The economy and greek life...

[lucgreek]

Originally Posted by kswetzig

This is going to be a big question that all Fraternities and Sororities will have to address in the near future. One thing to look at is asking hard questions like why are people dropping out, or why are they not joining? They claim that it is money, however if you really love and value something you will find a way to bring it into your life. No education is free, so how can we make the GREEK community seem like a steal of a deal! Where are your other groups at, and what do your members, or future members want? I do this all the time and write the answers out. It can be difficult at times; however it is needed for our groups to move forward. What are you doing to give to the members? Are they getting the personal development that we are all craving? Do we have positive leadership to keep people on their toes and proud to be part of ABC group at Z campus? Maybe keeping members around is doing something so simple such setting a goal to compliment 5 of your members a day. I feel that should be a requirement for all Chapter Presidents! Hope this helps.
~KYLE~

Try telling John Q. Greek that he doesn't really love his organization by not being able to shell out over $700 in dues when his parents were laid off and are now facing foreclosure. Yeah, he really doesn't love his fraternity enough

Yeah, compliment him once a day, let's see if that solves his financial situation. This reminds me of the Donnie Darko lifeline exercise.

[JeniPhi]

Originally Posted by lucgreek

Try telling John Q. Greek that he doesn't really love his organization by not being able to shell out over $700 in dues when his parents were laid off and are now facing foreclosure. Yeah, he really doesn't love his fraternity enough

Yeah, compliment him once a day, let's see if that solves his financial situation. This reminds me of the Donnie Darko lifeline exercise.

First, not allowing people to leave for financial reasons is going to put you in a downward spiral where you will have many people quitting. This is a financial crisis that none of the members on the forum has EVER dealt with while they were in school (they should have a little more sympathy). First and foremost, everyone is at school to be in school. If their parents can no longer help them pay (and you'll know if its legit or just poor budgeting), then work out a deal with them and set them up on a payment plan to finish their outstanding bills while they are one a 1-yr probation or something.

If the girl is worth it, go to your scholarship committee and see if scholarships for dues can be given to any girls in hardship situations with grades above a certain cutoff. Ask your local alumni chapters if they can support in this way as well.

Finally, cut the budget as others have said and opt for more 'sisterhood' as opposed to big-budget events. You do need to watch it, because if the support and benefits outweigh living in a cheaper situation, you will ruin any advantages over cheaper housing.