Pledging

[emb021]

Originally posted by AGDee
I think that setting a bunch of new members loose to plan their activity, whether it is philanthropy, social, sisterhood, etc, is asking for trouble because they are not familiar with the structure, rules, budgets, etc. of the organization. I think it is much more helpful to involve them on the chapter's committees so that they are working directly with initiated members in planning all of the events for the chapter, as they will be once they are initiated. Then they can learn with the role modeling of older sisters.

Dee

As someone else pointed out, the pledges are not 'turned loose'. Their pledgemaster is there to oversee things, they are encouraged to involved other chapter officers as appropriate (ie, get the Service VP to help them with their service project, etc). They are also encourage to engage the other members of the chapter. The purpose is to help them get familiar with 'structure, rules, budgets, etc.' by getting their feet wet in an real activity they plan and carry out. Being on a committee won't do that. You learn leadership by BEING a leader. Most of the best leadership development programs I've done have had the participants DO STUFF.

Yes, they should ALSO be involved in chapter committees. This, too, is part of their training/education. Also, they should be attending chapter meetings (chapters can have closed portions of the meetings or special closed meeting, but pledges should be encouraged and allowed to attend open chapter meetings).