A "Nu" Story

[Xidelt]

Does your school have any clubs or orgs specifically for non-traditional students? Consider reaching out to these clubs to attract members.

[Xidelt]

City council in BSP is actually a local governing unit for chapters in a geographic area. It's not a city council in the sense that you are thinking, like a mayor, etc. Maybe do a little research before you criticize.

[Old_Row]

Originally Posted by Xidelt

City council in BSP is actually a local governing unit for chapters in a geographic area. It's not a city council in the sense that you are thinking, like a mayor, etc. Maybe do a little research before you criticize.

While I am certainly sorry for the misunderstanding, I don't understand why in the world you would think anyone would even think to research a common use term like that? It would have been clear if she put BSP City Council but she didn't. I think you should worry a little more about the way one of your members is portraying your organization to the outside world than one outside person's misunderstanding of an inside term being thrown around in a very public place by someone who has shown a bit of a knack for drama in the past. Maybe these internal issues should be handled in private? I'd certainly be upset if a sister were complaining about my sorority in public like this.

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by Old_Row

Why would the city council care? What does it have to do with city affairs? That's a little dramatic I think.

Originally Posted by Xidelt

City council in BSP is actually a local governing unit for chapters in a geographic area. It's not a city council in the sense that you are thinking, like a mayor, etc. Maybe do a little research before you criticize.

This entire process has been extremely confusing for more than one GC member to understand. Read through the comments and see. The colonizing process, the recruitment efforts, the bidding process, etc. It's all been quite convoluted, and I'm not sure if it is BSP's lack of foundation for chartering at a college or the OP's lack of guidance for chartering or simply OP trying to turn BSP into the equivalent of an NPC. We're not hip to your group's terminology any more than we would be to army lingo or another NPC's internal names for things.

I don't think Old_Row said anything most of us weren't thinking. Seriously, no one is going to start researching every sorority's internal governance council's names. People need to be clear when they are posting, or they open themselves up to questions and criticism. I had no idea what an "FV" or "Friendly Venture" was until it was clarified, and I'm certainly not going to waste my time researching it. People are trying to help here with suggestions to help OP promote her organization. That we are certainly capable of doing. If your members aren't happy with your internal policies, take it off Greek Chat. You're not doing BSP any favors here and I would certainly never criticize my sorority so publicly.

[misscherrypie]

I should have been more clear.

My frustration (misplaced, by the way) is that my organization is NOT a Collegiate Social Sorority and in my selfishness, I wanted to create a Beta Sigma Phi chapter that worked as such. I had no business accusing our international of being unsupportive, when they are in no way equipped to deal with what we were trying to do....because its not that kind of organization.

That is my fault.....and not my organizations issue. I'd delete what I said...but I don't think that's possible. I was cruel and insensitive.

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

I should have been more clear.

My frustration (misplaced, by the way) is that my organization is NOT a Collegiate Social Sorority and in my selfishness, I wanted to create a Beta Sigma Phi chapter that worked as such. I had no business accusing our international of being unsupportive, when they are in no way equipped to deal with what we were trying to do....because its not that kind of organization.

That is my fault.....and not my organizations issue. I'd delete what I said...but I don't think that's possible. I was cruel and insensitive.

You could delete the thread. That's one option. I think you have the right attitude. I'm really sorry Greek Life hasn't worked out the way you wanted it to on your campus. You are very determined, and you've worked really hard. Keep up with BSP off campus, utilize social media, advertise to other community women's groups/women's church groups/student groups at the community college, etc., and maybe see what's available on your campus where you can make your mark in a student organization there. Please don't let all these recruiting efforts and chartering efforts take away from the big picture: you're there to do well academically and graduate. Good luck!

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

I should have been more clear.

My frustration (misplaced, by the way) is that my organization is NOT a Collegiate Social Sorority and in my selfishness, I wanted to create a Beta Sigma Phi chapter that worked as such. I had no business accusing our international of being unsupportive, when they are in no way equipped to deal with what we were trying to do....because its not that kind of organization.

That is my fault.....and not my organizations issue. I'd delete what I said...but I don't think that's possible. I was cruel and insensitive.

Was a little surprised that this thread has been going on for so long.

misscherrypie, the bolded says it all, and those are your words (which others have also thought and written). In another thread, it was suggested that you step away from the entire sorority issue for a while (paraphrasing, folks). I think that would be a positive step and would give you some perspective on what this is really about.

ETA: still confused, are you actually initiated? and do you have a chapter charter?

