Need help organizing my sorority

[GammaDelt]

First of all, I am not being defensive. I, personally, agree with most of the things every one here has posted. I personally feel going dry would be a great idea; however, I am speaking on behalf of my sorority, and not myself, and I"m reflecting their voice. So, please, do not personally attack me. I take all posts to heart, and seriously contemplate them - please do not think I am disregarding anyone's statement.

Second, I feel this thread has strayed from the orginial purpose: how to help maintain my sorority and better organize it.

Originally Posted by GammaDelt

My sorority, Gamma Delta Pi, is a local, unrecognized sorority. All greek life was shut down in the 80s because two pledges died. We have a constitution and a pledge handbook, but other than that we're pretty unorganized. Meetings are a free for all, and nobody ever wants to stick to the traditions laid out in the constitution and pledgebook. We need a lot of help. Our numbers are dwindling, (we're down to 12) so we need better ideas for rush next year, all the seniors are leaving, so we're losing our house (they live in an apartment).
Any ideas on a) how to run meetings in a more organized way,
b) how to draw new members in without a house
c) how to have rush without a house
d) how to rewrite a constitution

Please help!

Now, can people please offer suggestions on those questions, and avoid telling me we need to consider going dry? Because I know we need to go dry. And please refrain from personally attacking me because I mean to offend no one.

[KSUViolet06]

Okay, well about drawing in new members:

*Do you have any new members/pledges right now? How many? Try asking them why they chose GDPi. Try giving them a survey asking them what they like about the sorority and the things they feel like the sorority is lacking and what needs to be improved. They are your BEST source of feedback about the sorority.

*Tell us what a semester in the life of a GDPi sister is like. What events do you have regularly? How often do you have meetings/socials/service activities?

[GammaDelt]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Okay, well about drawing in new members:

*Do you have any new members/pledges right now? How many? Try asking them why they chose GDPi. Try giving them a survey asking them what they like about the sorority and the things they feel like the sorority is lacking and what needs to be improved. They are your BEST source of feedback about the sorority.

*Tell us what a semester in the life of a GDPi sister is like. What events do you have regularly? How often do you have meetings/socials/service activities?

Well, for our Fall 2007 pledge class we initiated 8 girls. Then we initiated 2 pledges in the spring. So right now we have about 14 members, but we're losing 4 seniors, and a freshman because she's transferring.

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

*Tell us what a semester in the life of a GDPi sister is like. What events do you have regularly? How often do you have meetings/socials/service activities?

Let's see...we have meetings every Sunday. We have 2 frat parties during rush, then 1 to 2 more frat parties a semester. For service, how many events we have depends on what is available. This semester we had 3 service events - we attended Take Back the Night (a rally to raise awareness about domestic violence), we had a dinner to raise money for Tibetan women who are abused by their husbands, and we were supposed to have a tea party social at Longview home for the elderly, but that fell through because of difficulties communication between the service coordinator of GDPi and the social coordinator of Longview. We have lots of social events, too. We had sushi/Saki bombing night, had our pledge initiation dinner, had our senior picnic, and our traditional midnight at manos diner run so we can all be together one last time. All this in addition to the 4 rush events, and 4 frat parties. So basically, 6 events for Rush, 8 pledging events (which take place as an entire sorority, not just the pledge class), and 6-7 other events (service and socials).

[KSUViolet06]

*I'd suggest giving a survey to all of the newest initiates. Ask them to evaluate the pledging events, socials, and service projects, and provide suggestions for improvement.

*As far as planning, to avoid event plans "falling through"- get in contact with the places you're interested in doing service with at least a semester in advance. For example, if you want to do a service project at the local shelter in April, that needs to be planned at the end of FALL semester.

[OPhiAGinger]

Can you describe the structure of your rush events? How do PNMs hear about you, since you are not recognized? Where have you been having events? How formal are they? Do all PNMs come to all events, or do you selectively invite only the ones you are most interested in having as members?

And, another track, what are your requirements of your members once they are in?

[GammaDelt]

Originally Posted by OPhiAGinger

Can you describe the structure of your rush events? How do PNMs hear about you, since you are not recognized? Where have you been having events? How formal are they? Do all PNMs come to all events, or do you selectively invite only the ones you are most interested in having as members?

And, another track, what are your requirements of your members once they are in?

