. Thanks so much for all your help, gals! Also, no, there aren't any ropes courses. And we have sisterhood activities, but once again, same problem... no one shows up. On PC we are trying to come up with stuff for bonding... so maybe thjings will work out. I know we haven't exhausted our resources, so I have full faith our chpater can pull through and get SOY sometime soon!

ZLAM
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  #10  
Old 03-09-2004, 08:56 PM
ztabchbum ztabchbum is offline
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Any new news? I know you mentioned that a tlc was coming this week - how are things going? I hope all is well, just fill us in when you get the chance.
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  #11  
Old 03-10-2004, 10:28 PM
ZTAJennyZX ZTAJennyZX is offline
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Hey Ladies-

Well, no change, really. The TLC is in. I had lunch with her yesterday and we talked a little. She said that participation is a NATIONAL issue (why join ZTA if you aren't going to be a part of it?) and that fining is the best way to get those ladies to come around. On the other hand, our total is 34 (TTU sets quota at 55) and we're going to be crownig our butts off after Spring Break. We will have a crown every week (YIKES!) until we feel comfortable with our numbers. ALSO, the TLC, Shannon, said that I should let the sisters know how important their being active in other clubs is, because we can use those as recruitment tools.

I guess I will have to realize that some people just won't come to stuff, BUT from now on I'm going to focus on recruiting girls who are Die-Hard ZETA LADIES!!! I'm bringing ideas up to the chapter on wearing letter on the same day of the week, badge wear on another, and I think I'm also going to try to get a guest speaker come in some time next semester.

Oh, and a final idea....
Ok, so, obviously every campus is going to have partying going on, right? Well, not that TTU is any different, but I'm thinking we could take a better stand against drunk driving. So, I'm going to try to organize something where 1 time a month (eventually building up to 2 or 3 times a month) have a group of Zeta's who offer their time and soberness to being Designated drivers for tech students. Maybe from 9-3 on a Friday and/or Saturday. That way are working for a good cause, and getting good PR, can't you see the headlines now.... "Zeta Tau Alpha takes a Stand Against Drunk Driving"

This is just an idea. I'm trying to come up with ways to get our name out there, anyone have any more ideas??
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  #12  
Old 03-11-2004, 12:51 AM
cntryZTA5 cntryZTA5 is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by ZTAJennyZX
Hey Ladies-

Well, no change, really. The TLC is in. I had lunch with her yesterday and we talked a little. She said that participation is a NATIONAL issue (why join ZTA if you aren't going to be a part of it?) and that fining is the best way to get those ladies to come around. On the other hand, our total is 34 (TTU sets quota at 55) and we're going to be crownig our butts off after Spring Break. We will have a crown every week (YIKES!) until we feel comfortable with our numbers. ALSO, the TLC, Shannon, said that I should let the sisters know how important their being active in other clubs is, because we can use those as recruitment tools.

Oh, and a final idea....
Ok, so, obviously every campus is going to have partying going on, right? Well, not that TTU is any different, but I'm thinking we could take a better stand against drunk driving. So, I'm going to try to organize something where 1 time a month (eventually building up to 2 or 3 times a month) have a group of Zeta's who offer their time and soberness to being Designated drivers for tech students. Maybe from 9-3 on a Friday and/or Saturday. That way are working for a good cause, and getting good PR, can't you see the headlines now.... "Zeta Tau Alpha takes a Stand Against Drunk Driving"

This is just an idea. I'm trying to come up with ways to get our name out there, anyone have any more ideas??
This is a little off topic.....but is your TLC the Shannon from California? She's from Zeta Alpha chapter. If it is, isn't she great! We (Kappa Theta her with us for formal recruitment in October. I just wanted to say utilize her ideas....she has a lot of great ones!


Also, your idea about the designated driving program sounds good.
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  #13  
Old 03-11-2004, 06:17 PM
ztabchbum ztabchbum is offline
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I LOVE your DD program! That sounds AWESOME! Make sure you also do that JUST for sisters on a regular basis and make it MANDATORY for every sister to participate at least once a month. We called it safe ride, but you can call it whatever you want (sober sister is another one I've heard). We set it up for Thursday, Friday, & Saturday nights. The sister on duty would stay in the chapter room from 9-3 and make trips from frat row, the dorms, and the local bars. (I went to a small school in a small town like yours so there were only a few and they were really close to campus) Also, my chapter (along with my school) did the designated dress day, especially during rush and it works so well on getting your name out there. Here's what we did:

Monday - Jersey day: wear your BEST/FAVORITE jersey.
Tuesday - Rush Shirt Day: wear whatever shirt you have designated for 03/04 Recruitment.
Wednesday - DTP (Dress To Pin): we also did this all year round. It's nice to see sisters dressed up on Wed.
Thursday - socail t day: wear your BEST/FAVORITE/MOST RECENT social/formal t-shirt.
Friday - whatever: no designated dress, kinda like a day off.

I will admit that we had sisters gripe about the dress code EVERY YEAR, but in the end it helps out SOOOOO much! Good luck with everything and keep that attitude up!
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  #14  
Old 03-16-2004, 06:23 PM
FSUZeta FSUZeta is offline
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your designated driver program

sounds super. just check with the province president to make sure what the driver's liability would be,i.e., would there be an added risk management problem to the driver even though it is a volunteer position. hope there is none and that this program really gets off to a great start. good luck. lisa
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