VALUES-BASED RECRUITMENT

We, the fraternity women of America, stand for preparation for service through character building, inspired in the close contact and deep friendships of fraternal life. To us, fraternity life is not the enjoyment of special privileges, but an opportunity to prepare for wide and wise human service.--Panhellenic Creed, National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) 1925  

The Panhellenic Creed, recited in 1925, is relevant even today. It speaks volumes about who should join our ranks. For you see, we are in the business of preparing sorority women for wide and wise human service.

Many of our members will return to campus this month to prepare for primary recruitment with their sorority sisters. This is an important time for sorority women to practice conversation skills and learn to talk about the values and ideals found in their ritual and highest teachings.

Sorority recruitment numbers continue to be high on campuses coast to coast, an indicator that the sorority membership experience is appealing to potential new members (PNMs). The number of women pledged during the last recruitment period was up 10.61 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, more than 6,400 women joined new chapters on college campuses in 2014-15, which was up 36.4 percent compared to those pledged in new chapters in 2013-14.

Given current social media culture that promotes "connections" and "likes" on Facebook and Instagram, we know young women seek what sorority membership provides -- a sense of belonging. Sorority recruitment is intended to engage PNMs in meaningful interactions and exploration of the lifetime benefit associated with membership. These interactions, we offer a preview of our caring community.

From the beginning, our member organizations sought accomplished women to join their organizations. Sororities wanted women "who represented diverse worldviews and who held different notions regarding women in higher education." ("Bound by a Mighty Vow," Diana P. Turk.) Member organizations evolved over time to represent the differing and changing needs of their members. What has remained unchanged is that new members are chosen based on qualities and accomplishments that align with chapter values and established criteria.

Membership selection is one of the most important parts of recruitment. Each candidate receives thoughtful consideration, and it should be no surprise that member organizations have developed policies and procedures that must be followed. And since recruitment is based on mutual selection, PNMs also have the opportunity and responsibility to engage with chapters and further seek those with whom they feel a values-based connection.

There are several moving parts that contribute to recruitment success on campuses. College Panhellenics assist with recruitment management and ensure that NPC Unanimous Agreements and recruitment procedures are followed. Sorority chapter leaders educate active members on procedures outlined by their inter/national organization and ensure that they comply with them. And alumnae volunteers support recruitment efforts in various ways, giving credence to the fact that sorority membership is a lifetime commitment.

Working hand in hand, all entities function in concert with one another. Our ultimate goal is that, through values-based recruitment, potential new members will find the perfect sorority match.

Ready to recruit? Let's go!

NPC has several position statements related to recruitment activities:

• Position Statement Against Discrimination

• Position Statement on Membership Selection

• Position Statement on Right of Association as Women's-Only Organizations

• Position Statement on Primary Recruitment

Advancing Solutions

NPC has a proud reputation as one of the leading organizations of collegiate and alumnae women. Our member organizations are located on more than 670 campuses with over 350,000 undergraduate members in more than 3,100 chapters. We are in the business of empowering women to be leaders on their campuses and in their communities to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Safe Campus Act and Fair Campus Act were introduced yesterday in Congress. NPC announced its full support for both the Safe Campus and Fair Campus acts and remains committed to playing a part in important dialogue pertaining to student safety and success.

On a personal note, I am pleased to see legislative efforts representing different approaches to address the complex topic of campus sexual violence. This legislation escalates the conversation for the benefit of our sorority members and all students. We all want the same outcome -- a safer campus.

We will watch closely in the coming days and weeks as lawmakers debate issues that impact student safety on campus and address due process protections for individuals and organizations. In addition, we will enthusiastically support legislation that will strengthen our historic exemption under Title IX as a women's-only organization. 

Our shared commitment as a unified coalition of women is important every day, but especially today. We applaud members of Congress for hearing our voices and seeking solutions to our concerns.

Convention Highlights

I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel this summer as NPC Chairman and speak at sorority conventions. It is such a joy to meet active and alumnae members and recognize there is friendship beyond badges. My favorite part of attending any convention is to hear about the remarkable achievements of sorority women.

