Sisterhood Workshop

[LPIDelta]

Do a values contract workshop--split the group into values teams, with a mix of ages in each group. Assign them a value that is important to your organization (ie sisterhood, friendship, loyalty etc.) and ask the groups to come up with 5-10 charges/statements. Example: Because we are Gamma Phi and we value sisterhood, we will not engage in activities which degrade out members etc. Put each team's list into one contract. Use this to get the conversation going about what is important to the group, to talk about what makes their sorority experience meaningful and then make sure everyone receives (and possibly signs) the values contract written that day.

The other thing I have used with some success is having each sister explain briefly why they are there and what they want to get out of their sorority experience. Often just realizing what the expectations or needs are helps to focus the group and help them get along better.

[FSUZeta]

a simple activity is to have a candle pass. each sister may say one negative thing about the chapter but MUST follow it up with a positive statement. you can set a time limit for each speaker.

[Buttonz]

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

a simple activity is to have a candle pass. each sister may say one negative thing about the chapter but MUST follow it up with a positive statement. you can set a time limit for each speaker.

To go along on this you set guidelines before:

Be honest, but don't attack anyone.
Say both positive and negative things, get out how you really feel
No talking unless your the one with the candle.
All cell phones off
Whatever is said stays in the room
etc

Make sure you have a box of tissues per sister. Trust me, even the ones who don't think they will need them...they are the ones who reach for them first.

Make sure everyone gets at least one chance to speak, and if they feel that they have more to say, let them.

[manda_sai_kz]

Originally Posted by LPIDelta

Do a values contract workshop--split the group into values teams, with a mix of ages in each group. Assign them a value that is important to your organization (ie sisterhood, friendship, loyalty etc.) and ask the groups to come up with 5-10 charges/statements. Example: Because we are Gamma Phi and we value sisterhood, we will not engage in activities which degrade out members etc. Put each team's list into one contract. Use this to get the conversation going about what is important to the group, to talk about what makes their sorority experience meaningful and then make sure everyone receives (and possibly signs) the values contract written that day.

The other thing I have used with some success is having each sister explain briefly why they are there and what they want to get out of their sorority experience. Often just realizing what the expectations or needs are helps to focus the group and help them get along better.

I think that sounds really cool. It helps 'veterans' remember, and teaches the new members something they might not have known or taken seriously. Very cool.