What is the rationale for recruiting a "type"?

[33girl]

This question is offensive on multiple levels. The OP's chapter would never do such a thing, of course.

[TriDeltaSallie]

Originally Posted by 33girl

This question is offensive on multiple levels. The OP's chapter would never do such a thing, of course.

Why is it offensive? The topic of chapter "types" comes up in just about every lengthy recruitment story we get.

And my chapter was never in the position to be selective enough to only go after certain types. When your goal is simply to approach something even close to quota, you aren't thinking about establishing your chapter as a certain type on campus.

[Greek_or_Geek?]

Originally Posted by TriDeltaSallie

And my chapter was never in the position to be selective enough to only go after certain types. When your goal is simply to approach something even close to quota, you aren't thinking about establishing your chapter as a certain type on campus.

That explains a lot about your perspective. It's easy to dismiss other chapters as shallow for their choices when you're not in a position to have choices.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by TriDeltaSallie

And my chapter was never in the position to be selective enough to only go after certain types. When your goal is simply to approach something even close to quota, you aren't thinking about establishing your chapter as a certain type on campus.

If your chapter truly thought it was not in a position to be selective, then it's not our fault that your chapter followed stupid advice.

Even if you are 50% under total, even if you have to pray every night that girls will sign bids with you and/or not drop out before initiation and/or self terminate, the day you stop being selective is the day you might as well give up and close your doors. No one wants that which everyone can get.

And I think you are way overestimating this generation, considering that Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton have careers.

[crescent&pearls]

Originally Posted by 33girl

This question is offensive on multiple levels.

I don't think it's offensive. I think attempting to recruit a certain "type" of new member is a trap that both competitive and non competitive chapters can fall into. It goes along with that mentality, and I know we've all heard this about some PNM or another that goes something like this" "well, she's just not *insert greek letters here* material." That always make me CRINGE.

When a chapter strays from recruiting members that meet their membership standards and either goes after or dismisses women that they think present a specific image, they are headed for trouble, IMO.

For example, if the chapter that wants to improve it's prestige standing on campus targets only women who are heavily involved in student government or prestigious campus orgs, your chapter might end up with a leadership vacuum of its own with too many women that are overly involved in other campus activities and therefore don't have the time or interest in making their sorority membership their top priority.

On the other hand, a less competitive chapter that doesn't work to attract some "bling" for their chapter, maybe thinking they should only pursue women who are "natural" or "down to earth" are probably not only selling themselves short, but missing out on some great PNMs who would be assets to the chapter and great sisters.

Bottom line, we've all got to work to create balance in our chapters and remember that the recruitment process is largely a leap of faith. The reality is that most PNMs could be happy and have a great experience in almost any chapter, if she meets the basic membership requirements and has the right attitude, and most chapters are diverse on all kinds of levels. Isn't one of the greatest things about sorority membership discovering the talents and qualities of your sisters that don't overtly come across in recruitment?