The economy and greek life...

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Don't fret about that just yet. That happens every year at my Florida school so it's normal for us, then you have the last minute rush to sign up for recruitment and we extend the deadline and STILL have people rolling up on the last minute (and even on the day of because of their own stupidity but by then it's too late since the deadline has WAY passed). The economy is probably just encouraging similar experiences at some of the "smaller" Greek Life schools. It will not be TOO bad.

[JohnnyCash]

Originally Posted by BabyPiNK_FL

Don't fret about that just yet. That happens every year at my Florida school so it's normal for us, then you have the last minute rush to sign up for recruitment and we extend the deadline and STILL have people rolling up on the last minute (and even on the day of because of their own stupidity but by then it's too late since the deadline has WAY passed). The economy is probably just encouraging similar experiences at some of the "smaller" Greek Life schools. It will not be TOO bad.

That's mostly because people are lazy as shit and always wait until the last minute to do anything though.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCash

That's mostly because people are lazy as shit and always wait until the last minute to do anything though.

What sucks about that is that it doesn't say much about the potential membership. I hate how people are always like "I really want to rush!" Well-step 1 is signing up, registration has been open since May and you haven't even done that! You'll really make a great sister

[AXiDTrish]

We offer early pay discounts. For example, if they pay their full semester dues before school starts, they get a $25 discount. If they pay within 2 weeks of school starting they get $20 off, and that dwindles down to no discount by $5 each week. Our dues are much less than $2000, so you would have to make it comparable. The great thing is most of the chapter does this and we begin fall with our full budget and the girls are happy because they saved some money. We have the same option for spring, but the fewer girls pay ahead.

I also always tell the chapter in the last meeting before summer that they can pay their dues over the summer. This is usually news to new members and they like the option. You would be surprised at the number of girls who take us up on that.

[AXiDTrish]

Oh and there are ALWAYS parts of the budget that aren't used....re-evaluating the budget is a must every year. I would also look for more low cost/free sisterhood events. It's true, the high dollar events are fun, but they aren't the most memorable. The timesjust hanging out are the ones I remember 10 years later.

Movie Nights
Sisterhood Ice Cream Social or trips to Brewsters out of your own pocket.
$1 Bowling at the local lanes
Cook out with fraternities at the fee state park - they bring the dogs (and grill) you bring the chips. Build in some games. Trust me, it's fun.

You need to be creative and think outside the box a little