Less popular sororities

[brunetteddd]

Getting back to the original topic (not that I don't agree with everything the past few posts have said about not perpetuating negatives about specific chapters, let's be tactful here people!!), I know on my campus (which only has 4 Panhellenic sororities), there was one chapter going through recruitment that a lot of people seemed bad-mouth. However, once I went to their parties, I realized that this stereotype was in the eye of the beholder; it was a fairly new chapter on campus which was the smallest of the chapters (which is understandable, you have to give them time to grow, they're now on par with the other chapters and growing every year) but I LOVED them!! I understand why they were put down by a certain group of girls; that's because those girls are nothing like my (now) sisters and as a result they all belong to XYZ and fit in there just fine. But as for me, I'll repeat again what I said: a sorority is in the eye of the beholder; don't let other people taint your view of a chapter simply because you don't feel like giving them a fair chance.

Whatever happened to making your own decisions?

[GammaPhi88]

Originally Posted by brunetteddd

Getting back to the original topic (not that I don't agree with everything the past few posts have said about not perpetuating negatives about specific chapters, let's be tactful here people!!), I know on my campus (which only has 4 Panhellenic sororities), there was one chapter going through recruitment that a lot of people seemed bad-mouth. However, once I went to their parties, I realized that this stereotype was in the eye of the beholder; it was a fairly new chapter on campus which was the smallest of the chapters (which is understandable, you have to give them time to grow, they're now on par with the other chapters and growing every year) but I LOVED them!! I understand why they were put down by a certain group of girls; that's because those girls are nothing like my (now) sisters and as a result they all belong to XYZ and fit in there just fine. But as for me, I'll repeat again what I said: a sorority is in the eye of the beholder; don't let other people taint your view of a chapter simply because you don't feel like giving them a fair chance.

Whatever happened to making your own decisions?

I agree with you BrunetteDDD 100%. There is a chapter at my school that has not made quota for a few years, and many girls on campus, and through rush, were rude to them and put them down. I learned through rush that they were an amazing group of sweet girls, it is really just their numbers that is the issue. I wish more girls would make their own decisions, and give this group a chance.

[ztamsu07]

i realize i may have said too much, i've edited my posts, and like ugaalum said, i would appreciated it if everyone who quoted me would do the same, or to make it easier, even just delete the quote part of your post.

I'm simply trying to gain different perspectives on how to help my chapter and I appeciate all of the help I've received, in many, many ways.

[HDL66]

Originally Posted by ztamsu07

i realize i may have said too much, i've edited my posts, and like ugaalum said, i would appreciated it if everyone who quoted me would do the same, or to make it easier, even just delete the quote part of your post.

You might also consider changing your user name. This would be a good lesson for any actives out there!! I know you are proud of your affiliation (and that is a good thing!) but to describe problems and then ask for advice anonymously on a chat forum when you have pinpointed your chapter and location in your name is an oxymoron. Not trying to be critical, just a little well-intentioned adivce.

[AOII Angel]

I changed my post to reflect your changes, ztamsu07. Don't worry too much about what you posted. GC reactions should be able to tell you what needs to be changed. Will posting on this board really negatively affect your chapter? Probably not that much....what you've said about your chapter is apparently self-evident on campus. Your job now is to fix the problems in your chapter. I wish you and your pledge sisters luck in a difficult process.

[skylark]

^^ ztamsu07: I'd PM the people who quoted you. People might not be checking this thread, so I'd think you'd get the best results that way.

[groovypq]

Bumping this thread (which has a lot of great suggestions and thoughts, BTW) to ask if anyone has any suggestions for things a chapter might do during freshman orientation week to put their name out there BEFORE the stereotypes begin forming?

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by groovypq

Bumping this thread (which has a lot of great suggestions and thoughts, BTW) to ask if anyone has any suggestions for things a chapter might do during freshman orientation week to put their name out there BEFORE the stereotypes begin forming?

I'd check your campus recruitment rules before doing anything. The last thing a struggling chapter needs is rush infractions! A good way to get your name out there is to have all of your members wear their letters and hang out where freshmen may be. These members should take care to look clean and presentable and should be VERY polite and pleasant. No body can really speak with freshmen directly, but making it look like your letters are all over campus could help you get your chapter's foot through the door so to speak.

Does your campus have an organized freshman dorm move in?

We've had our girls wear lettered shirts and help girls move into the freshman girls dorm. If your housing and Panhellenic allows it (and depending when your rush is!), maybe that's something you can look into.

[groovypq]

I guess it would help to mention that this campus does informal recruitment in the fall (no freshmen allowed) and formal in the spring. What I'm looking for is just some small things to do so that the freshmen start thinking "oh, the JKLs are such nice/fun/sweet/cool girls!" and generate goodwill and positive feelings to hopefully roll through to formal recruitment.

[nate2512]

Originally Posted by groovypq

I guess it would help to mention that this campus does informal recruitment in the fall (no freshmen allowed) and formal in the spring. What I'm looking for is just some small things to do so that the freshmen start thinking "oh, the JKLs are such nice/fun/sweet/cool girls!" and generate goodwill and positive feelings to hopefully roll through to formal recruitment.

Don't whore around, don't be the chapter drunk at every fraternity party, and don't be stuck up.

[AlphaXi_Husky]

Originally Posted by groovypq

I guess it would help to mention that this campus does informal recruitment in the fall (no freshmen allowed) and formal in the spring. What I'm looking for is just some small things to do so that the freshmen start thinking "oh, the JKLs are such nice/fun/sweet/cool girls!" and generate goodwill and positive feelings to hopefully roll through to formal recruitment.

I think a big aspect of this is creating your own positive PR. Participate in campus and greek activities, get (or keep) a high GPA, and make sure people on campus know about the things you're doing - it can't hurt to befriend someone on the school newspaper and let them know what great things your chapter is doing. Or even the city newspaper or tv station if it's a big deal.

Of course the key to this is getting members who want to generate this PR and are willing to do the work. That can be another issue entirely.

[gee_ess]

Roll out in huge numbers for EVERYTHING. This makes it look like it is fun to be an XYZ and that it would be great to be one!

[nate2512]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

Roll out in huge numbers for EVERYTHING. This makes it look like it is fun to be an XYZ and that it would be great to be one!

If they don't have numbers, would not that be very hard to do?

[Fleur de Lis]

Originally Posted by nate2512

If they don't have numbers, would not that be very hard to do?

If the whole chapter shows up at events, it will look like there are more of them than the largest chapter that shows up with a fraction of their sisters.

Also, make sure to work on your internal PR. Freshman will notice if you have a great sisterhood and seem close when you're out and about.