[Xidelt]

If I'm not clear on something, I take two seconds to google it. It takes as much effort as it does to criticize. @Oldrow, I'm not a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

[Old_Row]

Originally Posted by Xidelt

If I'm not clear on something, I take two seconds to google it. It takes as much effort as it does to criticize. @Oldrow, I'm not a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

I didn't have any reason to think I wasn't clear on it.

[adpiucf]

I agree. Most people would think that referring to the "city council" is a local city government, and not a sorority governing board. Kudos to anyone who picked up on being otherwise. I'm actually not being sarcastic.

[misscherrypie]

Yes, I am initiated. Our charter is on the way. ( international in all likelihood has received our paperwork by now.)

We've resolved to have me step back for a bit....as in the words of Grace: "Just let things happen." I believe that we have a very capable and strong chapter as it stands today and we're going down the road of Beta Sigma Phi together....which by definition, will be an interesting journey.

I'll keep everyone posted once we have had the opportunity to hash things out.

[DubaiSis]

Here's what can happen in big projects like this. One person gets the ball rolling. Does ALL the work for months, takes everything way too seriously, and burns out, quite possibly dropping out completely. Stop yourself now before it gets to that point. Hand the reins over to someone else, let them use the help that is there (this "city council" seems like a great idea), just be a member, and then maybe figure out how you can get back into the swing in 6 months or so. Otherwise I can picture the embarrassing blow up that happens in a public place (THAT was a good night) or the leader just quits out of frustration and loses a bunch of friends in the process.

[AngelPhiSig]

Mcp,

Did you have a pledge ritual and go through your six months of pledging and then have your Ritualnof Jewels? The RoJ is your initiation for BSP!

Like everyone has said, enjoy BSP for what it is, a different kind of sorority. BSP is not a collegiate sorority, however if you want to go that way, GET IN TOUCH with the few collegiate chapters ASAP. Some of them do well and can give you some pointers. But remember, BSP gives you opportunities that a collegiate sorority does not, ability to recruit from outside of the school and grad students etc!

You are doing great, keep moving! Remember the love you feel for your sisters and think about how they're looking up to you!

Definitely get an advisor from an older chapter, they will be a huge help, especially during ritual, maybe even buy you supplies!

[misscherrypie]

So, I wanted to update....it's been just over a month since we were chartered, and we're having a ball being Nevada Nu.

The chapter decided to keep trying to pursue campus recognition. We've made connections with the other orgs on campus, and even participated in a Philanthropy event with one of the other organizations, have had socials, philanthropy events, a fundraiser, a few road trips and are planning our formal for Founder's Day on April 30th. We're having a blast and I am so very happy being a sorority member. It's everything that I've hoped and everything I've dreamed it would be.

After a month, we decided the following:

A. Our school says that since our National Org is not an IRS 501 c 3 organization, we would be unable to exist as a sorority on campus without it. We are beginning the process to apply for that 501 c 3 immediately for our chapter....with no guarantees that we will receive it. Hopefully, this will pan out. Although it is looking like the process may still continue past when about half our student members graduate....we'd still like to put forth the effort knowing that we tried every avenue possible.

2. We ended up forming a co-ed student social club organization called "Beta Budds" that pursues the values exemplified by Beta Sigma Phi.

Half of the Beta Budds are sisters of Beta Sigma Phi. We also have members of Beta Budds who are not interested in becoming members of Beta Sigma Phi, but appreciate the values that the sorority stands for in its open motto.

So, we have two distinct organizations that are going on: Beta Sigma Phi- Nevada Nu Chapter that will go about its usual business, albeit off campus and Beta Budds that will be an way for us to organize as a group, along with other like minded students and serve and socialize on campus in an official capacity. Not the most ideal situation, but it is an acceptable one for both sides.

We made contact with the Beta Sigma Phi- Reno/Sparks City Council, and they have been wonderful with us and we are planning to join the council. They ended up hosting and conducting our pledge ritual, and had a lovely reception afterward for us. Our Vice President said to me "I hope that we'll be as cool as they are when I'm older!" Indeed. I really like them too.

I'll keep this thread updated as the saga continues. Either way, I think that things are going fine.


On another topic, I was approached by several women recently and asked to consider going through NPC recruitment again in the fall. After what happened last fall, I am a bit wary...but am willing to give the idea a fair amount of proper consideration.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

On another topic, I was approached by several women recently and asked to consider going through NPC recruitment again in the fall. After what happened last fall, I am a bit wary...but am willing to give the idea a fair amount of proper consideration.

I'm wondering, with all the proclamations similar to "It's everything that I've hoped and everything I've dreamed it would be", would you go through formal recruitment again?

What would you do if you received a bid to an NPC sorority?