Make the games and ice breakers relevant to Recruitment. Some that I've done include:
-Creating a "wish list" to focus on what the chapter needs in potential members. Get a flip chart and ask the chapter what kind of women we're looking for. Encourage the use of PRECISE ADJECTIVES, the type that are typically used in membership selection. For example, don't just say "Girls with High GPAS"; instead say INTELLIGENT, STUDIOUS, HARD-WORKING, AMBITIOUS. End the exercise by emphasizing that YOU as a chapter are all of these adjectives as well (or at least you should be) to boost chapter morale and promote the idea of "they want what we've got".
-Creating a grid filled with phrases like "Is a Nursing major", "Pledged as a sophomore", "Lives on the hall", "Has served on Exec", etc. Sisters go around and try to fill their grid with signatures from sisters. First one to fill the grid wins a prize. Remember to have the FOCUS at the end of the exercise talking about how important it is to know each other and be able to relate individual experiences back to Phi Mu.
-Asking three sisters (one rushee, one bad rusher and one good rusher) to perform two "skits" in front of the chapter. In the first skit, the "bad rusher" makes a lot of faux pas, like crossing her arms, chewing gum, making fun of the rushee, touching her excessively, etc. After a few minutes of pretend conversation, the chapter calls out what they think she's done wrong, and then ways to improve. Repeat with a "good rusher" skit, having the chapter point out her strengths afterward.
-Practicing bumping in a silly way. Privately, divide the chapter into groups of 5 or 6 (whatever number you'd normally use as a bump group). Then think of 5 or 6 letter words, preferably silly or memorable ones, for as many groups as you've got. For example, if you've got 3 groups of 6, you could use MARBLE, TWITCH, and BULLET. You then give out each letter of the word on a piece of paper to each group member, randomized in a way where they don't know who is in their group. The girls should either tape these letters to their backs, or hold them in their hands so they are easily visible. The first letters (in this case, the M, T, and B) are the starters. You whisper their word into their ear, and they start the bump. The M would find her A, introduce herself and transition appropriately, and then whisper "marble" to the A. The A then goes to find her R, R finds B, etc. Afterwards, discuss how difficult it is to bump when you don't know who is coming and going! Brainstorm strategies for smoother bumping.
-Practicing difficult conversations with alumnae volunteers. This is one of my chapter's favorite but most-feared activities! You would invite alumnae to come to a section of the workshop to help with conversation practice. Because this part can be rather silly, I would suggest inviting recent or younger alums, but whatever you can get is great! These alums will serve as the rushees... but they aren't any old rushees! The alumnae create "characters" to play as rushees... like Shy Suzy, Slutty Stripper Sally, Butch Bonnie, Weird Winnie, etc. The chapter takes turns doing door intros and then bumping/conversation with them. Afterward, the alums can do a short review of what worked and what didn't. Although these conversations are usually atypical of the normal Recruitment convos, it is still great practice for those jaw-dropping PMs you may run into.
-Breaking into groups for Popular Questions time. Prepare a list of questions commonly asked during Recruitment by potential members (if you'd like one that I've already got, PM me!). Break into groups (putting an even number of new recruiters and seasoned vets in each group) and brainstorm the best answers for these questions. We don't want to sound rehearsed; we DO want to sound like we're all on the same page when it comes to basic Q&A. Afterward, have each group talk about a question that may have stumped them, or a question in which they created a particularly good answer.
Some other general advice:
- Use the membership manual! All of my information I presented to the chapter about conversation starters and objectives came straight from there.
-Remember to have a workshop about membership selection! Things will go much smoother during Recruitment if people know what they are doing and what's going on.
-Rely on groups with older sisters if at all possible. You as the Membership Director do not have to be responsible for all instruction! If you have well-trained sisters who have participated in previous recruitments, allow them to take leadership roles in workshops as well.
-Remember to have a flexible plan. You'll be able to tell when your group is fading or losing interest. Make sure you can choose to take a break at that point, or switch activities. You want to maintain the interest and excitement!
-Keep the morale high in whatever way you can. Give a Spirit Award at the end of the day, with good prizes! They don't have to be expensive, but they are an important part of your Recruitment budget. Have a Cheer Chair whose job is to do chants and songs during lulls, breaks, and the end of the workshop. Snacks are good too... anything to keep the girls good-natured, alert, and focused.
Hope that helps
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