At the same time, when we’re singing to the potential new members who are visiting our houses/suites, we’re also singing about how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities & why we love our Sororities/Fraternities like none other.

Whether it’s welcoming the PNMs to our suites/houses or using our songs for some truly amazing Recruitment skits/presentations, the main themes of our songs always revolve around friendship & sisterhood, not boys, parties, Prada, Kate Spade or even Lilly.  In addition, our Recruitment songs are all about making a positive – & lasting!! – first impression as well:  When we’re singing to the PNMs, we’re telling these amazing ladies the real deal about our Sororities/Fraternities, who our chapters are & what our Sororities/Fraternities are all about.   

When we’re singing our songs about friendship & sisterhood during Formal Recruitment, we’re singing from the heart.  We’re showing the PNMs who will be visiting our houses how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities.  We’re singing with a clear singleness of purpose.  We’re telling women who are planning to go Greek that we’re amazing in our own way & in our own terms.  Above all, we’re letting PNMs know that singing is one aspect of chapter life which never goes out of style (in describing who our chapters are & what we’re truly about)!!

Sure, we take academic excellence, philanthropy & leadership opportunities seriously (along with community service for our colleges/universities & communities).  But our chapters also like to have fun & good times as well, so don’t forget to bring up the amazing social events which our chapters have during the school year.  (If you’re planning to do Formal Recruitment presentations/videos, be sure to include pictures from these events!!)

Let the potential new members about the various ways in which they can bond with their fellow sisters, have the time of their lives & find new friends in other Greek organizations by bringing up events like Homecoming, Formals, Parents’ Weekend, Moms’ Day, Dads’ Day, paired/spontaneous events with other Greek organizations & sisterhood retreats (among other things).  Show these amazing ladies that our Sororities/Fraternities not only promote lifelong friendship & sisterhood but that we also live it out for others to see!!

True, our chapters love to work hard to be among the best of the best on campus.  Yet we also like to have fun & good times through the following events I just mentioned.  What better way to show the PNMs the social aspects of our chapters than during Formal Recruitment!!

On such occasions as Formal Recruitment, we should show women who are planning on going Greek how our chapters – & for that matter, our Sororities/Fraternities – are literally leading by example in so many ways:

First of all, women can discover leadership opportunities within their own chapters (not only as Chapter Presidents, but also as VPs of Recruitment, new member educators, Ritual Chairs, VPs of Finance & even as Panhellenic delegates).

Second, they can discover leadership opportunities with Panhellenic Council, student alumni associations, student government associations, as well as professional & service organizations.

Third, they’ll discover leadership opportunities after graduation (as chapter advisors, chapter consultants, Foundation trustees & much more).

Premier leadership development is one main reason (among many) why our chapters stand out on campus (or even better yet, statewide/nationwide).  It’s also one more reason why our chapters make a positive & truly lasting impact for our colleges/universities year in & year out.  When it comes to showing potential new members why our chapters stand out like they do, it all comes down to one thing which our Sororities/Fraternities have done from the very start:  We inspire, empower & encourage women to lead the way & lead by example in the great & little things that they do for their campuses & communities!!

During Formal Recruitment, we should continue to ensure that academics is the first & foremost topic as we show the potential new members why our chapters are so amazing & why they stand out like they do on campus (particularly from an academic standpoint).  Show the PNMs not only the obvious facts & figures about our chapters’ proven track record of academic excellence, but also what we do to uphold consistency with our chapters’  GPAs year in & year out (e.g. having study tables).  In addition, we need to emphasize that academics is & always will be a first priority for both actives & new members alike!!  

Academics/scholarship is one way to explain to the PNMs who our chapters are & what we do on campus.  Likewise, academics/scholarship is one reason why our chapters literally make the grade in a positive way for our Panhellenic communities year in & year out.  So don’t forget to show the potential new members who will be visiting our houses/suites during Formal Recruitment why our chapters stand out like none other:  our steadfast commitment to academic excellence & inspiring women to perform to the fullest of their abilities in the classroom!!

Last but never least, we should bring up our philanthropies, along with how our chapters are making an impact on campus, the local community & the world through philanthropy.

If you’re in Chi Omega, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

If you’re in Delta Zeta, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for speech and hearing & The Painted Turtle Camp. 

