Frat decreasing in numbers...

emily0325 · #1 11-20-2006, 01:47 AM

....

LaneSig · #2 11-20-2006, 08:22 AM

If the guys in the chapter are already acting like it's over, then it's over.
But, if you can get them motivated, good luck.

They need to do some brotherhood activities and quick. Dinners together, hanging out with each other, etc. They also need to chat up guys in their classes that they think would make good members. You could do the same - but, you might want to let the members know what guys you are talking to about the chapter. Make sure that the members know and would be willing to accept him as a potential member.

Good luck.

REE1993 · #3 11-20-2006, 09:25 AM

I went through something similar the semester I graduated (was fall semester). Our chapters' oldest sisters had graduated the spring before, and recuitment gave us maybe 3-5 pledges per semester. In the mid 90s, things really died down.

Long story short, we closed our chapter, but thankfully, our alumni chapter has reborn. There are mostly older sisters (older than me) but I am hoping that coming in as a 30-something might encourage other alums to join.

You cannot force people to pledge... it's either in their hearts or it isn't. And honestly, it's worse having someone pledge and quit halfway, or get initiated then disaffiliate, than inducting the few.. the pround (lol Marines) who are really into it.

I am not sure if you have quotas, so that might effect your goals. Not to get religious, but in the bible, it says (paraphrase) "Where ever 3 or more gather in my name"... etc. Not comparing us to Jesus, but it if there are 3 people who believe in your organization, I say let those 3 people do the best they can. If things are meant to "die" in the process, then there isn't much you can do to save it. Some things are not meant to last forever, and although your chapter may close, you are still a brother/sister. This might be a good time to get to know your alum group and become one of them, if your chapter is closed.

Best of luck,
Ree

Tom Earp · #4 11-20-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emily0325

I'm a sweetheart of a fraternity that has had some bad circumstances come their way the last year and had tons of guys graduate last year. The guys do not have many people left - they have 10. We're a small school so most other fraternities on campus have around 20.

Basically the guys are looking at it like they are already dead, but they aren't! I'm trying to think of ways to get them motivated and excited again. These guys aren't the guys I met last year that were full of spirit about their organization!

Anyone have any ideas of what I can do to help out?

Is it a local or a National?

If 20 is the norm, then they are not that far off are they?

Try a School with 6 National NIC Fraternitys and having just 1 member who is graduating at the end of the year. Now that is a problem isnt it.

That was my Chapters problem.

1. If a NIC Fraternity, can they get HQ help?
2. If a local, then they need to pick up the pace and recruit!

Please PM me for further info.

tunatartare · #5 11-20-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Earp

If a local, then they need to pick up the pace and recruit!

Because they didn't think of doing that at all until you posted that.

Tom Earp · #6 11-20-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLPDaisy

Because they didn't think of doing that at all until you posted that.

Are you so special!

So, just what is your point of discussion and post?

emily0325 · #7 11-20-2006, 06:40 PM

Yeah that's the thing. They really aren't that far off but they have it set in their minds that they are. It's really messed up. I just wanted to get some fraternity guys' input on some things that have helped them recruite guys or ways to get them motivated.

It's a National Fraternity.

UGAalum94 · #8 11-20-2006, 06:46 PM

Emily,

Do you think the National organization knows the situation and mindset of the guys?

emily0325 · #9 11-20-2006, 06:49 PM

I know the national organization knows about the numbers issue, but I don't know if they know about the mindset.

UGAalum94 · #10 11-20-2006, 07:01 PM

Is there a local alumni chapter or are the recent graduates around to help them out? I doubt there's much that anyone outside the group can do, but some closely associated brothers could probably do a lot to help the morale of the guys who are left.

AlexMack · #11 11-21-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Earp

Are you so special!

So, just what is your point of discussion and post?

Same question to you.

TSteven · #12 11-21-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

Is there a local alumni chapter or are the recent graduates around to help them out? I doubt there's much that anyone outside the group can do, but some closely associated brothers could probably do a lot to help the morale of the guys who are left.

I agree. However, as Tom suggested previously, they should request help from HQ *in addition to* getting help from alumni. It shouldn't hurt to ask.

Frankly, it seems like this chapter is looking at their situation as being "half as big" as the average chapter. What they should be doing is looking at the situation as being just ten members short from being at campus average. Getting there shouldn't be that hard.

Right now, each member should be looking at rushing two separate men each. That would give the chapter a pool of 20 men for a possible bid. All might be worthy of a bid, but if only half are worthy, then would bring the membership of the chapter up to the other chapters on campus. If only one-forth, they are well within sticking distance of 20 with 15 members. (5 pledges 10 actives). The new pledges may know quality men and should bring them around. If found to be worthy of a bid, then they can be extended a bid.

As such, a couple of good rushes can easily bump up the numbers with quality men.

DSTCHAOS · #13 11-21-2006, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emily0325

Anyone have any ideas of what I can do to help out?

Why is it your business? I mean, "sweetheart" means what exactly?

33girl · #14 11-21-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Why is it your business? I mean, "sweetheart" means what exactly?

Many NIC fraternities choose a sweetheart as an honor. It's typically a girl who has given a lot of support to the fraternity. Not just a random girlfriend, not a random...whatever. There is no pledging or anything like that involved.

Does that answer your question?

DSTCHAOS · #15 11-21-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

Does that answer your question?

No.

I know what a sweetheart is. I'm asking what it means in relation to her being the one to carry this task. If those dudes feel defeated then let them figure out what to do. If they don't figure it out then she'll be the sweetheart of a now defunct chapter or organization. No real sweat off of her back, right?