A "Nu" Story

[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.