In Need of Recruitment Advice (trying to save my chapter!)

[AnchorAlumna]

My own chapter was in your situation and I've seen others. Usually the chapter by that point has insurmountable odds and closes.
The ONLY chapter I've ever seen turn it around was one at a very small college then associated with the Southern Baptist church. The chapter had fewer than 20 members and half of them were graduating.
It wasn't the sorority members, nor the sorority regional and national/international leaders (who were trying to save a neighboring chapter at a bigger school) that did it.
It came down the the Greek advisor, a wonderful lady who was not a member of any Greek org. She decided that the chapter would not close. After the usual recruitment in the winter, she determined that the chapter would holds its own recruitment after the formal recruitment was done.
First, she ordered all the sororities and fraternities to quit saying nasty things about the flailing chapter. Every sorority and fraternity member plastered their backpack with buttons supporting the chapter. They learned lots of about the sorority. Freshmen women were encouraged to sign up for the recruitment parties.
I think about 100 signed up. Three rounds of parties, I think, were held, and sorority sorority members helped our original members talk to the PNMs. Invitations were issued and the chapter pledged somewhere around 50 new members.
Believe it or not, attrition was very low and the chapter is thriving today, 20+ years later.

[TieDyeCloud]

ahh thats really hard to hear but thank you for sharing. My hope is that even though we've had a tough time with COR, we learned from some of our mistakes last year and we will be able to have a good primary recruitment year since it's during primary recruitment that PNM's don't necessarily have preconceived notions about the chapters on campus.

[carnation]

Are you in Alabama? Seems like girls from other states wouldn't care and if they believe everything that's thrown out in that documentary, they're the kind of girl you wouldn't want anyway.

[TieDyeCloud]

I’m not from Alabama, my school’s Greek system is actually so so different from Alabama/other state schools, but I don’t think many PNM’s realize that which is why they’re so hesitant to sign up for recruitment.

[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

My own chapter was in your situation and I've seen others. Usually the chapter by that point has insurmountable odds and closes.

The ONLY chapter I've ever seen turn it around was one at a very small college then associated with the Southern Baptist church. The chapter had fewer than 20 members and half of them were graduating.

It wasn't the sorority members, nor the sorority regional and national/international leaders (who were trying to save a neighboring chapter at a bigger school) that did it.

It came down the the Greek advisor, a wonderful lady who was not a member of any Greek org. She decided that the chapter would not close. After the usual recruitment in the winter, she determined that the chapter would holds its own recruitment after the formal recruitment was done.

First, she ordered all the sororities and fraternities to quit saying nasty things about the flailing chapter. Every sorority and fraternity member plastered their backpack with buttons supporting the chapter. They learned lots of about the sorority.

Freshmen women were encouraged to sign up for the recruitment parties.
I think about 100 signed up. Three rounds of parties, I think, were held, and sorority sorority members helped our original members talk to the PNMs. Invitations were issued and the chapter pledged somewhere around 50 new members.
Believe it or not, attrition was very low and the chapter is thriving today, 20+ years later.

AnchorAlumna: That true story appeared in at least one NPC (inter)national magazine. It was heartening to read how initiates from the Strong Chapters acted as Recruiters to PMNs DURING the Special Recruitment by and for the Weaker Chapter. Such beautiful Panhellenic Spirit!

TyeDyeCloud: try not to take the Bama Drama program as any type of panhellenic gospel. Most media producers are required to get as many eyes as possible viewing their event, and are not shy in the use strong psychological tactics (including fear) while telling their side of a story.

That said, it seems rather late in the school year to just now be attempting to pull together a plan for your weak chapter. Having a pessimistic VP Recruitment doesn't help.

Through my long career as an NPC initiate, weak chapters that continue to improve year-upon-year may still suddenly incur a vote to have their charter dissolved. Improved but not perfect recruitment numbers, better chapter gpa's, better participation in mandatory chapter activities...yes, all those improvements can STILL result in a chapter's closure.

From your OP it appears your chapter's been doing what it can, and must, do to turn any corners your HQ demands. Please know your continued efforts as a Chapter Leader may not be enough.

Have the courage to perform at your very best for your chapter this Fall. You can't worry about low pnm attendance numbers if you're recruiting their socks off and bidding an enthusiastic quota plus. HQ oughtn't close your chapter from lack of funding when each chapter member makes timely payments.

You mention everyone knows everyone on your small campus, so figure out a way to use that to your advantage.

Their are so many additional pluses you can use to be more positive and encouraged, not just as a chapter member/leader but in any phase of living.

You have to LIVE IT if you truly want it. Know WHAT you want, then do EVERYTHING needed to GET what you want.

If you fail, and your chapter is closed, you will then still know you did your very best.