By Nathalia Tavares
Promoting one’s organization is pivotal regardless of what the group does. An organization may be comprised of good-hearted, hard-working members; however, if the members do not know how to sell themselves, the organization will slowly fall apart.
Having PR strategies down is especially important in Greek life. With so many sororities and fraternities available, Greeks must be adept at selling their organizations.
I was once part of Alpha Chi Omega, a Panhellenic sorority where I met amazing women who inspired me to try out new experiences and work hard to be successful in whatever I do. Although I had to drop the sorority due to financial reasons, I am still really good friends with many of the women and I still look up to them as if I were their true sister.
While at Alpha Chi Omega, I not only got the chance to meet and connect with interesting and fun women, but I also learned a lesson or two about promoting sororities specifically. However, these tips may also apply to other organizations, so take note!
Here are six main things I learned:
- Online presence!
The Internet is one of the most used resources for us Millennials. Just look around you, and you will see many undergraduate students on their phones, tablets, and computers. Thus, for promoting a sorority, online presence is key! Make sure to have an updated website and post frequently on Facebook, Twitter, and/or any other social media platform your sorority might have. When posting, use lots of pictures and graphics that differentiate your sorority from others. I have also found it effective to see member individual features; people want to meet other people when joining an organization, so it is helpful to see who is involved.
- On-campus presence
Women are not just looking for an organization they found online; they are looking for real people! Get your name out at on-campus events, whether it be setting up a table at the Involvement Fair or having joint events with other organizations. Also, make sure to go to other Greek organizations’ events and socializing with others. There will always be something going on at your university area, so get your name – and yourself – out there!
- Consistency
A sorority should be constantly coming up with new ideas and ways to promote themselves. However, their events and campaigns should not stray away from their values. Designing shirts, for example: while they can be different styles, they should still convey the same message of what your sorority stands for.
- Dignity
Being part of Greek life allows you to grow as a person, while having fun at the same time. Unfortunately, there will be times when, by engaging in activities that might initially be fun, but eventually could become embarrassing and even dangerous (i. e. drinking too much), consequences could be damaging to the physical and social self, but also to your sorority. There is nothing wrong with being natural, going to social events, and having fun – just do so responsibly.
- Love thy sister…
This may sound silly – after all, women will join the same sorority because they have similar values and enjoy spending time with them. In spite of that, it is extremely important to represent your sorority and your sisters well. The most likeable sororities I have gotten to know are those where the women are proud of each other and of their organization. Of course there will be times when being with the same women for long periods of time is overwhelming (talk about Recruitment!), but avoid badmouthing your sisters or organization to others – it could make your sorority less likeable. So talk about how proud you are that your sister got an internship at Boeing over the summer; show everyone how much fun you had at the philanthropy your sorority organized, or even how fun it is to live in a house with wonderful women. After all, if you are in your sorority, it is probably because you think it is the best out there!
- … and thy neighbor.
People like to be around nice people. If you and your sisters are kind to and fun with those around you in day-to-day life, you will be accidentally promote your sorority by showing how wonderful you and your sisters are. Just remember: be genuinely nice!
I hope these suggestions are helpful.
If you have any others, I would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment below!