How to improve our social reputation during recruitment?

[AXOrushadvisor]

Originally Posted by optimisticgreek

My chapter is considered the ugly, anti-social, weak one at my school. We do have shy girls but at the same time, a lots of fun and outgoing sisters. That reputation is very unfair.
Other sororities on campus emphasize on social aspect (fun but not trashy) but for my sorority, for some reasons, didn't talk about socials at all. This year is different. We are trying our best to prepare for recruitment and repair our negative image. We want to show the campus that we are cool girls to hang out with.
It's heartbreaking for me to see PNMs cry when they receive bids from us because they don't want to be associate with our chapter.
Please help me with tips/advices/ideas on how to showcase our social life during recruitment ?
How did you decor your "party/social" room during house tour ?
What topics did you talk about with PNMs ?
How did you make PNMs to want your chapter ?
I love my chapter and I want this recruitment to be a successful one.

optimistic greek

OK, you want to change your image on campus. If you want to show your social activities you can do that in many ways. Have pictures up that show your social activities. If you do a slide show have a section in there on social activities. Beware of going over board. Social activities are one aspect of sorority life.

Your decorations should be on par with what other Chapters on campus are doing. A good way to find this out is by asking people who have recently been through recruitment what other Chapters are doing. If your still doing "themes" pick things that are topical and things the PNM's will get. Be creative.

Conversation is huge during recruitment. Go through every day and list some topics your women can talk about. Day 1 and Day 3 conversations should look totally different. During Preference you should talk to these women about why they would be great members AND why you want them. Make them feel special. Think of things that make your Chapter unique like you could be President your sophomore year or other things that would be more difficult in another Chapter.

Making PNM's "want" your Chapter is by doing all the right things. Making changes is hard for a lot of Chapters in your situation (some people don't want to change and want the Chapter to stay as it is) To be competitive you have to look and feel like other houses on campus. Think about what an 18 year old HS freshman is doing the music, clothing, TV shows ect. Make sure that the items of clothing you are choosing are universally flattering on different body types. And that the clothing choices are similar to what other Chapters are doing. I worked with a Chapter one time that wanted to wear tuxedos when every one else on campus was in sun dresses- it was a bust.

I'm not sure why you feel your known as the "ugly" house on campus, but you could do a beauty day where you have someone come in and show you how to do make up, take care of your skin and body- it is a fun way to spend a recruitment practice. Then maybe the Chapter could do a sisterhood event of going and getting manis and pedis? You need to stress that the girls have good hygiene and look very put together for recruitment. Do dress checks so that your girls are not wearing clothing to tight or to big and that they are appropriately dressed each day.

I wish you the best of luck. You are in a difficult but not impossible situation.