If you’re in Delta Phi Epsilon, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

If you’re in Alpha Phi, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing in support of women’s heart health.

If you’re in Gamma Phi Beta, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing to support camping for girls (either through Camp Fire USA/Girl Guides of Canada).

If you’re in Alpha Gamma Delta, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for diabetes awareness & education.

If you’re in Kappa Delta, show the PNMs how your chapters are making great things happen through your Sorority’s four philanthropies:  Prevent Child Abuse America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Orthopaedic Research & Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Virginia.

If you’re in Alpha Xi Delta, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Autism Speaks.

If you’re in Alpha Chi Omega, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing to build awareness & education about domestic violence.

If you’re in Alpha Omicron Pi, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for arthritis awareness, research & education.

If you’re in Alpha Delta Pi, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

If you’re in Alpha Epsilon Phi, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Sharsheret & the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

If you’re in Phi Mu, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

If you’re in Delta Gamma, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing in support of the blind/visually impaired.

If you’re in Sigma Sigma Sigma, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing in support of play therapy (& even the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation).

If you’re in Sigma Kappa, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Alzheimer’s Disease research & education, gerontology, Inherit The Earth & the Maine Sea Coast Mission.

If you’re in Delta Delta Delta, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

If you’re in Pi Beta Phi, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing to support literacy education.

If you’re in Alpha Sigma Alpha, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Special Olympics (through volunteering) & the S. June Smith Center (through financial contributions).

If you’re in Alpha Sigma Tau, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Pine Mountain Settlement School & Habitat For Humanity.

If you’re in Sigma Delta Tau, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Prevent Child Abuse America, Jewish Women International & Women for Women International.

If you’re in Zeta Tau Alpha, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for breast cancer education & awareness.

If you’re in Phi Sigma Sigma, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation.

If you’re in Kappa Alpha Theta, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for CASA.

If you’re in Kappa Kappa Gamma, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing in support of Reading Is Fundamental.

If you’re in Theta Phi Alpha, show the PNMs all the good things your chapters are doing for Glenmary Lay Missioners & The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built.

Not only is philanthropy one way to show the PNMs who our Sororities/Fraternities are & what our Sororities/Fraternities are about during Formal Recruitment. It’s also another way to show these amazing women how we’re committed to making a positive impact at our colleges/universities & in our communities!!

“Nothing beats a Delta Zeta/Alpha Chi/AOII/Gamma Phi/ADPi/etc. girl!!“

“Simply the best.  Simply (put your Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters here).“

“Never settle for second best.  Go (put your Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters here).“

“Love the life you live.  Live the life you love.  Go (put your Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters here).”

“There’s no place like home…Go (put your Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters here).”

“Be you.  Be classy.  Go (again, put your Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters here).“

“You’ll make a difference in AOII/Chi O/Delta Gamma/Gamma Phi/Delta Zeta/Kappa Delta/etc.   AOII/Chi O/Delta Gamma/Gamma Phi/Delta Zeta/Kappa Delta/etc. will make a difference for you!!”

“Go with the best.  Go (put your Sorority’s/Fraternity’s letters here).“

The little things mean a lot, so choose your Bid Day tee quotes with care & with plenty of forethought, since (like I’ve said numerous times before)  first impressions are lasting ones!!

“

Whether that lousy winter weather comes in the form of ice, sleet or snow, it can put a damper on our Formal Recruitment schedule in more ways than one: 

First of all, some of our most important Recruitment events may end up getting rescheduled, or worse yet, cancelled altogether.

Second, the Office of Greek Life/Office of Student Affairs (among others) will be scrambling around like crazy to get our Formal Recruitment activities rescheduled.

Third, the crummy weather can also affect the turnout of women who are planning on going Greek – not a good thing to think about.

Ask yourself:  Do you have an alternate schedule in place for Formal Recruitment if the winter weather is downright lousy?  Are you ready to go with Plan B if Plan A fails because of snow, ice, sleet or all of the above?  Are you going to inform/update the potential new members about Formal Recruitment events getting changed around/rescheduled because of the weather conditions?

In situations like these, the sooner you can prepare, the better.  And in the case of Formal Recruitment, our approach should be no different.  It never fails to have an alternate Recruitment schedule in place which is workable both for our chapters & the PNMs who will be visiting our Sororities/Fraternities.