We advertise with flyers in all the dorm bathrooms on campus, and facebook events. anyone is welcome to come to any of the rush events - we keep these 6 open in case someone who is interested in pledging can't make it to some of them. Unfortunately, this allows for anyone to come to the events, which means we get alot of girls who just come for the alcohol. I am totally aware this is a good reason why our membership is down - alot of girls are driven away by the partiers that come to Rush, but most of my sisters are adamant about having alcohol - so any suggestions on how to avoid this would be great.
We structure our Rush over a period of 2 weeks, with 6 events, 3 events a week. Our events are generally just a social, like Cosmos and Sex and the City ( i know - we should not have alcohol at our rush events because it gives the wrong idea, but most of the sisters insist because they feel like no one will come if we don't have it.) Anyway, we have 2 wine and cheese meet and greets, two other events like cosmos and sex and the city, or champagne and charades, plus a frat party each week. This year, we had all our rush events in an apartment where 4 senior members lived. Our events are not too formal - their is a brief informational section in the beginning, and the rest if getting to know us. After Rush, we blackball/give bids, invite our bids to invitational where they fill our a questionnaire on why they want to join the sorority, and then we invite those girls who we feel want to pledge for the right reasons to Acceptance night. The pledging.

Unfortunately, as we're losing our house this year bc the seniors are graduating, we are running into a problem for rush. We are either going to try and co-rush with the (one) frat on campus, and if that doesn't work out, we're going to have off campus rush events like bowling. The co-rush with the frat could be a bad idea, though, because that's, again, drawing girls in may think our sorority is only about drinking.

[GammaDelt]

OphiAginger:
I'm not sure what you mean by requirements. could you be more specific?

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by GammaDelt

OphiAginger:
I'm not sure what you mean by requirements. could you be more specific?

I think she means what is required of the pledges in order to get initiated?

Also, what is required of ACTIVE sisters once they're initiated?

[KSUViolet06]

*Also, I would advise against the co-rushing with a fraternity. As you said, it will most likely draw in girls who will think that EVERY event in your sorority is about hanging out with _________ fraternity and drinking.

*Another important point, getting rid of alcohol at rush will help some, because you KNOW that girls aren't there for the booze and that they're genuinely interested in getting to know you guys.

[OPhiAGinger]

You said it yourself: providing alcohol at rush events motivates girls who aren't interested in GammaDelt to attend your events. And the presence of those party girls may deter the girls who you really want to attract. So you're paying good money to buy alcohol for people who may be driving away your real target demographic. Hmmm... Not a smart decision.

What's more, there is a HUGE risk management issue here. Assuming the majority of pnms are under the legal drinking age, you are breaking the law by serving them alcohol! If someone gets in an accident on the way home from a rush event where alcohol was served, every single one of your current active members could be sued for big bucks. Not only will this destroy the sorority, it would likely destroy yours lives on an individal basis. Go back to your sisters with that kind of cost benefit analysis, and there can only be one decision: drop the alcohol from rush. (I know you are already on board with this, but I'm giving you debate points to take back to your sisters so they can understand, too.)

I like the getting-to-know-you rush events you described. They sound like they really provide a great opportunity for the pnms to know the sisters and vice versa over an extended period of time. But one thing is missing: service. If this is central to your sorority's culture, you should incorporate it into the rush activities, too. So maybe you arrange to plant flowers at a local nursing home, or teach a Brownie troop how to make paper mache masks, or serve a meal at a soup kitchen. You do it as a group and you follow up with a casual dinner as a group. That sends a clear message about what is important to the sorority, and lets you see whether the pnms embrace that kind of thing. (Bonus -- you don't need a "house" for this kind of rush activity!)

For more social-based rush activities without a home base, you're on the right track by thinking of venues where you can all be together doing a common activity. Bowling is good. Ice skating or roller skating is also good. One of those paint-on pottery places would be fun for a group, but it can be pricey when you add up the cost of the materials for all the sisters and your pnm guests. If any of your sisters are in an apartment complex that has a clubhouse, you may be able to reserve that for little or no $$ and have a poker party or something similar.

KSUViolet06 was right in what I meant by requirements. What do your members need to do to ensure they remain in good status with the sorority? Are there clear expectations about meeting attendance, event participation, paying dues and meeting other financial obligations, etc? Do you ever have anyone drop out after they are initiated? If so, why do you think that is?

