Interest Question

[Eirene_DGP]

When you were researching GLO's, or if you are doing this currently, what did you look for in an organization?

I wanted a multicultural org, or an org that was very tolerant towards diversity and focused more on service than social.

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

No, because bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. I have heard a lot of my friends in larger orgs gripe about disorganization and XYZ person on a power trip.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

Same as answer to number 1.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Probably because in a smaller sorority, you could have a better relationship with the people in surrounding chapters.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Not at all

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

I chose Delta Gamma Pi because it was a Multicultural Service Organization and while I was in college, I was very interested in volunteering etc.

[WCUgirl]

Good thread!

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

No, not really. Each organization is different on each campus, and when I went through Rush, I didn't know anything about the national makeup of any group we had. Even if I went through now, knowing what I do, it wouldn't be a factor in my decision.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

This would depend on my mood, I think. I know that's a weird answer, but, sometimes smaller is better because you get to know everyone. My sorority, when I was in college, was always at or above total, which was 55. We were one of the larger sororities on campus. I have friends who went to big schools who were in groups with totals of 150 or more. How would you know everyone? You would see girls wearing your letters and not know who they were (or at least, this is my perception), so, numbers really wouldn't matter in my decision either.


3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Um, again, this wouldn't really apply to my decision, so I can't answer the question.


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Nope. Websites weren't really as big as they are now when I went through rush. Colors did a little bit - I was turned off by Alpha Chi's red/green thing - too much like Christmas (no offense - I just wouldn't want to look at that all the time!), but I dropped them from my list for other reasons.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

The group that I chose was the group where I found that I fit in the best on my campus. They were the most welcoming, friendly, outgoing girls, and they all seemed like they had similar personalities to me. Most importantly - the quality/reputation of the girls was the best!!! Sometimes I think that if I had gone through Rush at a different school, I might have joined a different group. But I'm VERY VERY happy with my decision!!!

I actually went through the recruitment process to join a different sorority (I knew 2 or 3 of the girls). Then I saw the rest of them, and I just didn't feel like I belonged there.

[MereMere21]

1)When you were researching GLO's, or if you are doing this currently, what did you look for in an organization?

I wanted a sisterhood that I felt at home with - one I didn't have to conform to, but that fit me from the start. I was already familar with the greek system when I rushed, so before I even met the girls I researched each GLO - their creeds, purposes, philanthropies etc..


2) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I would like to say it doesn't matter, but I preferred nationals simply for the networking. I love meeting sisters from all over the hemisphere when I'm traveling

3) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

see above

4) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

history is important, but it really came down to where I felt the most comfortable

5) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

nope

6) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

My pull to AGD was first their philanthropy of Juvenile Diabetes. Then after I met the girls, I fell in love and found my second home How I love those Alpha Gams!

[AXORissa]

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I didnt know the difference when I rushed- i didnt care too much. Now, I wish AXO had more of a presence in NJ, since mine is the only collegiate chapter. Although I know AXO is huge nationally, it doesnt matter for me too much being that I am pretty much staying put here.... (i know this wasnt the question, exactly...)

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

at first I wanted larger numbers, but when it came down to deciding which chapter I wanted to join, i chose the quality of the women in AXO over the quanity of XYZ.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

nah, not a factor at all


4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

nope, I didnt even visit the websites.


5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

the women who were sisters. the women I saw at Rush, some of who became my pledge sisters. how much the sisters loved each other.

[sherbertlemons]

For the record: I was a charter member of my chapter, so I chose to join based on national representatives and the national organization.

Originally posted by GinaD79
1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I was impressed with Kappa's national strength. I also love being in an organization with a fairly strong presence in Florida.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

I would probably assume bigger=better. Of course, that would only be an initial impression that could be reconsidered.

Had I gone through formal recruitment on this campus, I would have certainly been prejudiced torwards bigger chapters, but for more reasons beyond just size.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

I like the large number of chapters that Kappa has, so probably not.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

I actually didn't like the colors or symbols all that much when I first joined. They later grew on me, though. Kappa's website was also a bit outdated and in desperate need of a redesign, IMHO. So that's a no. Maybe if I was borderline, they would have been a deciding factor.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

First and foremost, I loved the alumnae and national representitives I met. They were so down to earth yet smart, beautiful, and put-together. I was also intrigued by the idea of being a member of a brand new chapter. I also really liked Kappa's lack of a specific national philanthropy, meaning that our chapter would be free to choose a local group to work with.