Finding a Sorority/women’s Fraternity to join during Formal Recruitment can be a challenging task; to be honest with you, it’s more difficult than it looks.  As for finding the right Sorority/women’s Fraternity to join?  Even more so.

When it comes to finding a Sorority/women’s Fraternity where you can truly feel right at home, making that final decision takes plenty of soul searching & plenty of forethought.  Whether you’re visiting four, a dozen or sixteen chapters on campus during Recruitment Week, keep these things in mind:

First of all, each of these chapters you’re going to be visiting is amazing in its own way & in its own right.  So visit each Sorority/women’s Fraternity with an open mind, assessing their pros & cons/strengths & weaknesses as you go along.

Second, none of these chapters you’re going to be visiting is “better” or more “superior” than the others on campus.  Each of them is going to be different (yet amazing, of course) in some way or other.

Third, ask yourself, “What kind of reputations do these chapters have on campus?”  Do they have a proven track record when it comes to promoting & staying committed to academic excellence, service, philanthropy & leadership development?  Do they have a proven track record when it comes to doing great things on campus & in the local community?  Or is it vice versa?  (Once you accept that bid & decide to join the Sorority/women’s Fraternity you chose, you’ll always be associated with that organization.)

Fourth, ask yourself what’s compelling you to choose AOII/Delta Zeta/Alpha Xi Delta/etc. over the other Sororities/women’s Fraternities on campus.  Is it because of the sisterhood?  Is it because you’ll have an opportunity to participate in social events?  Is it because of the philanthropy?  Is it because your top chapter is about setting high standards & expectations in academic performance?  Is it because your top chapter inspires its members to achieve their personal best?  Is it because you can relate to/identify with the values of your top Sorority/Fraternity?  Better yet, is it for all of the above reasons I just mentioned?

Last but not least, don’t let the doubters/haters affect/influence your decision-making.  You’re going Greek & you’re deciding on which Sorority/women’s Fraternity you want to join; they’re not!!

First of all, consider the potential to build long-lasting relationships with the women of the Sorority/Fraternity you’re planning on joining.  (Like I’ve stated time & time again in previous posts, sisterhood & friendship aren’t just for college days alone.)

Second, think about the values & mission statement of the Sorority/Fraternity you’re planning to join.    They’ll not only allow you to make a connection with other women who share the same visions, goals & values as you do.  Both of the above will also make you into a stronger individual as well; moreover, the values & mission of the Sorority/Fraternity you’re thinking about joining will inspire & encourage you to discover your true potential as a leader on campus & beyond!!

Third, consider the reputation of the Sorority/Fraternity you’re going to join.  Does that chapter take academic excellence seriously?  Does that chapter put equal emphasis on philanthropy, service & leadership opportunities?  Also, does it provide its members with an authentic atmosphere of friendship & sisterhood?  Or does that particular Sorority/Fraternity have a bad reputation on campus?  Think about these things before you decide to accept that bid, because once you join, you’ll always be associated with that organization (in a good/bad way).

Last but not least, think about the reasons for why you want to join that Sorority/Fraternity:  not only for the sisterhood, but also for that particular Sorority’s/Fraternity’s commitment to academic excellence, that Sorority’s/Fraternity’s ability to empower, inspire & encourage its members to make an impact on their campuses & communities through philanthropy & community service, & last but not least, the opportunities which that Sorority/Fraternity provides you to be a leader on campus, for your chapter & in the real world!!

(1)  Before the beginning of Fall Semester.

(2)  Shortly after classes begin/one or two weeks into Fall Semester.

(3)  A few weeks or so into Fall Semester.

(4)  Midway through Fall Semester.

(5)  At/shortly after the beginning of Spring Semester.

(6)  A few weeks into Spring Semester.

If you know when Formal Recruitment’s going to be for your college/university, make sure to prepare accordingly, as well as take note of deadlines for such things as registration (among other recruitment-related things).  (The sooner you can do these things, the better.)  Also, ask yourself the following questions to make sure you’re good to go for Formal Recruitment:

Are you registered for Sorority Recruitment? Check. 

Do you have your grade transcripts/other relevant academic information sent out?  Check. 

Do you have any additional pertinent Recruitment information ready to go, such as references & recommendation letters?  Check. 

