Why/how label yourself as a "local" sorority

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by xikappaphi

Nothing is wrong the the sororites on campus, they are all really great ladies and have great ideals and morals and who do great things through philanthropy. But, one of the main things about our group of ladies is that we are all taking out loans for school and can't afford to pay to go through recruitment/pay dues/buy shirts/things for bigs/littles....we want to create a sorority that focuses more on sisterhood rather than socials/paraphonalia.

My sister is in a sorority and has had to pay thousands for her sorority, and I just can't afford that.

But thank for for clarifying what a local exactly is -- would we still need to consider liability though if we decide to wear letters?

Our sororities are not based on buying lettered items and social events.

90% of the money that members pay goes back into helping run the national organization as well as the chapter.

Letters, gifts, etc. are all things that members purchase on their own as extras.

Running/founding a sorority costs some money. I am usnure how you could effectively run an organization without requiring at least SOME financial contribution (dues) from members.

Example: Liability insurance is definitely not free.

[xikappaphi]

Yes, you're right about that. We are going to have some sort of dues to collect, but they are going to be minimal as possible. We are also planning on having a concert or a fundraiser to help us get on our feet financially. Like I said, money is one of our main set-backs. I guess until we can get enough money we will just continue to establish ourselves as much as possible.

[kddani]

Originally Posted by xikappaphi

Yes, you're right about that. We are going to have some sort of dues to collect, but they are going to be minimal as possible. We are also planning on having a concert or a fundraiser to help us get on our feet financially. Like I said, money is one of our main set-backs. I guess until we can get enough money we will just continue to establish ourselves as much as possible.

Concerts and many fundraisers take some capital to get going. Sororities don't happen magically, there's a lot of time and money that go into things that you never even realize. It's not at easy as just getting some friends together and saying hey, let's start a sorority! Any sorority (or any group) that's going to last needs to invest capital in itself.

If you truly want to start a sorority, you need to do your research as to what kinds of things go into it.

[33girl]

Quite frankly, if you want to eschew some of the things that make sororities fun - socials, the occasional sweatshirt - you're going to have a hard time getting women who are interested in a sorority interested in you. And the last thing you want is to become is "the wannabe sorority for lame chicks that can't afford a real sorority."

If you are at the sort of school where no one who has loans is in a sorority, well, for better or worse, it is what it is. But I think if you delved into it more deeply you'd be VERY surprised at the financial statuses of some sorority members.

[xxstardust]

In terms of financial aid/loans - I can understand where you're coming from, in that I'm on a scholarship and loans myself. I've got over 50k in student loans as a junior and I have 2 years left! I don't get any help from my family financially, either. However, being in a sorority is a priority for me so I've been saving up from summer jobs, jobs during the year, etc. Even putting $20 a week (what would otherwise be your party money!) away adds up quicker then you'd imagine.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by 33girl

If you are at the sort of school where no one who has loans is in a sorority, well, for better or worse, it is what it is. But I think if you delved into it more deeply you'd be VERY surprised at the financial statuses of some sorority members.

Yes.

At most schools, you can find sorority members who work and have student loans. I doubt that every single sorority member at your school is in such a position that they don't have loans or jobs.

Just being "sorority for girls who can't afford the higher cost organizations" is not going to be enough to gain student's interest and keep it. The cost may spark some initial interest, but there has to be more to it to get girls to commit.

[OPhiAGinger]

I think what the OP is saying is that the national sororities on her campus have a high financial commitment that is, essentially, a barrier to entry to some potential members. All she is saying is that she wants the sisterhood that a sorority offers but without that financial barrier to entry.

But you can definitely have those strong bonds of sisterhood at a lower cost. Just be aware that some of the things you can't afford (e.g., a chapter house) are things that build the most lasting and meaningful memories among the sisterhood. You'll just have to find another way to build those memories! It will be tricky and if you deliberately do without the fringe benefits that come from having a higher operating budget, you'll have to fight the perception on your campus that you are not a "real" sorority.

Best of luck.