A "Nu" Story

[misscherrypie]

We have the assistance of advice and encouragement from my big and one other Beta Sigma Phi....otherwise, it's just us. Most of the time, it feels like we're flying blind and playing everything by ear....which is no way to charter a chapter, I'll admit.

The fact that Beta Sigma Phi International offers almost no guidance to those charting new chapters, other than sending the needed documents to fill out and send back to international is something that I know annoys the snot out of Beta Sigma Phi members in general. It's a major gripe among us Beta Sigma Phis across the planet and one that I personally think that International ignores.

The major reason why there are so few collegiate Beta Sigma Phi chapters is spelled out in this thread: No guidance, no set process to recruit younger members (International suggests that we invite women with which we are already familiar to a two event and things go in from there.) and while international is helpful in some ways....in many ways, they need to make changes....and while I've read thread after thread of my fellow sisters contacting International and offering their assistance in different ways....they are always rebuffed.

(End of vent)

So, basically....I can understand the confusion. It's a wonder that we aren't all confused ourselves here in Nevada Nu....because there have been more than enough instances of "What are we supposed to do now???" In the last two weeks. We've found ways to deal...but the utter lack of supportive guidance from our International has been a detriment.

[adpiucf]

Might I suggest befriending a faculty member and inviting her to become an adviser? Someone older and wiser to run things by? Even if there is no firm national guidance, sometimes it helps to have someone in such a role.

[erica812]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

We have the assistance of advice and encouragement from my big and one other Beta Sigma Phi....otherwise, it's just us. Most of the time, it feels like we're flying blind and playing everything by ear....which is no way to charter a chapter, I'll admit.

The fact that Beta Sigma Phi International offers almost no guidance to those charting new chapters, other than sending the needed documents to fill out and send back to international is something that I know annoys the snot out of Beta Sigma Phi members in general. It's a major gripe among us Beta Sigma Phis across the planet and one that I personally think that International ignores.

The major reason why there are so few collegiate Beta Sigma Phi chapters is spelled out in this thread: No guidance, no set process to recruit younger members (International suggests that we invite women with which we are already familiar to a two event and things go in from there.) and while international is helpful in some ways....in many ways, they need to make changes....and while I've read thread after thread of my fellow sisters contacting International and offering their assistance in different ways....they are always rebuffed.

(End of vent)

So, basically....I can understand the confusion. It's a wonder that we aren't all confused ourselves here in Nevada Nu....because there have been more than enough instances of "What are we supposed to do now???" In the last two weeks. We've found ways to deal...but the utter lack of supportive guidance from our International has been a detriment.

I have to jump in here to clarify for non-members and maybe to help misscherrypie just a bit. I have participated in two Friendly Ventures, and International is actually quite supportive. They are "experts" in the kind of BSP chapters that USUALLY exist. Typical BSP chapters are 10-20 women meeting in a member's home or at a restaurant over coffee. They meet one or two times per month (depending if they are following the traditional or career format). They are NOT collegiate chapters. They do not operate like NPC chapters at all. Misscherrypie is right in saying that chapters are fairly autonomous. This has positives and negatives, but simply put, misscherrypie and other collegiate BSP chapters are basically molding their chapters as they wish. BSP allows for this as long as you are upholding tyour financial obligations, maintaining the values set forth in our rituals, and holding the required number of educational programs each year. You must also submit your meeting minutes to International. Otherwise, Nevada Nu and any other BSP chapter can operate as they choose. If misscherrypie feels like she is flying by the seat of her pants a bit, it's because she is treading new ground. There are very few collegiate BSP chapters, so it is completely expected for her to have to do new things. From what I've seen, I believe she is enjoying that aspect of the process!

International has designed a very simple, clearly-presented system for chartering new chapters--a process that we call Friendly Venturing. A Friendly Venture was designed to be a project organized by an existing chapter or a member-at-large who has moved to a new community. In the case where an existing chapter is nearby the Extension Officer and usually an extension committee would walk along side the new chapter until it is on its feet, usually about 6 months which is the length of Beta SIgma Phi's pledge period. The new chapter can select an Advisor from the chapter that is began the Friendly Venture. If a member-at-large Friendly Ventures, she is already experienced in the workings of the sorority, so she knows how to set up and operate a chapter.

Only recently has International allowed non-members to Friendly Venture. That was me 10 years ago!! It was a very exciting ride for me. A few months into the process, I joined an online chapter of BSP, and I learned a lot from the women in that chapter as I helped my new chapter thrive. Some of them had been members for over 40 years! I also connected with two chapters in my area, and they conducted our Ritual of Jewels after the 6 month pledge period. AngelPhiSig and I have made ourselves available to misscherrypie to help her have a successful experience.


As the founder of a new Friendly Venture, misscherrypie will receive everything she needs to complete the chartering process. Our two texts, The Book of Beta Sigma Phi and The Invitation to Life outline every aspect of chapter operation. But if misscherrypie just submitted her paperwork, she hasn't received those books yet. They include the rituals, all aspects of running a meeting and conducting pledge training.