Do you have the right attire to wear for Formal Recruitment?  Check.

If you have any additional questions, don’t be afraid to address them to, say, the Office of Student Life, the Office of Greek life or even your college’s/university’s Panhellenic Council.  They’ll be more than happy to answer any pressing questions you might have & they won’t hesitate to respond to any issues/concerns you may have about the recruiting process.

If you know when Formal Recruitment’s going to be & are thinking about going Greek, it never fails to be prepared ahead of schedule.  Are you ready to go?

“Is Greek life truly for me?”

As an undergraduate who’s thinking about attending Formal Recruitment events, you’re not only wondering if joining a Sorority/Fraternity is worth your time.  You’re also wondering if going Greek will turn out to be one of the best decisions you ever made.  See for yourself before drawing your conclusions on Greek life in general.

“Am I the only upperclassman on earth who’s going Greek?”  “Also, will I discover a second home away from home?  Will I discover true & lasting sisterhood & friendship?”

To be honest with you:  No, you’re not.  (I didn’t go Greek until midway through my sophomore year of college; even now, joining Sigma Chi is one of the best decisions I ever made – literally & seriously.  Even now, I’m thankful for Sigma Chi & how the Fraternity shaped me into who I am today.)

“I’m anxious & not quite sure what to expect during Formal Recruitment.  What can I do?”

There are other PNMs who are echoing the exact same sentiments as you:  they’re excited & yet they’re also anxious about the recruiting process; in addition, they’re uncertain on exactly what to expect during Formal Recruitment.  Go into Formal Recruitment with an open heart & an open mind; above all, be yourself!!

“Should I give Greek life a go?” 

Of course, you should give Greek life & see what you think before taking that leap into accepting a bid.   There’s no pressure on you to go Greek & there shouldn’t be any pressure on you to choose a Sorority/Fraternity which you truly love.   

“Is it too late to go Greek?”

It’s never too late to go Greek.  True, you may be an upperclassman but if you want to go Greek, don’t hesitate to get registered for Formal Recruitment.  What better time than now to consider going Greek!!

For who knows how many of us, today marks the last day of regular classes before Finals Week.  Then for others, today marks the beginning of Finals Week.  To make a long story short, the next two weeks are going to be among the most hectic & exhausting ones which we’ll experience this semester.

For who knows how many chapters out there, Formal Recruitment isn’t too far down the road either.  (As a matter of fact, the last time we checked, it’s roughly a month or so away.)  True, you may have plenty of finals to deal with during this week (or next) but this doesn’t mean that we should put our finalized plans & events for Formal Recruitment on the backburner.   Likewise, this doesn’t mean that we should put off getting ready for Formal Recruitment until the eleventh hour (especially if Formal Recruitment begins at/after the start of Spring Semester).

To have a Formal Recruitment which is memorable, truly spectacular, more-than-amazing & successful, it never fails to plan ahead.  In addition, it never fails to let our sisters know about the following: not only what events we’re going to have for this year’s Formal Recruitment but also when to be back at our suites/houses to prepare & practice for Recruitment Week.  Whether it’s through email, Twitter, Facebook or even calling them up, it’s on us to make sure our sisters are fired up & ready to go for the Main Event!! 

Let’s face it:  The sooner we can let our sisters know what we’re aiming to do for Formal Recruitment this winter, the better off we’ll be.  It can also make a difference between a recruitment for the ages & a recruitment which is simply awkward from the start.

First of all, the central themes of our songs should be about friendship & sisterhood – not Prada, not Lilly, not boys & most certainly not partying!!

Second, our song lyrics should show why our chapters stand out like they do on campus.  Not only that, but they should also let the PNMs know why they should join our Sororities/Fraternities!!

Third, our songs should be used in a positive light & cast a positive image on both our chapters & the Panhellenic communities which we represent!! 

Fourth,  don’t use our songs to slam other sororities on campus or use them to imply that our chapters are better than theirs. 

Fifth, practice makes perfect!!  You & your sisters need to get the little things about your new & improved Formal Recruitment songs down until they’re good to go, such as the song melodies & lyrics.   (Let’s face it: all the time & practice you put into your Formal Recruitment songs can make a difference between a more-than-amazing Recruitment event  & an epic fail.)

