THE "bottom" sorority

[PinkSkyAtNight]

I’m sorry that your daughter is feeling disappointed and perhaps rejected. However, the chapter is probably still getting their feet under them and is getting the hang of recruitment. One awkward girl in recruitment shouldn’t break your daughter’s experience – please don’t let it! I remember being rushed by an awkward girl, and when I was a sophomore, I pulled the recruitment chair aside and relayed the experience and discussed how this particular person needed coaching, or just needed a different role altogether. The recruitment chair listened to me, and I was thankful I didn’t quit because of one girl who couldn’t carry a conversation.

There was a chapter on my campus (not-SEC, but still 200+ women) that went from having a reputation as being kind of awkward. In a matter of about five years, they really changed. You could see it was slow, gradual changes from the clothes they wore during recruitment, how they presented themselves with hair and makeup, and also the type of women they started seeking out – outgoing people who were committed to being part of greek events (Derby Days, Anchor Splash, etc..). A core group of women stopped being upset that they were in the “bottom” sorority, and instead just proudly wore their letters and always made sure they put their best face forward when they were on campus. The transformation was honestly amazing. They also revamped their social media, and it was professional and put forward the type of women they wanted to attract. Not to be harsh, but it was clear that they made a point of not showcasing the members who were slovenly with their appearance…. Their website talked about individual involvement on campus, and talked about the campus leaders in their chapter.

If your daughter thinks that there are areas for opportunity, I would encourage her to talk with like-minded women in her pledge class, and as a small group approach the executive officers and talk about what they like about their chapter (as an opener), but then talk about where they see opportunities for improvement. In all likelihood, there will be someone among the chapter leadership who agrees, and they will be relieved that others are committed to improvement too.

If there is no talk of a house being built within the next two years, I would highly encourage you as a mother to join any parents club and get a friendly discussion going about tangible plans for a house being built. I agree that no house is an obstacle, but perhaps there are plans, the organization just needs to start talking about them so people don't get discouraged.