Retreat...business/sisterhood

[PurdueBoiler]

Yea, there are a few things that really just need to be "fixed"

1. We are an informal house, so our pledge classes are always small...but last semester we recruited less than 5 girls(!!). Half our chapter will graduate in 2010 so we're kind of freaking out right now...so recruitment is a focus.

2. A lot of girls have been complaining about the lack of sisterhood, so I really want to bring us back to being the type of organization that we expected when we went through recruitment.

3. Because sisterhood is so bad, when we have social functions only about half (or less) of our chapter goes and, frankly, it embarassing.

Originally Posted by fantASTic

One way to help may be to have sisters break into small groups with executive board members as group leaders. This way, people get the opportunity to talk more and it's a little more personal. For big issues and motions, talk about that. You could also provide prompts to each small group (e.g. "How do you feel about the current location of our house?" or something like that requiring a direct answer).

What kind of business do you need to get done? Just get stuff changed?

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by PurdueBoiler

Yea, there are a few things that really just need to be "fixed"

1. We are an informal house, so our pledge classes are always small...but last semester we recruited less than 5 girls(!!). Half our chapter will graduate in 2010 so we're kind of freaking out right now...so recruitment is a focus.

2. A lot of girls have been complaining about the lack of sisterhood, so I really want to bring us back to being the type of organization that we expected when we went through recruitment.

3. Because sisterhood is so bad, when we have social functions only about half (or less) of our chapter goes and, frankly, it embarassing.

Welp, let's just say that your situation is not unique nor resigned to those who are still in college... LOL

You say you have some "team building exercises" for sisterhood. But how will anything related to business help that situation?

The reality is "commitment or value added" investment. If some of your membership does not see any benefit to their involvement, they hey, you are seeing the symptoms. You can even have them sign all the contracts you want, doesn't mean they will do it...

So, I am sure you have great benefits of membership and sisterliness. To make it happen collectively, then I would say, you need to learn how to do "strategic planning" efforts. Especially as it relates to recruiting (which is pretty much written in stone) and retention (which it seems like there is little standards revolving around that)...

There are cliques for a reason... Ending the cliques happens by knowing your documentation from your chapter, your school (Greek Life Office), advisors, and National HQ (assuming you are a NPC organization). There are ideas surrounding that concept...

[DreamfulSpirit]

I should also add about mine, with the committees, everyone was broken up randomly so you would get to work with a bunch of sisters who you may or may not know very well. So if you look at it...it kinda ties sisterhood and business together.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DreamfulSpirit

I should also add about mine, with the committees, everyone was broken up randomly so you would get to work with a bunch of sisters who you may or may not know very well. So if you look at it...it kinda ties sisterhood and business together.

Also to add, make sure you have a hierarchical structure in place. Who is to ALWAYS represent your chapter?

When you separate committees, the chair is the leader of that committee who report to the E-board and the President of the chapter... That should ALWAYS be done in the form of written reports given to the President, VP and Secretary for minutes addition.

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by PurdueBoiler

A lot of girls have been complaining about the lack of sisterhood, so I really want to bring us back to being the type of organization that we expected when we went through recruitment.

Recommend focusing your "business" on a shared understanding of what "sisterhood" means to your house, and what you expected when you went through recruitment. Then focus on 1-2 things that are a stretch, but which as a house you can accomplish in a semester. A shared sense of purpose toward something that you really want can go a long way.

[AlphaFrog]

Are people reluctant to give their opinion because they are afraid they will be criticized? How about doing an anonymous survey with the questions you need opinions on. That way, people won't be afraid to be criticized about a "dumb answer" or if there is something they need to get out that may not be what people want to hear, they can. These should only be read by the E-board, unless there's something that the whole chapter needs to hear - then it should be read and/or typed to eliminate the chance that someone will find out who wrote it.