Last but not least, sing your songs from the heart & with plenty of pride, showing the PNMs why you love your Sororities/Fraternities as much as you do!!

Going Greek isn’t just the dream of a lifetime or one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll have as an undergraduate.  It’s also one of the best things that could happen to any woman who’s looking for a second home away from home during her time in college.

But for some potential new members, their likelihood/chances of getting a bid can be crushed/reduced exponentially all because they made some common & easily avoidable mistakes which they shouldn’t have made in the first place.  To ensure that your recruitment experience is memorable, successful & more-than-amazing, here’s some advice to keep in mind (as well as take to heart):

First of all, watch what you say when you’re changing your statuses on Facebook/MySpace/Twitter!!  Putting out negative information about yourself is not only a surefire recipe for disaster; it’s also a great way not to get a bid from anyone – period.  (A few words can say so much more about you than you think, especially during Formal Recruitment.)

Second, make sure that anything you say about yourself on Facebook/MySpace/Twitter is both of the above :  (1) an asset which will convince the actives that you’re the real deal about why you’re going Greek & (2)  an asset which shows that you’re a perfect candidate for chapter membership!!

Third, the first impressions you’ll be making with the actives are going to be lasting ones.  So watch how you act on campus/at other social events!!  The actives aren’t going to turn a blind eye on you if you mess up or act out of line; moreover, they know what’s up & when you’re not making smart decisions.

Fourth, plan accordingly!!   Make sure to turn in your required paperwork & other pertinent information on time (e.g. fees, documents & if the situation calls for them, references & recommendation letters).  In addition, be sure to check out the deadlines for things like registration for Sorority Recruitment.

Fifth, no “tent talking.”  Tent talking is just another way to reinforce negative & inaccurate stereotypes about sororities/women’s fraternities; it can also make an impact on other PNMs who are deciding on which sororities/women’s fraternities they want to join.  If that’s not enough bad news, your recruitment week leaders will get wind of it as well – not good, especially if you’re thinking about going Greek.

Sixth, keep an open mind about the recruitment process!!   Don’t let any biases/misconceptions stand in the way when you’re visiting each chapter; rate each sorority/fraternity with an open heart & without partiality.

Seventh, don’t allow your reputation to precede you during Recruitment Week.  Acting nice & friendly at one chapter visit then being snooty/rude/snobby at another just doesn’t fly; that kind of mindset will absolutely work against you & lower the likelihood of you getting a bid exponentially.

Eighth, be you!!  True, some of you will be anxious about what to expect during Formal Recruitment but don’t be afraid to be genuine when you’re talking with the actives.   The actives will not only have a better chance of knowing who you are & knowing a little more about you; they’ll also; they’ll also discover some amazing & wonderful women who’d feel right at home in thier chapters as well!!

Ninth, ask your recruitment week leaders any urgent questions you may have about Formal Recruitment.

Last but not least, wishing you the best of luck as well as a great time during Formal Recruitment!!

Image is everything!!  Whether we’re doing hilarious skits, a chapter presentations or recruitment videos, the first impressions we’re going to make with the potential new members are also going to be impressions which define who our chapters are & what they do.   So choose your skit themes, the pics you’re going to use for your presentations/videos & even pertinent information about your Sororities/Fraternities wisely & with plenty of forethought. Remember, the little things mean a lot & the same can be said on how we present our chapters to the PNMs during Formal Recruitment.

Speaking of skit/presentation themes:  You may have an amazing skit/presentation idea (or two) in place & ready to go, but some of your sisters might not be thrilled about it.  So keep things open to suggestion & while you’re at it, find out which skit/presentation themes are workable & which ones aren’t!!  

Think of the songs you’re going to sing to the potential new members.  Which songs (reworded/otherwise) perfectly describe our chapters?  Which songs truly capture the heart of what our chapters are all about?  Which songs prove how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities as much as we do?  Also, do we truly mean every word we’re singing?

As your chapters get closer & closer to Formal Recruitment, ask yourselves the following questions:  Are we truly committed to living the values of our Sororities/Fraternities?  Are we both promoting & living our sisterhood?  Are we going to show & demonstrate how much good our chapters are doing  for our colleges/universities?  Are we committed to leading by example?  How are we leading by example?  Above all, how can we step our game up when it comes to getting quality women for chapter membership during Formal Recruitment?