Misscherrypie, I know what you mean about International's reaction to the suggestions of members, but I'm not sure "rebuffed" is quite the right word. As one of the sisters who has approached International on these issues, I have always found them to be amazingly friendly and passionate about the sorority. They are actually extremely prompt with e-mail and phone calls. They aren't always in touch with the needs of younger women, but I do believe that there is a true desire to expand in that way.

I, for one, am extremely proud of the progress you are making! Just remind yourself, this is not a collegiate sorority FOR A REASON. It was never meant to be. BSP can operate on a college campus, but it is not meant to be the same as your fellow Greeks on campus.

Hope this helps!

[adpiucf]

Maybe you can reach out to another collegiate chapter of your organization for support. Start a buddy/pen pal system where they can help mentor you and you can rely on one another to bounce ideas, try new things, get feedback on what may/not work, etc.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by erica812

I have to jump in here to clarify for non-members and maybe to help misscherrypie just a bit. I have participated in two Friendly Ventures, and International is actually quite supportive. They are "experts" in the kind of BSP chapters that USUALLY exist. Typical BSP chapters are 10-20 women meeting in a member's home or at a restaurant over coffee. They meet one or two times per month (depending if they are following the traditional or career format). They are NOT collegiate chapters. They do not operate like NPC chapters at all. Misscherrypie is right in saying that chapters are fairly autonomous. This has positives and negatives, but simply put, misscherrypie and other collegiate BSP chapters are basically molding their chapters as they wish. BSP allows for this as long as you are upholding tyour financial obligations, maintaining the values set forth in our rituals, and holding the required number of educational programs each year. You must also submit your meeting minutes to International. Otherwise, Nevada Nu and any other BSP chapter can operate as they choose. If misscherrypie feels like she is flying by the seat of her pants a bit, it's because she is treading new ground. There are very few collegiate BSP chapters, so it is completely expected for her to have to do new things. From what I've seen, I believe she is enjoying that aspect of the process!

International has designed a very simple, clearly-presented system for chartering new chapters--a process that we call Friendly Venturing. A Friendly Venture was designed to be a project organized by an existing chapter or a member-at-large who has moved to a new community. In the case where an existing chapter is nearby the Extension Officer and usually an extension committee would walk along side the new chapter until it is on its feet, usually about 6 months which is the length of Beta SIgma Phi's pledge period. The new chapter can select an Advisor from the chapter that is began the Friendly Venture. If a member-at-large Friendly Ventures, she is already experienced in the workings of the sorority, so she knows how to set up and operate a chapter.

Only recently has International allowed non-members to Friendly Venture. That was me 10 years ago!! It was a very exciting ride for me. A few months into the process, I joined an online chapter of BSP, and I learned a lot from the women in that chapter as I helped my new chapter thrive. Some of them had been members for over 40 years! I also connected with two chapters in my area, and they conducted our Ritual of Jewels after the 6 month pledge period. AngelPhiSig and I have made ourselves available to misscherrypie to help her have a successful experience.


As the founder of a new Friendly Venture, misscherrypie will receive everything she needs to complete the chartering process. Our two texts, The Book of Beta Sigma Phi and The Invitation to Life outline every aspect of chapter operation. But if misscherrypie just submitted her paperwork, she hasn't received those books yet. They include the rituals, all aspects of running a meeting and conducting pledge training.

Misscherrypie, I know what you mean about International's reaction to the suggestions of members, but I'm not sure "rebuffed" is quite the right word. As one of the sisters who has approached International on these issues, I have always found them to be amazingly friendly and passionate about the sorority. They are actually extremely prompt with e-mail and phone calls. They aren't always in touch with the needs of younger women, but I do believe that there is a true desire to expand in that way.

I, for one, am extremely proud of the progress you are making! Just remind yourself, this is not a collegiate sorority FOR A REASON. It was never meant to be. BSP can operate on a college campus, but it is not meant to be the same as your fellow Greeks on campus.

Hope this helps!

To be honest, from following misscherrypie's efforts, I think there are some disconnects.

1. Since she had an unsuccessful NPC recruitment, but still wants a sisterhood, I feel that she may be trying to make BSP fit the mold of NPC.

2. From what you said erica812, there does not seem to be a structure in place by BSP to have someone come to a FV chapter and help the chapter get started. I think that is what Nevada Nu needs - someone from BSP to physically be there or available to help them navigate their way.

[erica812]

I definitely hear what you are saying, sigmadiva. I've been following misscherrypie's story from the beginning.

On your first point:

It's not wrong for misscherrypie to follow an NPC-esque model. She just isn't going to get that kind of support from International because Beta Sigma Phi isn't built that way. I don't have a problem with Nevada Nu joining in with the Greeks on campus as long as they maintain our ritual and the other requirements. In fact, from what I've seen "behind the scenes" in my communications with misscherrypie, she is doing a fantastic job of being a positive supporter of all Greeks on her campus. She is keeping her soon-to-be-sisters informed about philanthropy events and fundraisers. Her spirit is inspiring! I do sometimes worry that she might be disappointed with BSP because she isn't going to find pointers on big-little ceremonies or pref night in her materials from International. What she will get is a book of beautiful rituals, ideas for Secret Sister traditions, Woman of the Year pointers, and thoughts on celebrating the annual Valentine Sweetheart. THESE things are Beta Sigma Phi through and through! And I believe that Nevada Nu will come to love these things even if they aren't like most collegiate sororities.

