Recommending a Chapter to Close

PrincessPhiSig · #1 07-03-2003, 09:54 AM

I know this may seem rash, but as I talk to sisters over the summer, I think this may need to be done. Last semester, my chapter was on an action plan for low numbers, and lots of other things. During long meetings, with myself attempting to fulfill the action plan, all I heard were loud sighs and groans because the meetings were long. This summer has started out with people not being able to pay dues, and an email from our former DCP about statuses (my assumption being that people were inquiring). I feel and have felt throughout last semester that hardly anyone's hearts are in this. As much as I love Phi Sig as a whole, this chapter is negative, depressing, outwardly mean to each other, lazy, and most of all embarassed to wear their letters. In short, we have 10 sisters, 3 or 4 of which do work while the rest do not. I feel that if the chapter closed, and recolonized at a later time with girls more motivated to participate in chapter activities, that Phi Sig could be great on this campus once again. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please let me know what you think.

PhiSigStrawbery · #2 07-03-2003, 12:39 PM

Every Phi Sig should be proud to be a sister! I am! We have a fraternity here who has the same problem, but they are coming back...why don't the three of you try your best and give it a shot? Next semester is a new chance for you...my chapter is coming back with only 15 sisters, and we're working hard to double our status...we realize it's not the quantity that matters, it's the quality. Three or four sisters can make a difference...Good luck!

MooseGirl · #3 07-03-2003, 01:14 PM

You have a tough job there!

If there are 4 women who love Phi Sig and are willing to work for it, then I think it is worth keeping the chapter open!

The women who are negative or not proud should be let go - disaffiliate if necessary.

I know it seems crazy to make a chapter even smaller, but believe me it'll work!

In 1996, DE was in a similar situation. They lost a few sisters during the summer and came back with around 6-8. There were only 4 however who wanted to work, so the others were disaffiliated.

These 4 however managed to have an awesome recruitment! They initiated 13 women in the fall semester!

I believe this is the story, i could have the years mixed up, and 1995 be the year of just 4 actives, but nonetheless the point is the same. If you get rid of the dregs, you can pull yourself up!

Please send your concerns to your sisters, your archon and your DCP. I'm sure you will find that many of your sisters will change their attitudes if you tell then what you just wrote!

PSLAM

White_Chocolate · #4 07-03-2003, 01:25 PM

First of all, I think you need to get others involved. At a meeting, try to make it more fun(FISH Philosophy). Don't always be in such a business mode and if things are business mode, hold the meeting outside. Ask for others to participate.

Keep looking up because that's where it all is.

33girl · #5 07-03-2003, 01:40 PM

I hope no one minds my input, but ASA lost its Kutztown chapter several years ago, and I'd hate to see KU lose more Greeks.

Have you spoken with the alumnae at all?? Are they aware of how grave the situation is? Please, please, please let them know what is happening before you speak to anyone else, including national officers. I know that as an alum, if the actives made a decision like closing the chapter without even attempting to contact us, it would be a wound that would never heal.

If you've heard about a group of women trying to start a new sorority or something similar...get in touch with them. The two of you could help each other.

If I remember correctly, didn't you transfer into the chapter? Please don't take this the wrong way, but make sure you aren't comparing your present chapter with your old one. Every chapter should be the best version of itself, not compared to another one.

Everyone else is on point...cut the dead wood (if they truly, truly don't want to be involved) and don't forget to have fun together.

ana2225 · #6 07-04-2003, 01:15 PM

Princess Phi Sig,

I was in your exact situation last semester so I know things are amazingly tough right now. My chapter was down to 7 sisters and only about 3 of us wanted to keep going. The other sisters just basically wanted to throw in the towel. We had sisters fighting and just being immature. Unfortunatly, for us things just kept getting worse and we did shut down.

My advice to you though is this. Do not let your chapter shut down without a major fight. As 33 girl said talk to your Alumnae, Advisor, DCP whoever you can. Demand help if you have too!! We all have requirements of sisterhood. If sisters are not meeting those requirements (probably those complaining all the time) send them to j-board. Get rid of those sisters that do not want to make Phi Sig the best it can be and focus on those who do. Just 3 or 4 people can do amazing things.

Closing the chapter seems like the best solution sometimes. Take it from me though it just brings about more problems and hard feelings. It doesn't really solve the problem. Those sisters that are complaining will still complain once the chapter is closed. Trust me they will find something

. Stay strong and just do the best you possibly can. I heard a quote at Convention one year that has always stuck with me, "Bigger isn't Better, Better is Better, and Better leads to Bigger." If you get rid of those negative people and focus on the positive you will be better. If you make it fun then other girls will want to join. Before you know it you will be bigger then you could imagine.

Ok I'm done preaching. Just please fight for your chapter and don't let those negative sisters get what they want. I have faith that you can make it happen.

Litp,
Juliana

phisigduchesscv · #7 07-04-2003, 01:23 PM

You must do what is best for you but before you take a drastic steps try doing what some people have suggested.

We were on an action plan for not meeting quota and total this past year so we what you are going through.

First off call on all your Alum to see if they can help out. Also, if you DCP isn't helpful contact your RCD or even CO. It may be that some of the sisters need to petition CO to go Alum or they need to disaffiliate. Also, have you guys gone through Vision. If you haven't or if it's been a while call to see if you can get a Vision retreat done ASAP - that can make a huge difference.

Regarding long meetings, did you follow Roberts Rules of Order exactly. We were having 3 and 4 hour meetings which means we weren't done until after 10:30 at night. This past year we have finally gotten our act together. If you didn't present at Eboard you don't present at the meeting period. If it is urgent you needed to contact the Archon and Vice that day or you don't present. Parliamentary procedure is followed exactly to the point, sisters will be asked to leave the meetings if they are called out of order multiple times.

As someone said make it fun. If all your meetings have been about business then start having at least one meeting a month that is fun. I know we're a business but if you don't have fun then why bother being in the sorority.

You need to build upon the 3 or 4 women who want the chapter to succeed. I know of one chapter that was done to only 3 women. The next recruitment they got up to 10. And they've been growing ever since.

Don't give up until you have exhausted all possible resources.