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Growing Our Sisterhood

How COB Can Benefit Your Chapter (and Tri Delta)

It’s easy to imagine our Founders Sarah and

Eleanor meeting with friends and classmates after class, in the library or over a meal to share their plans for Tri Delta and why they should join. It’s how our Founders recruited early Alpha Chapter members—and how many chapters today grow our sisterhood!

Informal recruitment (also known as continuous open bidding or COB) allows our collegiate members to reach out to unaffiliated women who have qualities of an ideal member and invite them to learn more about the lifetime experience Tri Delta has to offer. Last year, 70 percent of Tri Delta’s chapters were eligible to participate in continuous open bidding following formal recruitment.

Benefits of COB

Executive Board Director Lenora Oeters, Cincinnati, found her home in Tri Delta through COB. No one in Lenora’s family had ever joined a sorority, so she was unfamiliar with the requirements and timing of formal recruitment. “I essentially missed out on formal recruitment before I even realized what I was missing out on,” she says. And, because she had just transitioned from a small private high school to a big public university, she needed time to settle in, get to know the campus and all its organizations, and learn how she could get involved. After hearing about sororities and seeing their leadership in action, Lenora decided to explore COB in the spring of her first year.

“I remember the first time I went to the Tri Delta house, we just hung out and watched a movie and I got a tour of the house. I felt instantly at home and admired the women that I got to hear from and related to them so easily. It was that natural environment and authentic connection that I feel like is so easily facilitated in a COB experience.”

More and more chapters are embracing informal recruitment as a way to build our sisterhood with exceptional women who are committed to Tri Delta. Here are a few reasons why COB can be a great option for your chapter:

1. Show off your personality

Some chapters simply aren’t energized by or comfortable with formal recruitment! COB can be a way for you to show off your chapter’s personality and share what makes you unique—in a more casual, authentic way.

The same may be said for potential new members (PNMs). Those who aren’t attracted to the idea of formal recruitment, but would like to find a place to belong, may feel more comfortable with informal recruitment.

2. Tap into a larger pool of PNMs

During COB, any woman on campus can be a potential new member. Who hasn’t worked on a project or been in a class discussion with someone whose talents, skills and values make you think, “They would be an amazing Tri Delta!” COB allows members to act on those connections and follow their instinct to invite outstanding women into our sisterhood.

3. Create positive PR on campus

COB is a great way for chapters to more widely share Tri Delta’s message on campus. Promoting and demonstrating the sorority experience in a less formal way can help boost your chapter’s image to PNMs and across campus.

Planning Successful COB

COB looks different for each chapter—some chapters are able to complete the process in just a day or two after recruitment. For others, there may be multiple pushes throughout the term. Nu Chapter at Ohio State has found success in COB in recent years. They shared their tips on how they plan a successful COB effort.

“It was that natural environment and authentic connection that I feel like is so easily facilitated in a COB experience.”

LENORA OETERS, CINCINNATI

1. Ask new members to recommend PNMs

When looking for PNMs to target, Nu Chapter taps into their new members’ network. They encourage their new members to look for classmates, roommates and other friends who want to be a part of Tri Delta and whom they see as a good fit. “This helps with retention,” shares Chapter Development Consultant Sophia Smith, Ohio State. “The women want to be a part of Tri Delta for a reason, and if it aligns with our values, they will be eager to get involved right away.”

2. Reach out to PNMs personally

After receiving names of PNMs from new members, the recruitment team reaches out to each one personally to invite them to an event, whether it’s a coffee date, a small group event or a small open house. The goal is to have the PNM meet many current chapter members to best see how they might fit. This also gives the PNM the flexibility to participate in COB in a way that works with their busy schedule.

3. Empower current members to participate

Nu Chapter has found that COB also has had a positive impact on overall chapter retention. “Members feel empowered because it’s a way for them to get their non-affiliated friends involved in Greek life, specifically in Tri Delta,” says Sophia.