Last but not least, think of not just who we’re selecting for chapter membership, but also how & why we’re choosing these truly amazing women to begin with because our new members are the women who will be determining the future of our chapters!!

Formal Recruitment is all of the above & so much more:  It’s a reminder that our chapters aren’t settling for second best when it comes to quality sisterhood & finding quality candidates who would make the perfect fit for our Sororities/Fraternities.

For those chapters who take Formal Recruitment seriously, mediocrity is unacceptable.  Likewise with settling for anything less than the best.  To have an amazing – or for that matter, a more-than-amazing – Formal Recruitment, it’s about going above & beyond the expectations others have about our chapters.  It’s about sticking to the tried & true principles of our Founders.  It’s about selecting these amazing ladies on Founders-approved criteria & Founders-worthy reasons. 

Above all, it’s about finding the best women around for Sorority/Fraternity membership.

Speaking of “the best women around,” don’t settle for looks alone.  Formal Recruitment’s about finding women of strong character, women who are committed to academic excellence, women who are committed to making an impact through philanthropy & service, women who are committed to leading by example (in not just their own chapters but also in other campus organizations) & women who are searching for a home away from home (& a place where they can truly be themselves).

For an amazing/more-than amazing Formal Recruitment – as well as a expectation-shattering Formal Recruitment which shows just how seriously we take quality sisterhood & quality results for our chapters – never settle for second best.  Anything less than our very best just won’t do if we’re truly committed to being among the best chapters on campus year in & year out.

To refute popular belief altogether:  Not all Sororities/Women’s Fraternities are the same.  And when you visit each house/suite during Formal Recruitment, you’ll find out that who knows how many chapters differ in the types of membership they have:  some are more high-energy, some are more down-to-earth while others are both of the above.  Simply said, each Sorority/women’s Fraternity on campus embraces diversity; they’re all about you, me & everyone else. 

Some might say, “Well, so & so is the worst Sorority/women’s Fraternity on campus.”  But don’t be convinced by what the doubters/skeptics have to say; you’re choosing which Sorority/women’s Fraternity you want to join – not them.  Having said that, no chapter is “better” or “more superior” than the others on campus & for that matter, no chapter is “worse” than the others either.  Like I wrote earlier, each chapter is pretty amazing in its own special way, so see for yourself which Sorority/women’s Fraternity is just right for you; you’re bound to find a place where you can truly fit in (as well as a second home away from home).

No one said that finding a Sorority/women’s Fraternity to join during Formal Recruitment was easy – it isn’t.  But when you’ve made a wise choice on which chapter you want to join, you’ll not only find a Sorority/women’s Fraternity where you can feel right at home.  You’ll also discover a Sorority/women’s Fraternity where you can truly make your mark as a leader & as the woman you’ve always wanted to be!!

Above all & most importantly, potential new members are searching for a sorority/fraternity to call their home away from home.

It’s on us to show these amazing women how important sisterhood is to us.  It’s on us to show these ladies that we not only hold one another to high standards & expectations, but that we also inspire one another to be the best that we can be (& with that, realize our highest potential as sorority/fraternity members).   It’s on us to live our Sororities’/Fraternities’ values to the fullest – simply talking about them isn’t enough.  It’s on us to show the PNMs that we’re wholeheartedly committed/dedicated to reflecting our Sororities’/Fraternities’ values in all that we do, whether it’s in academics, philanthropy, service, leadership opportunities & even in sisterhood activities.

Whether it’s studying together, attending sisterhood events (e.g. intramurals, formals, paired events with other fraternities), going on sisterhood retreats, or simply being there for our sisters when they’re going through crises, we’re showing others around us – PNMs included – just how important sisterhood is to us.  Furthermore, we’re showing potential new members what sisterhood truly means to us (as the Founders of our organizations envisioned all along).

Show potential new members just how important sisterhood is to us.  Live our sisterhood in all that we do.  Prove why our sisterhood is both amazing & unmatched anywhere else on campus.  Above all, be a source of inspiration & encouragement to these amazing women – chances are that you may be one of the main reasons why they went Greek to begin with!!

