Ritual: Learn it. Live it. Teach it. Expect it.

Summertime provides time to reflect on many aspects of fraternal life, including ritual.

Last summer, I had the privilege of serving as a facilitator at the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI). This is the premier leadership program for the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). It was a memorable time that reinforced my commitment to and passion for the sorority experience.

There were nearly 100 professionals and students housed in a sorority facility on the University of Indiana campus in Bloomington. This group of strangers quickly became family. Our discussions related to common challenges as leaders and opportunities to change the status quo by getting back to basics of respective rituals.

UIFI follows a philosophy whereby all those involved have a shared experience. We were divided into small-group meetings, known as "chapter meetings." This allowed for hearty debate, soulful conversations and brainstorming of ideas.

UIFI takes student leaders on a five-day journey that sets forth blueprints for change. These are intended to be taken back to chapters and communities, as well as incorporated into day-to-day lives. The curriculum is thoughtful and deliberate in guiding participants along the training continuum where they finally reach their call to action. One of the most memorable moments was when the students stood in front of the group with their fraternity brothers and sorority sisters and recited their open creeds. Significant words and phrases were repeated for all to hear - in unison.

Lessons taught in our rituals are intended to be applied to our daily routines. Symbolism has meaning to us, and it should inspire us and remind us how we can live more fulfilling lives.

Sorority and fraternity membership has the potential to lift up the entire university community. The recent findings by Gallup give credence to the fact that sorority membership contributes to the well-being of college alumnae . We can talk about who we are and what we do, but our actions speak louder than words.

We need to live our ritual. We need to teach it. And we need to expect it from our members and fraternal friends.

So let's do it.

Let's demonstrate what it means to be a Panhellenic woman by putting values into action - FOR GOOD.

Let's empower our members to make necessary changes in their organizations and insist on alignment with our fraternal values found in our rituals - FOR GOOD.

Let's extend our helping hand and build bridges with others - FOR GOOD.

Take time to think about what ritual means to you and how you can use it to advance sorority. And talk about it.