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by GammaDelt

We advertise with flyers in all the dorm bathrooms on campus, and facebook events. anyone is welcome to come to any of the rush events - we keep these 6 open in case someone who is interested in pledging can't make it to some of them. Unfortunately, this allows for anyone to come to the events, which means we get alot of girls who just come for the alcohol. I am totally aware this is a good reason why our membership is down - alot of girls are driven away by the partiers that come to Rush, but most of my sisters are adamant about having alcohol - so any suggestions on how to avoid this would be great.
We structure our Rush over a period of 2 weeks, with 6 events, 3 events a week. Our events are generally just a social, like Cosmos and Sex and the City ( i know - we should not have alcohol at our rush events because it gives the wrong idea, but most of the sisters insist because they feel like no one will come if we don't have it.) Anyway, we have 2 wine and cheese meet and greets, two other events like cosmos and sex and the city, or champagne and charades, plus a frat party each week. This year, we had all our rush events in an apartment where 4 senior members lived. Our events are not too formal - their is a brief informational section in the beginning, and the rest if getting to know us. After Rush, we blackball/give bids, invite our bids to invitational where they fill our a questionnaire on why they want to join the sorority, and then we invite those girls who we feel want to pledge for the right reasons to Acceptance night. The pledging.

Unfortunately, as we're losing our house this year bc the seniors are graduating, we are running into a problem for rush. We are either going to try and co-rush with the (one) frat on campus, and if that doesn't work out, we're going to have off campus rush events like bowling. The co-rush with the frat could be a bad idea, though, because that's, again, drawing girls in may think our sorority is only about drinking.

1. Alcohol at rush?

People keep telling you, and you keep saying that the sisters would not allow it, but you really have to take alcohol out of the equation. That alone might help you out.

If you need a good reason to go "dry", how about risk management issues? I am going to guess that you do not have insurance. If someone attends a group-sponsored "rush" event, they drink, and something happens, who is responsible?

2. Have at least one rush event on campus, if only to show that you are a "real" group. That is a great way to take alcohol out of the equation as well, bc you probably aren't allowed to bring alcohol to conference or class rooms. I know that I would be wary to go to an off-campus apartment... it's kind of isolating to do so. Plus, you run the risk of drunk driving going back and forth.

3. Events like "Sex and the City - I am guessing you watch the show during your event - don't allow for PNMs and sisters to get to know each other. Watching television doesn't really allow people to mingle. You can do informal events but you have to have some sort of structure in terms of keeping track of who came to which events, etc.

4. When you say "blackball", do you mean that you are not extending a bid, or does it mean something more? That term is pretty antiquated and very negative. How do you handle telling women that they are not invited to pledge?

5. Take the "frat" out of your events. If you are a sisterhood, then keep your recruitment events strictly women only. I cannot imagine being able to get to know sisters when the PNMs are probably more interested in hanging out with the men.

Lastly, I would try to be more open to the many suggestions people have shared. People here have been through recruitment on either side, and many here are very experienced. Some have been members of struggling chapters, others in very strong chapters. Why not benefit from others' experiences instead of shooting down their suggestions?

Best of luck.

[WannaB3]

Hello,

I am startng an interest group for a national organization that I'm hoping to bring to my school. I encountered some of the same issues with member retention because I had no membership process and jut let anyone who wanted to join. Now, I have a process that is 3-5 weeks long. It include, a social, a week of events that have to do with our organization's principles..we had our first event today which was the principle of Friendship..we had a Brunch by the pool, everyone brought food, and since it is Mom's day some ladies brought their mom. There was no alcohol and we had a good time just bonding and getting to know each other.

events later this week include a tour of a local historic district, a leadership development workshop, a time management workshop, group study hours, and a community service event. All alcohol and party free, BUT pnm's and members are still with each other learning about each other and pnm's see what it will take to be in the organization. Also it gives me time to evaluate the girls that say they want to join, I have already had 2 drop and that helps me know the process if working because I'm not asking anyone to do anything I wouldn't expect of them as a member.