At Alpha Omicron Pi convention in Los Angeles, I attended the Panhellenic luncheon with a garden party theme. What an impressive setting! It was symbolic to recognize that there are many varieties in the NPC garden, yet we are all grounded with the same soil and grow from similar humble beginnings as values-based women’s organizations. During the luncheon, I heard about Nicole Klibert who attends Northwestern State University. She was awarded the AOPi Mary Louise Roller Award that recognizes a collegiate member for outstanding service and leadership to her Panhellenic, campus and/or community. A proven campus leader, Nicole has served as President’s Leadership Program Association chair and on the Student Government Association election board. For the sorority community, Nicole has served as AOPi Panhellenic delegate, College Panhellenic president and vice president of recruitment — in that order — delegate first, president second and vice president third. When Nicole could have rested on her laurels after serving as Panhellenic president, she stepped up to serve as vice president of recruitment when needed. That speaks volumes about Nicole being a servant leader.

When attending Kappa Delta convention in Orlando, I was swept away with the energy of

the opening night event. At that event, I heard about the top 15 Kappa Delta collegians honored as recipients of the Corre Anding Stegall Collegiate Leadership Award. One woman who was highlighted was Cara Mund a student at Brown University. From Bismarck, North Dakota, Cara is a founding member of her chapter and currently serves as KD chapter president. She excels in the business, entrepreneurship and organization honors program with a 3.8 GPA. This exceptional leader balances her school work and leadership position with other activities, including teaching assistant, tour guide, cheerleader and member of two dance companies. In addition, she is the founder and director of her hometown’s annual Make-A-Wish Fashion Show, which has raised over $48,000 to help make wishes come true for children battling life-threatening medical conditions. Cara is described by a fellow teaching assistant: “Although the school is filled with some of the most accomplished students in the country, she continues to stand out because of her continued academic achievements, campus involvement and personal drive.” Cara clearly puts her values into action.

Outstanding young leaders like Nicole and Cara make us all proud to be sorority women. Our conventions provide opportunities to honor excellence and celebrate the sorority experience.

ABSOLUTE AMBASSADORS: LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS TAKE TO THE ROAD

NPC Executive Committee with 
Sigma Kappa leadership consultants

This summer, more than 300 outstanding sorority women, who recently graduated from college, will be trained as chapter leadership consultants for the 26 NPC member organizations. They are absolute ambassadors for our NPC member organizations.

Chapter inspections occurred early in our existence as national sororities. National officers and alumnae volunteers traveled by train to visit chapters on college campuses and quizzed chapter leaders about their knowledge of sorority history, rules, ritual and officer duties and responsibilities. Written or typed reports were submitted for review. These reports had bearing upon which chapters received awards or those that received additional resources and support.

It was important then and remains critical today that our sorority chapters operate in alignment with inter/national policies and procedures. Leadership consultants deliver important messages and help bridge communication between inter/national headquarters and the local chapters. With their hand on the pulse of campus current events, consultants provide helpful feedback to the inter/national councils and governing boards in their ongoing efforts to monitor campus trends and develop relevant programs.

Consultants are mentors and coaches. Others would describe them as the sisterhood of the traveling shoes as they move from campus to campus and visit NPC's combined 3,000+ sorority chapters.

These women are top notch young professionals who teach chapter officers how to lead and motivate others, as well as mediate challenging situations. Consultants train chapter members on topics ranging from social policies and decision-making to membership selection and marketing. They collaborate with alumnae advisors and house corporation volunteers who serve as the local support system for the chapter. In essence, our traveling consultants function at a high level as organizational development specialists, blending both individual and group coaching to maximize team and organizational performance.

Consultants help chapter leaders implement strategies for success and sustain results by:

• Building relationships with collegians, alumnae and university officials.
• Developing short-term and long-term action plans for chapters.
• Ensuring consistency and compliance with inter/national sorority standards.
• Instilling chapter officer responsibility and accountability.
• Facilitating discussions on current campus issues.
• Conducting educational programs.
• Teaching sorority ritual and how it applies to our daily lives.
• Identifying risky behaviors.
• Teaching intervention strategies and creative problem solving.
• Encouraging collaboration and contributing to harmony in Panhellenic.
• Extending outreach to other women in the campus community at large.

