Recs being dropped for PNMs?

[AnchorAlumna]

It's glaringly obvious when you get a rec from someone who doesn't know the candidate.
Check your Constitution or bylaws, wherever you have the rules for who is a candidate for membership and the process for joining. More than likely you'll find a requirement in there a girl is supposed to have a rec in hand before you issue a bid.
When I've worked with chapters that don't use recs, that little requirement has, in the distant past, been conveniently ignored and dropped out of use.
Used correctly, a recommendation can be a huge help in giving a chapter a preview of a candidate's personality and character. That insight, coupled with in-person meeting, helps the chapter determine if the candidate is a fit or not.
Otherwise, it's just checking off a box and a bunch of busywork.
In addition to helping the chapter, it involves the alumnae and makes them feel like their input is valued. That's really nice when you want to be involved but don't live close enough to a chapter or campus to help.
I've always thought the most valuable recs aren't the ones lauding the merits of a great student. The most valuable are those warning of a disaster ahead!