New Chapter Concerns

[SiggieJilly403]

I'm new to Greek Chat as well as the greek life. I'm very excited to be heading up the beta chapter of a sorority. We're still in the processes of getting approved with the school (which seems to be FOREVER). Anyways, a lot of the girls are concerned about the money aspect of the sorority. Our dues are significantly lower because we are local, but there have still been some issues with that. I really want all of these girls to continue, but how can I help them understand the whole money issue? And how it's not that bad? I don't want girls to turn away from our sorority or any sorority because of dues. Any suggestions? Any words of wisdom?

Thanks!

*SiggieJilly*

[decadence]

Hi,

Sorry no words of wisdom or even a guarantee what I suggest'll be effective. A few thoughts follow in any case.
Basically people want some bang for their buck, they want to know what they'll be paying for and what they'll get in return for paying money. Obviously what they'll get is the opportunity to participate in activities which wouldn't be possible unless the group had funds as even posters cost $$.
If possible have either a calendar of events or a clear idea on the sort of events and activities you plan to offer. And be ready to answer the question of "what will our dues go on" - a budget you create will tell you this (maybe refreshmts, tshirts, subsidising events, supplies etc things you already know). There is a direct relationship between how much you can do and having funds to facilitate doing stuff.
You can offer things like incentives (less dues) for paying earlier or in one go, but that might not be the best option if they're people uncomfortable about the dues, period. Yes, if you don't pay you don't play and without dues the group can't really do anything you just need a realistic sum so you can do stuff but not scare everyone away and then need to get that message across of all the benefits.

[SiggieJilly403]

Thanks! That's a good idea. I think part of the problem is that we're all going into this a little uncertain as to what will be going on...but I agree. I think we need to have a visual way to approach the budget so that people can see where the money is going.

Thanks again!

[LatinaAlumna]

I'm not sure how much your dues are per person, but here are a couple of ideas (depending on how much the dues are, they might not work):

1. Set up payment plans for those who cannot pay all at once, or have everyone pay a little bit each month in anticipation of your deadline for dues so that the money will be there when you have to turn it in.

2. Have some fundraisers specifically for dues so that the out-of-pocket cost per sister is reduced. You might even be able to raise all the dues for the chapter by fundraising.

Good luck!

[SiggieJilly403]

Thanks! Those are good ideas. But some fundraisers take money to make money. We're having a meeting soon to talk about how to break up the money issue. I was also looking for how to make the money issue seem irrelevant or not as important as everything else. I think some people see the dollar sign and the number attached, but don't think about what that will go for or how it will be used. If you think of anything else, please let me know. Otherwise, those are good ideas and I appreciate it!

Thank you!

[LatinaAlumna]

Well, my dues were extremely affordable, so whenever we would state what they were at information meetings, ladies were pleasantly surprised. If you have something in place that could help out women who are in financial difficulty, maybe you can state this at your interest meeting/rush. Even though our dues were low, we would always be sure to mention that we would never turn a woman away who could not afford to pay. We would find a way to help her raise the money.

I like the idea Decadence has about showing where the dues go to. That makes it seem worth the money.

As far as fundraisers that have low-overhead, you can always try a bake sale or buying lots of bulk candy (Snickers, Charms Blow-Pops, etc.) at CostCo. and sell them on campus. I don't know if this is your style, but if everyone is committed to selling, it is an easy way to make money quickly. So is a party but you have to be careful with liability issues, etc.

[AOX81]

Hi SiggieJilly403! Welcome to GC! I just sent you a PM.

[Tom Earp]

Hey First off, welcome to GC and The Greatest bunch of Folks who are here to help Ya!

The first thing to remember, your cost per person for membership will be lower than most Nationals because of Risk Management Insurance. No House Insurance for Liability, parlor fees, utilities, etc.

The Second thing to remember, is they complain about cost to belong to a Group of Ladies that they can be with then do they really want to join?

I have been involved with My Organization from when I Founded it in 1965 till Today! Some of my closest Friends are not only Brothers from My Local Chapter, but from Brothers all over the Country! One being on GC who I never met but helped refinance my house!

What is one of the great things about being a member of a Group in College, you have people who are there for you and vice versa! What about down the road after school!?

Some GDI say We Buy Our Friends, Ha, little do they know the Bonds that are built after College. Life long friendships are worth the effort and time!