I encourage you to welcome these ambassadors to your campus during the coming year. Consultants can help identify chapter strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. By holding up the mirror to chapter leaders, consultants help assess chapter success and make positive change happen.

CONNECT THE DOTS: THE REAL VALUE OF SORORITY MEMBERSHIP

I like being around people who make me smarter by the force of their intellect and the level of their devotion to their life's work ... I found accord with some, disagreements with others and valuable leadership lessons from all.

-- Lynn Hardy Yeakel, "A Will And A Way"

Many graduates are starting their first jobs or preparing for graduate school. Job applications often ask about leadership examples, campus activities and honors. Graduate school interviews include questions about campus involvement.

Sorority women can readily provide answers to these questions. Our members list participation in a sorority on varying levels. Some sorority women have served as chapter presidents, treasurers, standards committee members or alumnae relations chairmen. Interviewers want to know background on how an applicant can work in a group. Our members share stories of involvement on chapter teams -- whether it is community outreach or intramurals.

So how does this translate? What is the real value of the sorority experience in the workplace or the next chapter in life?

During a time when sorority membership has come under scrutiny in the media, it is timely to evaluate how the sorority experience can teach skills and core competencies that are transferrable into other settings. There are valuable lessons gained by being a sorority member.

Leadership

Employers want individuals who know when and how to lead. This adds strength to the company roster and provides hope for the future. When interviewing, the chapter officer or committee chairman can speak to the fact that she has led and managed a chapter comparable to operating budgets of a franchise business or nonprofit organization. Many of our chapters have membership sizes over 100. To make a point, it is no small feat to lead 100 women in a sorority chapter and motivate them to fulfill their obligations to the organization and work toward common goals. Proven leadership is valued.

Community Outreach

Employers encourage employees to establish connections within their communities. This signifies a deeper commitment of an employee to make a difference. Sorority teaches intrinsic fulfilment from helping others. And our rituals inspire us to extend ourselves in selfless ways to better the world. In prior research studies conducted, sorority alumnae account for what is termed as social capital in their communities, by serving on boards at schools, in churches and charitable organizations. Contributions of time, talent and resources are critical to communities.

Teamwork

Employers want staff members who can work together to find solutions and make positive change happen in an organization or business. The best lessons about teamwork can be found inside our chapter houses and within our College Panhellenics. As one university official stated during a recent campus visit: "Panhellenic is the engine on campus. Sorority women know how to come together and get things done." Results speak volumes when you look at the number of volunteer hours donated and money raised for charities by sorority women. Teamwork can accomplish desired outcomes.

Mediation/Conflict Resolution/Communication

Employers appreciate individuals who can bring professional skills to the table that infuse tact and diplomacy into the job setting. Sorority leaders are trained in mediation skills and encouraged to offer constructive feedback in respectful ways. The goal is resolution through artful conversation and diplomacy. Skills like these are taught at leadership conferences and reinforced with support of alumnae advisors. Face-to-face interaction is part of the process. Chapter officers have thanked me years later for these conflict resolution experiences that prepared them for other encounters in the workplace.

Strategic Planning/Project Management/Organizational Development

Employers look to potential leaders among their staff who can help articulate the vision and steps to be taken in order to reach company goals. Sorority women know how to plan and prepare for events as there are many opportunities to put skills to test. The chapter-wide focus on effectiveness and efficiency results in desired outcomes. Sorority leaders are directly involved in managing organizational change and implementing strategies to achieve positive change. This translates well into any setting, whether it is the workplace or another organization.

In her book, Lynn Hardy Yeakel, Delta Delta Delta, shares that her career has been a series of distinct episodes, "connecting dots in the pursuit of a useful life." Lynn's work has been dedicated to accomplish fundamental changes in society and achieve gender equality. She is the founder of Vision2020, which NPC supports.

Lynn's story is not unlike many stories of sorority women who would describe their career as connecting dots. There is real value in the sorority membership experience in that skills can be applied in new ways and in different settings beyond the college years.

We need to connect the dots and talk about it.