On your second point:

You are right. Nevada Nu would need to reach out to an area chapter to have a person physically present to support them. The process designed by International does not automatically provide face-to-face guidance. However, every chapter is assigned to a division, and each division has a Division Chairman. The Chairman is an excellent support person. I have had nothing but great experiences with mine. She would be more than happy to help misscherrypie by phone and e-mail.

Truly, the Friendly Venture process and BSP chapter operations are so straightforward than anyone with a bit of leadership experience can handle it. The hard part is gathering enough members to charter, and it looks like misscherrypie is well on her way!

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by erica812

I definitely hear what you are saying, sigmadiva. I've been following misscherrypie's story from the beginning.

On your first point:

It's not wrong for misscherrypie to follow an NPC-esque model. She just isn't going to get that kind of support from International because Beta Sigma Phi isn't built that way. I don't have a problem with Nevada Nu joining in with the Greeks on campus as long as they maintain our ritual and the other requirements. In fact, from what I've seen "behind the scenes" in my communications with misscherrypie, she is doing a fantastic job of being a positive supporter of all Greeks on her campus. She is keeping her soon-to-be-sisters informed about philanthropy events and fundraisers. Her spirit is inspiring! I do sometimes worry that she might be disappointed with BSP because she isn't going to find pointers on big-little ceremonies or pref night in her materials from International. What she will get is a book of beautiful rituals, ideas for Secret Sister traditions, Woman of the Year pointers, and thoughts on celebrating the annual Valentine Sweetheart. THESE things are Beta Sigma Phi through and through! And I believe that Nevada Nu will come to love these things even if they aren't like most collegiate sororities.

And I think this may be the source of some of her frustration.

I want her to be successful too.

On your second point:

You are right. Nevada Nu would need to reach out to an area chapter to have a person physically present to support them. The process designed by International does not automatically provide face-to-face guidance. However, every chapter is assigned to a division, and each division has a Division Chairman. The Chairman is an excellent support person. I have had nothing but great experiences with mine. She would be more than happy to help misscherrypie by phone and e-mail.

I think if Nevada Nu had more physical assistance, then they would know how and what to do to specifically market BSP to the collegiate students. I am guessing that the reason so many bids were not accepted was because maybe some of the women realized BSP is not what they thought it might be (like a NPC org). But, if they (MCP and the female students) had a better understanding of what BSP is, then she may have had more to join.

Truly, the Friendly Venture process and BSP chapter operations are so straightforward than anyone with a bit of leadership experience can handle it. The hard part is gathering enough members to charter, and it looks like misscherrypie is well on her way!

True, but at some point everyone needs training about their org. That's why so many companies and schools have professional development training sessions for their employees. That employee may have leadership experience, but they will still need to be trained on the company structure and expectations.

Same is true for GLOs. I know that my GLO, SGR, is constantly offering leadership training. It is especially expected if you are planning on being an officer, or you are already an officer. Polices and procedures can change quickly to address the issues of RM, membership intake, and by-laws changes.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

I think if Nevada Nu had more physical assistance, then they would know how and what to do to specifically market BSP to the collegiate students. I am guessing that the reason so many bids were not accepted was because maybe some of the women realized BSP is not what they thought it might be (like a NPC org). But, if they (MCP and the female students) had a better understanding of what BSP is, then she may have had more to join.

I feel like there could be learnings from other groups, here. Probably not NPC, but what other service orgs exist at UNR?

[misscherrypie]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I feel like there could be learnings from other groups, here. Probably not NPC, but what other service orgs exist at UNR?

I remember that we have Circle K, which is national. Exclusive to this campus, there are (off the top of my head) Sisters on a Move, ABLE women, Student Ambassadors (which most of us are in now or were in before graduation.)

[erica812]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

And I think this may be the source of some of her frustration.

I want her to be successful too.



I think if Nevada Nu had more physical assistance, then they would know how and what to do to specifically market BSP to the collegiate students. I am guessing that the reason so many bids were not accepted was because maybe some of the women realized BSP is not what they thought it might be (like a NPC org). But, if they (MCP and the female students) had a better understanding of what BSP is, then she may have had more to join.



True, but at some point everyone needs training about their org. That's why so many companies and schools have professional development training sessions for their employees. That employee may have leadership experience, but they will still need to be trained on the company structure and expectations.

Same is true for GLOs. I know that my GLO, SGR, is constantly offering leadership training. It is especially expected if you are planning on being an officer, or you are already an officer. Polices and procedures can change quickly to address the issues of RM, membership intake, and by-laws changes.

Good points all around. The marketing of the sorority is a biggie. Beta Sigma Phi is probably a new concept for most college women these days. AND I like what you are saying about training. When I first joined BSP, there was a pledge training video series available for purchase from the Gift Shop. I bet a video series available online would be well received by our younger members.