Local Sorority, Recruitment Help/Suggestions?

AlphaSigmaGirl · #1 06-03-2010, 03:00 AM

Hello All,

I am new to this greekchat website. However, I am looking for some help.

I am a member of a local sorority, Alpha Sigma, some things we associate with are the colors blue and yellow, daffodil flowers, owls, the moon and pearls, We are the oldest local sorority in the state of Wisconsin, and also the first local in our state. Our current chapter size is 40 members, last fall our recruit size was 18, then this spring it was only 5. We are hoping to bring in a large group this fall, however we could use some help. Seeing that we have no "national" board to turn to, I am hoping that you all can come up with some suggestions for me. We are going up against three other national sororities, with big names, Delta Zeta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Gamma Alpha Omega. Along with a few other NPHC sororities, AKA, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta.

We are trying to plan a theme for recruitment and came up with a few ideas, Masquerade, Jungle, Goddesses, etc. I would love to hear more also if you have any...

Hopefully along with a theme, we could come up with some sort of "slogan" to go with it...

Also, do any of you have any recruitment events that work really well for bringing in girls, or keep them entertained.

Any and all advice would be SO helpful!!

KSUViolet06 · #2 06-03-2010, 03:15 AM

Some things to think about:

Women don't join because of themes, events, etc. They generally join because of connections and conversations they have with members as people. Themes are cool, but they're the backdrop. They don't get girls to join you.

Also, if you do a search for "rush themes" there are quite a few threads about different theme ideas.

I also feel it's worth noting that chapters of national organizations don't turn to their "national boards" for recruitment. Each chapter must come up with its own ideas and plan recruitment on its own. They may have some help from consultants or regional resources (if they need it), but recruitment is up to the girls in that chapter (just like you girls have to do it on your own).

Drolefille · #3 06-03-2010, 03:43 AM

Oh god so much pink in one thread!

BRAIN SHUTTING DOWN.

33girl · #4 06-03-2010, 12:05 PM

Rather than worrying about a theme, ask your last pledge class what they liked and didn't like when they went through rush. Ask them what kind of "tent talk" they heard among their fellow rushees regarding Alpha Sigma. Are spring pledge classes usually smaller than fall ones? Did you have any sort of inter-sorority drama and trauma this past year? Are enrollment numbers/extracurricular involvement in general down?

Emphasize your connection with the school and your networking in the state, and that you are completely self governing. Also point out that your dues are far lower.

FWIW, NPC is trying (in some places more than others) to get its member groups to use no-frills recruitment and lessen the emphasis on decorations, costumes and themes.

AOEforme · #5 06-03-2010, 01:33 PM

One of the girls I went to high school with joined Alpha Sigma!

I don't remember if you guys are on your Greek Council or not. Regardless, UWW should have recruitment materials for student organizations. You can use those to get started.

In addition, I would highly suggest getting the book I <3 Recruitment. It is exceptionally helpful.

AOEforme · #6 06-03-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaSigmaGirl

Hello All,

I am new to this greekchat website. However, I am looking for some help.

I am a member of a local sorority, Alpha Sigma, some things we associate with are the colors blue and yellow, daffodil flowers, owls, the moon and pearls, We are the oldest local sorority in the state of Wisconsin, and also the first in our state. Our current chapter size is 40 members, last fall our recruit size was 18, then this spring it was only 5. We are hoping to bring in a large group this fall, however we could use some help. Seeing that we have no "national" board to turn to, I am hoping that you all can come up with some suggestions for me. We are going up against three other national sororities, with big names, Delta Zeta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Gamma Alpha Omega. Along with a few other NPHC sororities, AKA, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta.

We are trying to plan a theme for recruitment and came up with a few ideas, Masquerade, Jungle, Goddesses, etc. I would love to hear more also if you have any...

Hopefully along with a theme, we could come up with some sort of "slogan" to go with it...

Also, do any of you have any recruitment events that work really well for bringing in girls, or keep them entertained.

Any and all advice would be SO helpful!!

Sorry for the double post, but I had to fix your message. You are not the oldest sorority in the state of Wisconsin.

Just at the University of Wisconsin-Madison alone:
* Kappa Kappa Gamma established their Eta Chapter in 1875.
* Delta Gamma established their Omega Chapter in 1881.
* Gamma Phi Beta's Gamma Chapter was installed in 1885.
* Kappa Alpha Theta installed Psi Chapter in 1890.
* Pi Beta Phi installed Wisconsin Alpha in 1894.
* Alpha Phi installed Iota Chapter in 1896.

Delta Delta Delta's Mu Chapter was also installed the same year you were founded. All of these chapters are currently functioning, so saying you are the oldest sorority in Wisconsin would be incorrect. I do believe, however, that you are the oldest local in the state.

tld221 · #7 06-03-2010, 01:50 PM

^^^ aww snap! don't funk with us son!

and there is a Alpha Sigma local sorority here - they seem to do well for themselves.

ETA: seems like UW-M is the spot to be in starting greek life huh.

aephi alum · #8 06-03-2010, 02:28 PM

I see that there are two NPC sororities at UW Whitewater. Do they do formal recruitment, and if so, do you participate? FR is a very different animal from informal recruitment or NPHC rush, and you would need themes, skits, songs, etc.

Whether you do FR or a more informal recruitment, I agree with what KSUViolet said. People join because they enjoy their conversations and feel a connection with the chapter and the sisters. You have a limited amount of time with the PNMs, and most of that time should be geared towards convos, not filled with skits and songs.

(This also means that if there's a lot of ambient noise from music or from other convos, your sisters and the PNMs are not going to be able to carry on a convo, and the PNMs will leave with anything ranging from a negative impression, to a sore throat from having to shout to be heard, to a splitting headache from all the noise.)

Good luck with your fall recruitment.