Benefits of Local Organizations

[ChiDelt]

I'm starting this thread because the Greek system at my alma mater, comprised entirely of local organizations (5 fraternities and 4 sororities) could use a boost. One challenge we're encountering is that many current independent students on campus don't see the value in joining a local organization, in part because we are perceived to lack a large network of alumni like a national organization would have.

I'm hoping we can brainstorm a list of benefits of joining a local Greek organization. At this point the only strong reason I can think of is that it's much cheaper than joining a national group, but I know there has to be more reasons than that. Anyone else care to chime in?

[33girl]

-Autonomy. Everyone making decisions about the glo is a current student or alum of the same school. Procedures and policies that do not fit well with the school are non-existent.

-Unless none of the alumni ever leave the area, there is still a nationwide network to benefit from - and every alum contacted has a double connection, to the school AND the glo. Even members of national groups often say t . hey feel more connection with someone from a different Greek group from their school, than they do a sister or brother whose school and/or chapter was very different from their own.

[Kevin]

You might have alumni-active networking events with all chapters present. That might help some with your lack of numbers and networking opportunities.

[ChiDelt]

Kevin, that's a great idea. I think one of the reasons this perceived drawback exists is because we haven't done a good job of make our alumni network accessible...you're sort of at the mercy at however well your individual organization has networked itself. You've probably inspired another thread to start once we get a few more fires put out on our campus so to speak.