The economy and greek life...

[kddani]

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~

People who say this kind of crap are the people whose mommy and daddy footed the bill for everything and never actually HAD to work a job.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by kddani

People who say this kind of crap are the people whose mommy and daddy footed the bill for everything and never actually HAD to work a job.

Yep. Danielle, this sounds like that guy from Campuspeak who basically said anyone who quits because of money doesn't love their GLO and is a lameoid who you're better off getting rid of.

The girl who buys Prada bags instead of paying dues = probably doesn't love her GLO. The girl who has to go home every weekend and work, in addition to her on campus job, just to pay tuition because her family is strugging so much = probably does love her sorority and is in the unfortunate position of getting booted simply because there isn't enough $$ for everything.

I do agree with Jeni's suggestion of asking alumni for help. There are probably alums out there who would much sooner pay the dues for a deserving member of their home chapter rather than send it off to the national foundation.

[groovypq]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I do agree with Jeni's suggestion of asking alumni for help. There are probably alums out there who would much sooner pay the dues for a deserving member of their home chapter rather than send it off to the national foundation.

My chapter used to do this, but were told last winter that they are not allowed to. We're facing the problem of sisters deactivating because they are unable to pay dues (lost one already this summer, possibly two) and also PNMs deciding not to go through recruitment or COB because they already know they can't pay dues. I'm not sure what advice to give them...

[33girl]

Originally Posted by groovypq

My chapter used to do this, but were told last winter that they are not allowed to. We're facing the problem of sisters deactivating because they are unable to pay dues (lost one already this summer, possibly two) and also PNMs deciding not to go through recruitment or COB because they already know they can't pay dues. I'm not sure what advice to give them...

If Annie Alum wants to write a check out to Ashley Active (rather than XYZ) because she's heard that Ashley Active is a kick-butt sister but doesn't have two dimes to rub together, that's Annie's business.

You can't have alum fundraisers and use that for dues, but if an alumna wants to write a check directly to your landlord for rent, or to the party store for rush decorations, there's really nothing you can do to prevent her from doing so. Alums making these sorts of donations may enable you to reduce your local dues.

[groovypq]

Originally Posted by 33girl

If Annie Alum wants to write a check out to Ashley Active (rather than XYZ) because she's heard that Ashley Active is a kick-butt sister but doesn't have two dimes to rub together, that's Annie's business.

See, that was what I thought. If an alumna wants to help a collegian, what's so wrong with that? Isn't that sisterhood? (although I'm not saying I expect alumnae to help collegians, but if they're willing and able to, I think that's a generous and sisterly action.)

But they were told not to solicit alumnae for donations. When collegians were struggling, they could put a (subtle) mention in our alumnae newsletter, and often did receive help. They were told they couldn't do that anymore.

You've sort of given me an idea though...

[33girl]

I can understand that your HQ would not want alums to be solicited for donations thru the newsletter, because some alums might confuse the chapter and national fundraising efforts. Not only that, there might be some alums who would be offended by it. "I paid my dues with no help, why don't these young slackers do the same?" (Never mind that she paid her dues when Eisenhower was in office.)

Just keep it on the grapevine.

[crescent&pearls]

I just read in the Orange County register that UC Irvine has 500 empty dorm beds this fall, with a dorm for 1000 or so under construction.
The university is citing the economy as the reason for soft demand for student housing, as more students choose to live at home and commute.

Interesting. How has the economy affected your campus' enrollment or housing situation?

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by groovypq

My chapter used to do this, but were told last winter that they are not allowed to. We're facing the problem of sisters deactivating because they are unable to pay dues (lost one already this summer, possibly two) and also PNMs deciding not to go through recruitment or COB because they already know they can't pay dues. I'm not sure what advice to give them...

Maybe it would be worth it to go through the budget and see if all of the extra social activities are needed, and to change to less expensive events than what might be planned. Or maybe alumnae can donate money for an event, such as for food or the cost of renting a space for formal. Lots of chapters have less money but have a great experience by doing more with less. I've also seen on some campuses that a group can raise money by selling concessions or renting parking spaces (if they have a home) out during campus events.