If we’re going to have a country & western-themed Formal Recruitment skit, the situation calls for country songs.  If we’re going to do an ’80s-style Formal Recruitment skit, it calls for us to use songs from the 1980s.  If we’re going to do a ’70s-style Formal Recruitment skit, we need to use songs from the 1970s.  If we’re going to do a skit a la Pretty Little Liars (“Pretty Little Lyres”), we need to use songs from PLL.  So on & so forth. 

Also, ask yourself:  What songs truly resonate with us?  What songs truly connect with us in a major way?  When & where should we use them throughout our skit?  How do these songs relate to how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities?

Searching for a colorful/dazzling Formal Recruitment skit theme takes enough hard work as it is.  But searching for the right songs to use for our skits  – & the right message to send to the PNMs about our chapters through these songs – can be even more difficult, so make your song selections wisely & with the utmost of care; the first impressions we’ll make on the PNMs with our skits are going to be lasting ones.

Here’s some advice to keep in mind as you get ready for Formal Recruitment:

First of all, follow your heart!!   See for yourself if joining a sorority is truly for you; what better way to put this philosophy in action than through actually visiting each chapter & going from there.

Second, not all sororities are the same!!  Each chapter which you’ll be visiting during Formal Recruitment is amazing/special/unique in its own way & on its own terms.  So after visiting each chapter, assess their pros/cons, strengths/weaknesses, where they truly shine/where they don’t truly click with you, as well as why they stand out like they do on campus.

Third, each sorority is going to be different as far as which type of members it has:  some chapters are high-energy all the way, some chapters are straightforward & down-to-earth while other chapters are a little bit of both. 

Fourth, ask the actives not only why they went Greek but also what they’ve gained/how they’ve benefitted from joining a sorority. 

Fifth, it’s up to you as far as if you want to join a sorority or not.  Going Greek is your choice & no one else’s; likewise the choice is yours to either accept a bid/pass it up.  So follow your heart & choose wisely!!

Finally, go Greek for all the right reasons (& by right reasons, I don’t mean “partying,” “boys,” “fun” & “Prada”)!!  By going Greek, you not only get the chance to make your mark on campus – you’ll also find your voice as a leader as well as make a positive difference for your college/university & community in the process!!  So if you’re committed to academic excellence, go for it.  If you love community service, go for it.  If you love helping others through philanthropy, go for it.  If you love getting involved in other campus organizations, go for it.  (Simply said, going Greek gives you a chance to do all of these things & so much more!!)

Formal Recruitment gives you  the opportunity to not only find new friends & with that, a new support system.  Formal Recruitment is also a time for you to discover a Sorority/Fraternity where you can feel right at home, a place where you can truly be yourself & a place where you can really make your mark on campus (through such things as academics, intramurals, leadership opportunities, service & philanthropy)!!

Initially, the recruiting process can be a little overwhelming for you; you’re anxious & aren’t quite sure what to expect.  Likewise, searching for an amazing Sorority/Fraternity to join during Formal Recruitment can be downright challenging, choosing one chapter out of, say, a dozen.  But by week’s end, you’ll find a Sorority/Fraternity which is the one for you & you’ll discover a home away from home (as well as who knows how many new friends & sisters)!!

Delta Gamma’s about doing good.  Sigma Delta Tau empowers women.  Alpha Chi Omega is about Real, Strong Women.  Delta Zeta enriches the lives of its members, campuses, communities & the world.  Alpha Omicron Pi is about exceeding the expectations of others.  Zeta Tau Alpha seeks the noblest.  Alpha Gamma Delta inspires women & impacts the world.  Women in Alpha Delta Pi live for each other.  Chi Omega encourages women to flourish.  Gamma Phi Beta inspires women to connect, impact & shine.  Alpha Phi inspires women to serve others hand to hand & heart to heart.  Kappa Delta is about making great things happen.  So on & so forth.

No matter which Sorority/Fraternity you decide to join, one thing is clear:  you’ll find a home away from home as well as sisterhood & friendship that last a lifetime!!

To be honest, it’s all of these things & so much more.