Freedoms We Hold Dear

On this Memorial Day weekend, NPC salutes those who have died while serving in the country’s armed services. We hold dear our rights and universal freedoms — in particular, freedom of speech and our right to peacefully assemble as women’s-only organizations. Our sorority settings provide safe and supportive environments where our members can actively, openly and respectfully debate and exchange ideas. NPC is a collective caring community of 26 member organizations, each demonstrating outreach through works of community service and civic engagement. Our chapter operations are based on democratic principles, valuing voice and vote. We promote leadership and encourage our members to give back to their communities, be it the campus community or the communities in which they reside. We seek to make a difference and contribute in meaningful ways.

Patriotism was evident in NPC early in its existence. NPC was founded in 1902 and in 1917 went on record recommending to each member organization that it investigate all opportunities and needs for war service and that it aid in every way possible our nation in its present crisis. Our historical record goes further, stating, “Note — Every fraternity did war work.” Our members have continued to do their part through the years to support national armed service efforts — whether it be sending care packages to military bases overseas or greeting soldiers at airports. We stand tall on our heritage supporting those who fought so courageously and bravely for us.

And we also pause and remember our loved ones on this day.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Follow your interests. In order to do that, you have to keep your passions alive. You have to feed your flame and work very hard to protect it from the harsh judgment of naysayers, critics, discouragers, underminers and most of all, your own self-doubt.

-- Patricia Harrison, “A Seat at the Table”

Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting -- and a sorority woman -- stresses keys to success in her timeless book that serves as a guide for female leaders. Harrison’s successful career can be attributed to her ability to establish a network of women. She notes that women have a great deal to contribute in business, government and communities. She says, “With planning and thinking, focus and commitment, women can take their place at the table of their choice.”

But success takes a willingness to overcome fear. There is no substitute for women helping women. Sororities serve as mentoring groups, and our mentors encourage young alumnae to keep their passions alive and help develop personal networks.

More than 60,000 sorority women in NPC member organizations will graduate this spring. A lifetime of sisterhood awaits these graduates as they begin a new chapter in their lives. The sorority membership experience will indeed serve them well.

An independent survey released by Gallup Education found that college graduates who are fraternity and sorority members fare better than all other college graduates in a variety of long-term outcomes. The index study of more than 30,000 college graduates released in 2014 was designed to measure the relationship between the college experience and the five essential elements of well-being. Overall, the sorority experience translates into graduates who are more likely to be engaged in the workplace; more loyal to their alma mater; and more prepared for life after college.

There is more justification to the sorority experience, however. Research indicates a set of core competencies that graduates need as part of the 21st century skill set to be socially adept. Guided team projects and clubs/organizations help build these skills through the following opportunities:

• Interact effectively with others. The sorority setting teaches this skill and goes one step further by providing an intergenerational component to the interaction by virtue of alumnae advisors.
• Respond open-mindedly to various perspectives. A sorority chapter promotes the type of environment where ideas are shared and issues are debated as a learning laboratory. People learn from other people when the lens of another perspective is considered.
• Leverage differences and strengths of others in order to foster innovation. Sororities encourage committee work whereby members learn the benefit of teamwork and collaboration that ultimately results in positive outcomes.

There are more indicators that sorority membership adds value to the college experience. As part of NPC’s commitment to preserve the single-sex exemption in Title IX, it commissioned a task force last year to study the benefits of single-sex status. A white paper on this subject will be disseminated soon. Research compiled by this NPC task force reinforces the notion that women flourish in women’s-only educational settings where they feel empowered, inspired and supported.

Amid co-educational academic settings, sororities provide a safe place where women find there is connection with peers and a great sense of belonging. This instills confidence and allows for good growth. Overall, there are many benefits to women banding together.

The beauty of the sorority experience is that it does not end when the graduate receives her diploma. There are nearly 4,000 alumnae associations distributed among the 26 NPC member organizations. Young alumnae can find instant connections through new friends in sorority alumnae organizations and reap the benefits that come from female mentors.

Best wishes to all of our sorority women graduates. Seek to have a voice that makes a difference, and enjoy the sorority journey as part of your lifetime commitment.

Resources:

• Fraternities and Sororities: Understanding Life Outcomes, Gallup Research Study
• “Generation on a Tightrope: A Portrait of Today’s College Student,” Arthur Levine and Diane R. Dean
• “21st Century Skills,” Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel
• “A Seat at the Table,” Patricia Harrison