Transfer/New Chapter

luckytobeaxid · #1 09-11-2013, 02:45 AM

Hello! I posted about transferring before but my questions different this time! I may become a part of my new school's chapter but I want to get to know the girls! So, I was wondering if any of you had suggestions on ways to get to know the girls with out being super awkward lol.. I feel like it's much easier getting to know a chapter as a new member rather then transferring in and trying to get to know them. Any suggestions on what to do would be helpful! Keep in mind I don't know any of the girls in this chapter except the president.. Thanks

Katmandu · #2 09-11-2013, 07:21 AM

I'm not sure what you mean by getting to know them as a new member, as opposed to transferring in....? No matter what you are getting to know them as a new member of their group. Many orgs have a process for that and sometimes it's not automatic.

We has a senior transfer my senior year. She introduced herself, shared a bit of her story, and then with the blessing of the exec council, simply showed up, showed up, showed up. She helped on committees, worked on homecoming, went out on Friday night with sisters and in general, took an interest in everything our chapter was doing. We enjoyed hearing about her chapter experience and it wasn't long before she simply became another sister. Not all transfer stories work out so well, but you have to put yourself out there and be proactive in meeting people.

justgo_withit · #3 09-11-2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katmandu

I'm not sure what you mean by getting to know them as a new member, as opposed to transferring in....? No matter what you are getting to know them as a new member of their group. Many orgs have a process for that and sometimes it's not automatic.

We has a senior transfer my senior year. She introduced herself, shared a bit of her story, and then with the blessing of the exec council, simply showed up, showed up, showed up. She helped on committees, worked on homecoming, went out on Friday night with sisters and in general, took an interest in everything our chapter was doing. We enjoyed hearing about her chapter experience and it wasn't long before she simply became another sister. Not all transfer stories work out so well, but you have to put yourself out there and be proactive in meeting people.

I believe she meant its almost easier for new members because everyone's in "make friends with the new girls" mode, you may get a different sister every week who is assigned to you, etc.

OP we are actually going through the exact same thing right now! My plan of attack is to show up to as much as I can, sit with sisters in class, and make a serious effort to remember names. It's definitely a little daunting!

AOII Angel · #4 09-11-2013, 09:47 AM

Many chapters have some type of information they give their NMs to help them get to know the initiated members/choose a big sis. You may ask them for that info (we used to have Panda Pages; I know of chapters that have Powerpoints now) to help you learn the members as well.

Nothing is better than face time. Just show up and be friendly. Sisters will want to know who you are. Go out with them. Do things. Be active. Make an effort. Yes, it will be more difficult than when everyone is fawning over you as a NM, but the fort is worth it.

AnchorAlumna · #5 09-11-2013, 11:20 AM

Wonder if you could ask to help with the new member class? That would put you in the middle of a lot of those activities.

Low D Flat · #6 09-11-2013, 11:24 AM

Lucky, this is really about being a transfer, as opposed to a transfer into a sorority. The burden is always on transfers to take on the responsibility of making friends. Whether you affiliate or not, making a new life for yourself for a transfer is all about walking up to strangers and asking them if you can sit with them, join their study group, whatever. It's the same thing inside or outside of a sorority.

luckytobeaxid · #7 09-12-2013, 06:56 PM

It's like what justgo_withit said, it seems harder to meet the actives versus new members especially when the President isn't very good about contacting me. Every time I try to get info from her about events she takes days to reply! I really want to affiliate with this chapter but it's proving difficult to get a hold of anyone!

IndianaSigKap · #8 09-12-2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckytobeaxid

It's like what justgo_withit said, it seems harder to meet the actives versus new members especially when the President isn't very good about contacting me. Every time I try to get info from her about events she takes days to reply! I really want to affiliate with this chapter but it's proving difficult to get a hold of anyone!

Are there any chapter members in your classes? Or in your dorm/apartment complex? Maybe if you meet some members in an outside setting, you won't have to rely on the president so much for dates and times.

lovespink88 · #9 09-12-2013, 07:12 PM

Check your PMs!

MaggieXi · #10 09-12-2013, 07:13 PM

Besides the president, can you reach out to the membership vp? It's the beginning of school and if they just went through recruitment, the president may be very busy. I would also approach sisters in classes or if you see them on campus. It might be awkward at first, but they probably would want to meet you too!

jenidallas · #11 09-12-2013, 07:53 PM

When I affiliated, I got included with the new member class on all their activities and communications. It was a great way to connect into a larger chapter and helped me meet a lot of people naturally. I was a sophomore so many of the women were close in age to me so that helped a lot!