Getting the word out about going Greek takes plenty of preparing & planning.  For who knows how many chapters, all the planning & preparing should normatively begin four/five months before Formal Recruitment even starts.  In other instances – especially for those chapters who take recruitment seriously – the planning & preparing for next Fall’s Formal Recruitment should begin soon after Recruitment is over & done.   (Like I’ve stated in previous posts, an amazing, successful Formal Recruitment

Getting the word out about going Greek isn’t about demanding that women go Greek or else.  Likewise, it’s not about keeping PNMs in the dark about Formal Recruitment until the eleventh hour.   Let’s face it:  letting women know about Formal Recruitment – & getting the word out about Greek life – is a shared responsibility & it’s on us to do our job wholeheartedly.  If we’re not continuing to inspire women to see for themselves if Greek life is truly for them – & if we’re not continuing to encourage these same amazing ladies to give Formal Recruitment a go – who’s going to?  If we’re not showing the way for the PNMs – & for that matter, other women who want to go Greek – who will?

It’s on us to get the word out about going Greek.  And it’s on us to speak the honest truth about who our chapters are, how we’re making an impact on campus & what differences our Sororities/Fraternities can truly make for women who go Greek!!

Whether we’re singing door/chapter songs to welcome potential new members to our suites/houses during Formal Recruitment or singing our favorite songs (in reworded form) to these amazing ladies during our Recruitment Week skits, one thing is for certain:  we’re singing these songs from the heart.   (If that’s not enough, we mean every word we’re belting out!!)

When we’re singing about how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities or when we’re singing about how valuable friendship & sisterhood is to our chapters, we’re not (& shouldn’t be) going through the motions.  The words we’re singing to the PNMs are heartfelt; at the same time, they’re packed with plenty of meaning, power & significance.  Moreover, the significance of certain songs takes on even greater importance as they’ve carried some of us through the toughest of times.  So when we’re getting ready to deliver our messages of lifelong sisterhood & friendship during Formal Recruitment, keep these things in mind!!

When we’re singing our Formal Recruitment songs – either from our chapter songbooks or in redone form for our Recruitment skits – we’re singing from the heart.  We’re singing with a purpose.  We’re singing with true feeling in our voices.  Above all, we’re singing to show just how much we love our Sororities/Fraternities:  lots & lots!!

Why I didn’t mention these Bid Day tee ideas until now is beyond me, but anyways, here are a few Bid Day tee mission statements which are, simply said, awesome:

“There are two types of women in this world:  sorority women & those who wish they were.  Go (add your sorority’s/fraternity’s letters here).”

“There are two types of women in this world:  Chi Os/ADPis/DeeGees/A-Phis/etc. & those who wish they were.”

“Go Greek.  Go (add your sorority’s/fraternity’s letters here).”

“Simply the best.  Simply AOII/Chi O/ADPi/A-Phi/Sigma Kappa/Kappa/etc.”

“Nothing beats an ADPi/DZ/Chi O/Sigma Kappa/A-Phi/etc. girl!!”

First impressions are lasting ones & the same can be said of our Bid Day tees:  they tell both Greeks & non-Greeks who our chapters are & what we’re about.  So when we’re brainstorming for Bid Day tee quotes, themes or a mission statement which honestly describes our chapters, choose the words we’re going to use with plenty of care & forethought!!

But for those chapters who take recruitment seriously, this doesn’t mean that we should put off plans for next fall’s Formal Recruitment on the backburner until April/May.  True, it usually takes at least a few months to put together an amazing & successful Formal Recruitment but why put off all the planning & preparations until the end of Spring Semester?

Here’s the thing:  It’s not too early to brainstorm on some amazing & dazzling Formal Recruitment ideas.  Whether your chapters do frilly & colorful Formal Recruitment Week events or whether you have recruitment events without all the bells & whistles, it never fails to come up with Formal Recruitment ideas & suggestions that really will work wonders with the PNMs who visit our suites/houses. 

It’s not just a matter of what theme we’d like to use for our skits/presentations (Glee?  Country?  Hawaiian?  1980s?), what songs we’d like to sing to the PNMs or even how we’re going to show the PNMs who our chapters are & what we’re about (e.g. chapter videos, PowerPoint, testimonies from some of our sisters).  It’s also a question of when, how, why & in what context we should use our songs, skits/presentations & testimonies.  So keep these things in mind as you start thinking about ideas for next year’s Formal Recruitment!!

Formal Recruitment may be over & done for your chapters until next fall but it’s not too early to plan ahead in creating a Recruitment Week which will be just as memorable, successful & even more amazing!!