Should I try to participate in colonization?

[maybepnm]

Do your homework about the sorority - know their philanthropy and mission statement. (should be on their web site).

Is there anything I should keep in mind when discussing information about the sorority I've found when doing my own research? My main concern is coming off as sort of "know-it-all"-ish...I don't want the alumnae and actives I meet to think I believe I know their organization better than they do, but I DO want to make sure they get the idea that I'm definitely interested.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by maybepnm

Is there anything I should keep in mind when discussing information about the sorority I've found when doing my own research? My main concern is coming off as sort of "know-it-all"-ish...I don't want the alumnae and actives I meet to think I believe I know their organization better than they do, but I DO want to make sure they get the idea that I'm definitely interested.

Do your research (and ask questions).

Example: Research the philanthropy. Know what it is and what they do. Say, "I understand that for your national philanthropy you support the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. What philanthropic events or fundraisers are generally held on different campuses in order to raise money or to donate time to this organization?"

Another example: Research scholarships. Say, "I know that the sorority offers scholarships to collegiate members, but I wanted to know what is included in the application process? And do chapters generally offer any scholarships, or have programs to help members excel in school?"

Show that you did your research AND seem interested and inquisitive. Inquire about the things that you don't know by using the things that you do.

[NutBrnHair]

Originally Posted by maybepnm

Is there anything I should keep in mind when discussing information about the sorority I've found when doing my own research? My main concern is coming off as sort of "know-it-all"-ish...I don't want the alumnae and actives I meet to think I believe I know their organization better than they do, but I DO want to make sure they get the idea that I'm definitely interested.

I think they will be pleased that you cared enough to find out some things about the organization.

Be natural. Use good eye contact. Firm handshake. Big smile.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

Firm handshake.

Yes, please. Wimpy handshakes went out with hoop skirts.

Definitely mention some things you like about the group on a national level, but don't go overboard...that will make you seem psycho and stalkery. I think if someone came in and knew my group's mission statement word for word I wouldn't be able to back away far enough. (Especially since all the NPC mission statements kind of sound the same.)

But the main thing is to stress what YOU can contribute and what would make YOU a great colony member.

[NutBrnHair]

11:02 a.m., 10-22-08

NutBrnHair & 33girl agree on something for the 2nd time.

[exlurker]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

11:02 a.m., 10-22-08
NutBrnHair & 33girl agree on something for the 2nd time.

Oh no! While that's not a sign explicitly mentioned in the "Little Apocalypse" section of Mark, it wouldn't hurt to check out the routes to nearby hills or mountains.

You just never know.

[nwADPi]

Originally Posted by maybepnm

Is there anything I should keep in mind when discussing information about the sorority I've found when doing my own research? My main concern is coming off as sort of "know-it-all"-ish...I don't want the alumnae and actives I meet to think I believe I know their organization better than they do, but I DO want to make sure they get the idea that I'm definitely interested.

Just don't come off as stalker-ish like others have said. We had a girl do that to us (about our specific chapter none the less) and it did creep us out a little. Just keep it to general things, like their philanthropy, and you should be fine!

Good luck and keep us updated!

[KSUViolet06]

There are a couple girls around GC who just went through colony recruitment at Illinois (red10 & lovespink88) maybe they have some advice for you.