[ISUKappa]

(Answering these questions as a sorority woman)

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?
It depends on the established chapters. Are they filled with sincere, caring women, or are they just filled to be filled? Having the network of many established chapters and alumnae is a great asset to a Fraternity/Sorority, so having more established chapters can be good, but I would take a close look at quality vs. quantity and make sure it's what I'm looking for

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?
Again, it depends on the campus. At my school, total was 92, which may seem rediculously small to some and gigantic to others. For me, it was a perfect size. Our chapter was one of the larger chapters, but we still had the some of the same problems the smaller chapters had. Larger numbers does not always guarantee a good chapter

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?
I think I would prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer. Just because they don't have the "most chapters in the nation" doesn't mean they aren't a good Fraternity/Sorority (and likewise, just because they do have many chapters doesn't make them bad). Again, it refers to the quality vs. quantity question. Are they opening chapters just for the sake of opening chapters or are they really looking hard into the dynamics of the school and what both the Fraterity/Sorority and women at that campus can gain from having a chapter there.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?
Not really while I was going through recruitment. Even though I was a Legacy, I went through with an open mind. I enjoyed seeing what made the chapters different and also what similiarites there were between the chapters. And I thought it was fun to look at the different insignia and colors for each chapter, but for me personally, it didn't really sway my decision. Though, having been an active member and now as an alumna, I cherish those colors and symbols even more. Most chapters didn't have websites yet when I was going through recruitment, but I did find, when I was our chapter's webmaster, that we got quite a bit of interest through our website.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?
I felt comfortable there. Like stated above, I was a Legacy (older sister) so I knew the dynamics of the house, a bit of history about the organization and the reputation on campus. I knew Kappa was for me when I started crying during the 5-party-day session at the house because I was homesick and I had been cut from almost every chapter and I was feeling horrible and they didn't freak out about it. They comforted me and made me feel at home. The ladies there classy and graceful yet down-to-earth and that's what I loved.

[33girl]

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

I think it would not be so much the number of chapters, as much as the services they provide. If it's a smaller group that offers awesome opportunities and programming the number of chapters would not matter to me. I would not join a sorority just for the national character if I didn't like the women at my to-be collegiate chapter.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

Same as above. As far as individual chapters, I actually chose the chapter I did because it was the smaller of my top 2. I didn't want to get lost in the shuffle.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

Yes, if the reason they have few chapters is because their expansion policies have been conservative (not because they had a bunch of chapters that croaked). I would rather see a group that expands slowly and carefully and gives a great amount of attention to each new chapter than one that expands willy-nilly just to increase their chartered chapter count.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

Website n/a back in the day...I liked the colors, but they really did not affect my decision. If I would have liked the girls I wouldn't have cared if I hated the colors.

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

The women I met at Rush...I felt comfortable with them and there were all kinds of women in the group - no clones!

[adpiucf]

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

As a collegian on a Greek-dominated campus in the Southeast, I was concerned only with the reputations of the chapters on my campus. I rushed as a sophomore, so I had my freshman year to observe the sororities on my campus. I was really only interested in what I had seen on my campus.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

At my university, the strongest chapters were the ones with the most members. These chapters had the highest GPA's, the most awards in intramural sports, were in the news the most for their accomplishments, were involved in more non-Greek activities, etc. Also, every Wednesday on my campus was "Greek Letter Day" and all the Greeks were in letters. The bigger groups had a very obvious presence. Our smaller groups had less prestige and their internal challenges were publicized by disgruntled members.

Again, I only speak of the experience I had on MY campus. I am sure there are many smaller chapters out there that are very successful.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

This was not a consideration when I was a collegian. I was concerned only with the chapters that existed on my campus, their accomplishments, members and campus image.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

When I rushed in 1997, national GLO's were just beginning to get web sites, and only a few of the chapters at my campus had web sites. In my off-time, I would look at these web sites to learn more about those groups. It excited me for my upcoming recruitment, and, in my eyes, made me better prepared to meet that group because I had an idea of their history, philanthropy and traditions, and I could share that I knew this with them. (Which I hoped would make them see how interested I was in joining!)

Colors really weren't a consideration. Sure, there are some colors I like better than others, LOL, but in joining a sorority, I was going for a group with a great reputation, with members I could identify with and be friends with. I was looking for an organization where I could make friends and get involved with campus life!

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

I had a full school year to observe the sororities on my campus. There were stereotypes, to be certain. I went into recruitment expecting to love certain groups and dislike others. I quickly learned that these stereotypes were not entirely true!

However, in my year as an Independent, I had met women who belonged to GLO's that were in my classes, lived in my dorm, or were in campus organizations with me. I really looked forward to visiting their sororities at recruitment because they were so nice and wonderful (and I looked forward less to visiting the houses where the women I had met in day to day campus life were not so nice!) In retrospect, that really showed me that recruitment is a 365-day-a-year process. You never know how your attitude as a member of a GLO will influence a future PNM!

Ultimately, I chose my sorority because I liked the women I had met there, and I felt I could be myself around them. They did have a great skit, lovely chapter house and were cute girls who were involved on campus, won a lot of awards and were respected by the other Greeks on campus. Yes, the little bells and whistles (the decorations, skits and accolades added to the package) helps. But when all is said and done, these women were my sisters before I was extended a bid. We were just comfortable around one another.

1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?
Number chapters didn't matter to me.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?
I will admitt that when I was an undergrad I wanted to join a chapter that had a large variety/diverse group of girls.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?
Period of time around didnt matter either.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?
Nope

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?
They told us that it was OUR chpater and that we could build it how we wanted it to be.