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From the Editor
Local fraternities and sororities all too often get a bad rap. There are examples of chapters who have earned their negative reputations, and there are many other organizations who are doing exactly what the founders of inter/national organizations did many years ago—acting a values-based organization intent on bettering the world. Imagine what would have happened if the inter/national organizations that exist today were blocked from forming or faced challenges in obtaining institutional support because they were local. Instead, many of these budding organizations found mentors and advisors who supported their growth. This month’s edition challenges us to ask: How can we as campus- and organization-based professionals help support and enhance the experience of local fraternity/sorority members across the country?
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Creating Connections: Developing the Local Greek Leadership Conference
When working with local fraternities and sororities as campus advisors, many of us are venturing into uncharted territory. This is occurring because, on almost every campus, the number of inter/national organizations far exceeds the number of local organizations. An exception to this norm is the University of Redlands in California, where the entire fraternity/sorority population is comprised of local chapters. However, it is understood that campuses like this are the exception and not the rule when it comes campuses that host fraternities and sororities. >>Read full article
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Local Chapters: Advising the Advisors
When Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary almost 234 years ago, the organization bore most of the earmarks of our present-day social fraternities; they established an Oath of Fidelity, a motto, a grip (secret handshake), and a Ritual. This first organization held their members to the highest ideals of morality, scholastic achievement, and fellowship (Phi Beta Kappa, n.d.). Over the years, as more and more fraternities and sororities sprung forth from various institutions of higher learning, the notion of expanding a particular organization from one campus to another began to take hold. >>Read full article
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Providing Support for Local Sororities: One Member’s Experience and Perspective
I became a member of a local sorority because of the opportunity to play powder puff football. What I did not realize, at that point, was the developmental journey that was ahead. I come from a relatively young (20-year-old) local sorority with a small membership. I did not become immediately attached to the sisterhood; I was mostly confused about how this organization was different from any other organization on campus. It was not until I attended the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) that I completely understood the real troubles for my sorority. I left UIFI thinking I was not part of a sorority; that my sorority had Greek letters, but there was no true Ritual behind it. After hearing about the rituals, values, creeds, and meaning behind some of the inter/national fraternities and sororities, I knew that my chapter was nowhere close to being what a sorority was supposed to be. It was not because we had irresponsible founders or bad members, but because they did not understand the possibilities of sorority membership. If you had never been part of an inter/national sorority how would you know how things were “supposed” to run or the meaning behind the organization? >>Read full article
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Building Relationships With and Support for Local Fraternities and Sororities
It is understood by those in our profession that fraternities and sororities were formed to provide young men and women with support systems of people who share common interests, similar ideals, and expect high standards. However, this understanding of how fraternities and sororities came to be is not unique to organizations of an inter/national structure; both local chapters and inter/national organizations agree to hold themselves to higher standards, and it is important to remember this when working with local chapters. In many instances, local chapters do not really differ from inter/national organizations. >>Read full article
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Book Review: Marketing Research for Non-profit Community and Creative Organizations
Understanding the role of marketing research is important to the success of not only local fraternities and sororities, but the entire community. One of the greatest challenges that a struggling chapter or community may have is understanding their market and what they are trying to sell. Over and over again we hear of students that struggle to help unaffiliated students understand the benefits of fraternities and sororities. How can we help students sell the story or experience of fraternities and sororities? For local organizations, we can help by providing the resources that will assist them in becoming more successful and will help them stay competitive with organizations that have inter/national support. Marketing Research for Non-profit Community and Creative Organizations (Kolb, 2008) is a good resource to develop a plan to support the success of an organization. >>Read full article
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Essentials Information
Essentials welcomes articles, ideas, and feedback from Association members throughout the year. Please contact Emily Perlow, 2010 Editor, or review the online submission guidelines for more information.
Essentials is a monthly educational e-newsletter provided to AFA members and subscribers. Member login is required to view articles. If you have misplaced your member number, please contact the Central Office.
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Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors | 9640 North Augusta Drive Suite 433 | Carmel, IN. 46032
Phone: (317) 876-1632 | Fax: (317) 876-3981
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