How did you start getting involved in your chapter?

[KSigkid]

I started out as alumni chair for a year, then served 2 years on the Executive Committee (one as secretary and one as president). I was like you in a way in that I wanted to feel things out before running for a chapter leadership position.

I'd say if you're unsure, start with a chair position or something similar. If you're going to run for a leadership seat, you should be 100% sure.

[mccoyred]

Every individual has something to contribute. We all have unique talents and abilities. I would suggest getting involved with a committee that can make use of your talents first.

For example, if you are talented in art, sign up for the publicity committee and design flyers. If you are involved in something you love, you will have fun and your talents will be noticed. Even offer to assist the chair of that committee in organizing.

Secondly, I agree with a previous poster in that you may want to approach the president (or whatever you call your chapter leader) about an appointed position that can utilize your talents. This can get you out there without the pressure of a popularity contest.

Sometimes you just have to step out on faith. Good Luck!

[KSUViolet06]

I'd start out with a chair or committee first, before an actual chapter office. You are new and in order to be elected to an office, people need to see you actually succeeding in a leadership role.

If you would like to get involved as a younger member, Panhellenic Council or Jr. Panhellenic are good places to start. I served on Judicial Board for Panhellenic the first semester after I was initiated.

My first office wasn't actually until last year when I was chairwoman of Honor Council (basically the head person who enforces chapter rules).

also, I agree with everyone else when they say don't drop other organizations. Other organizations provide just as many leadership opportunities as Kappa Delta can. Those might be good places to start in developing your leadership skills so you can be an officer in KD at some point.

[FSUZeta]

i agree with the ladies.think about applying for an appointed position such as scholarship chair., sisterhood, etc.this would let you work under an executive officer and you would better understand how the business side of your chapter works.

in zta, there are elected positions and those are the executive council-president, 3 vice presidents, sec., treasurer, historian, panhellenic rep, ritual-some chapters have one or more additional positions on ec.

positions like sisterhood, social, judicial, scholarship, philanthrophy, fundraising, fraternity ed.,t-shirts,alumnae-collegiate relations, etc. are on program council(pc).these are appointed positions, but the girls still need to submit an application or talk to the advisors about filling a position. you could check with your chapters president about how your chapter handles this.

i don't know what terms kappa delta uses, but i would guess that there are some offices that the chapter votes on and other positions that are appointed.

think about where you talents or interests lie. are you artistic? t-shirt chair or publicity might be for you. are you a great singer? how about serving as music/song chair?

good luck to you and please let us know what you decide to do!!

[honeychile]

Lots of times, it depends on the size of the chapter, too. Some people get "lost" in a large chapter, while others are carrying an office AND a chairmanship in a small chapter!

One good way to get involved is to offer to help one of the chairman, if it's okay with the Executive Committee (or whatever it's called). By doing so, you will learn a little bit more about KD, AND be sending the message that you really are willing to work. What the other posters are saying is true - start with a chairmanship (or as an assistant), then work your way up. Most GLOs have some chairmanships which are more or less for first year members, so they can see who is a worker and who isn't.

My own first Chairmanship was for Recommendations, but after Recruitment, I was bored silly. Another sister had to drop out, and I was able to pick up her Spirit Chair. The next year, I was Chaplain; the year after that, New Member Vice President.

Good luck!

[adpiucf]

Go for a small appointed position and come around to more non-mandatory events. Keep a dayplanner so you can prioritize.

And for the love of Pete, don't drop all your clubs for your sorority. You need those EC's and leadership positions-- get involved on campus. It will improve your resume when you go for internships, grad school, and entry level jobs. The sorority is a fun activity in college and a nice social network when you graduate, but employers/admissions committees are going to be more interested that you planned a 5K Run and Fundraiser for Key Club than your sorority.

[REE1993]

My thoughts -

1. Don't drop other organizations. Experience in all types of clubs and activities is very important after graduating. Remember that.

2. If this is your first semester after initiation, get on a committee or two within the chapter. I wouldn't suggest going for officer positions until you are very well versed in how the chapter/sorority operates at every level. It is often more complex than you think, and a LOT of responsibility. Some positions require you to attend conferences/conventions, or even have your name attached to bank accounts.

3. Don't view sisters as "cliques". Get out of that mind set. There are many parts to a family, and just because some have something in common with a few others, doesn't mean that you cannot, and likewise, that you cannot have something more in common with other sisters. I am sure that there are sisters who have similar interests as you.

I hope that helps.

Sisterly,