So I said all that to say, that you do have to take in account the advice of people here. If you want to have more interest, you will have to give people something to be interested in, from what you have said here your interests are alcohol, parties, and frats. The first thing I asked all interest when they came to their first informational (which is also a required part of the process) was Why they were interested in joining. If they couldn't give me a clear cut answer or said something like "oh my friend told me about it" I was a little weary about it. I know I have worked hard to let our principles and purpose be known when I advertise for interest and I want women who identify with that.

Meetings should follow Robert's Rules of Order. period. The fact that your chapter doesn't have a organize way of running meeting suggests that leadership somewhere down the line has dropped the ball in training new pledges. I would think Robert's Rules is one of the first things you pick up as a new member of any successful GLO.

I don't thnk having a house has anything to do with anythng. Many organization (non-NPC) do not have houses and have dozens of interests each semester. It's all about public relations and not just having the parts that make up a sorority.

Lastly, why do you feel you need to rewrite the constitution. That is a VERY big decision as you are really altering the guideline of the entire organization. It shouldn't be done without a damn near unanimous vote and a very good reason...even then it should be completely rewritten just amended where necessary.

Now I am not in any sorority, never been through Rush or pledging, I've been in interest group for a non-npc organization and now I am trying to start this colony, so you feel the way you want about my advice. But I think if you even bothered to try some of these suggestions you might see results. When I asked for advice here and I got suggestions and many were things I had realized on my own so I knew I was on the right track. Furthermore I took an elective class in Organizational Theory, class was mad boring sometimes, but very helpful for the most part. Might not be bad idea to take a similar class if it's offered at your school.

Good Luck

WannaB3

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by WannaB3

Hello,

I am startng an interest group for a national organization that I'm hoping to bring to my school. I encountered some of the same issues with member retention because I had no membership process and jut let anyone who wanted to join. Now, I have a process that is 3-5 weeks long. It include, a social, a week of events that have to do with our organization's principles..we had our first event today which was the principle of Friendship..we had a Brunch by the pool, everyone brought food, and since it is Mom's day some ladies brought their mom. There was no alcohol and we had a good time just bonding and getting to know each other.

events later this week include a tour of a local historic district, a leadership development workshop, a time management workshop, group study hours, and a community service event. All alcohol and party free, BUT pnm's and members are still with each other learning about each other and pnm's see what it will take to be in the organization. Also it gives me time to evaluate the girls that say they want to join, I have already had 2 drop and that helps me know the process if working because I'm not asking anyone to do anything I wouldn't expect of them as a member.

So I said all that to say, that you do have to take in account the advice of people here. If you want to have more interest, you will have to give people something to be interested in, from what you have said here your interests are alcohol, parties, and frats. The first thing I asked all interest when they came to their first informational (which is also a required part of the process) was Why they were interested in joining. If they couldn't give me a clear cut answer or said something like "oh my friend told me about it" I was a little weary about it. I know I have worked hard to let our principles and purpose be known when I advertise for interest and I want women who identify with that.

Meetings should follow Robert's Rules of Order. period. The fact that your chapter doesn't have a organize way of running meeting suggests that leadership somewhere down the line has dropped the ball in training new pledges. I would think Robert's Rules is one of the first things you pick up as a new member of any successful GLO.

I don't thnk having a house has anything to do with anythng. Many organization (non-NPC) do not have houses and have dozens of interests each semester. It's all about public relations and not just having the parts that make up a sorority.

Lastly, why do you feel you need to rewrite the constitution. That is a VERY big decision as you are really altering the guideline of the entire organization. It shouldn't be done without a damn near unanimous vote and a very good reason...even then it should be completely rewritten just amended where necessary.

Now I am not in any sorority, never been through Rush or pledging, I've been in interest group for a non-npc organization and now I am trying to start this colony, so you feel the way you want about my advice. But I think if you even bothered to try some of these suggestions you might see results. When I asked for advice here and I got suggestions and many were things I had realized on my own so I knew I was on the right track. Furthermore I took an elective class in Organizational Theory, class was mad boring sometimes, but very helpful for the most part. Might not be bad idea to take a similar class if it's offered at your school.

Good Luck

WannaB3

Do you have the blessing of the national organization to have such an interest group and to put interested persons thru any kind of process and to host any activities?

[WannaB3]

I sent you a PM message

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by WannaB3

Now I am not in any sorority, never been through Rush or pledging.

So you're not actually in a sorority, but you're giving advice about running one?