Ultimately, the purpose of COB is to help our chapters grow our sisterhood. If your chapter has the chance to participate this school year, embrace it as another tool in your recruitment toolbox. It’s a wonderful way to share the joy of membership in Tri Delta and to discover lifelong sisters you may not have found through formal recruitment. Lenora says, “I guarantee that COB will allow you and your chapter to find women who love being in Tri Delta and contribute to her overall growth and development.”

“It took a lot of hard work, but we were able to make the event fun and safe for everyone who attended ... It was one of the most rewarding experiences to see our community come together and enjoy fundraising for an amazing cause after the year we have had.”

JACKIE RYAN, FLORIDA

CANADA

CANADA DELTA – UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

Canada Delta’s Finance Team paired up with the director of social activities to create a month-long sisterhood finance challenge. This initiative is focused on creating greater financial literacy as well as encouraging members to learn about savings, building credit and building off of what they had learned in their AAUW Start Smart salary negotiation workshops. The chapter created a weekly newsletter, called The Delta Dollar, with financial tips and resources for members.

FLORIDA

ALPHA ETA – FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

During the spring semester, Alpha Eta Chapter worked to help those in need by participating in Dance Marathon, Relay for Life and Line Dance. The chapter also hosted its annual Sincerely Yours and Delta Dodgeball events to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Delta Dodgeball was a huge success, raising more than $27,000. During the Sincerely Yours event, sisters gathered to write and decorate 4,000 letters to send to family and friends asking for donations for St. Jude.

In February, the Panhellenic delegates from Tri Delta, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Kappa Alpha Theta decided to host a fun event for their members since they all live on the same street and so many women from the different chapters are friends. The chapters gathered for an outdoor movie and ice cream night on the lawn of the Tri Delta chapter house. Abby Williams, vice president of community relations, shares, “We received so much positive feedback from this event and were so grateful everyone had a good time. Hopefully, we can continue to have fun events with these chapters in the future because it was an amazing time and a great way for our chapters to connect.”

ALPHA PSI – UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Each year, Tri Delta’s Alpha Psi Chapter holds one of its largest philanthropic events of the fall semester: the Triple Play softball tournament. Because the chapter wanted to support St. Jude while keeping participants safe, the director of philanthropy, Jackie Ryan, decided to push the fall 2020 event to the spring semester. The cooler and less humid spring weather made it more comfortable for people to wear masks for extended periods of time, and the increase in vaccine availability, combined with mandatory biweekly testing, meant better safety measures were in place. The event ended up being both safe for participants and successful in raising money for St. Jude!

“There were a lot of concerns going into Triple Play of how we could make a softball tournament safe in terms of COVID-19. It took a lot of hard work, but we were able to make the event fun and safe for everyone who attended. All the women made amazing signs for their teams and were able to enforce masks and social distancing while still cheering everyone on!” Jackie explained. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences to see our community come together and enjoy fundraising for an amazing cause after the year we have had. It warms my heart to see the money we’ve raised this far into the semester. Even with all our COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, nothing will stop us from finding ways to raise money for St. Jude.”

IDAHO

THETA TAU – UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

Theta Tau Chapter won several chapter and individual awards from the University of Idaho for 2020-2021. Theta Tau took home Chapter of the Year, along with Excellence in Recruitment, Excellence in Community Service and Excellence in Philanthropy!

Hannah Eckert, who served as collegiate chapter president in 2020, was awarded Member of the Year. Harleigh Johnson was recognized as New Member of the Year. And, Sage Huggins was recognized with the Emerging Leader award.

On the academic side, Dawn Amos was recognized as Outstanding Scholar. Dylanie Frazier and Abby Davis were both recognized as Top 10 Student in their classes. And Bri Navarro was the first member from Theta Tau Chapter to receive the Virginia

Wolf Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations to these outstanding Theta Tau Tri Deltas!

ILLINOIS

BETA OMICRON – ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY

Beta Omicron had a great start to 2021 with many exciting events and accomplishments, including welcoming 10 new members in early March. This year, thanks to a successful Sincerely Yours event, Beta Omicron raised more than $40,000 for the kids and families of St. Jude—a huge milestone for the chapter. Members have also focused on participating in other philanthropy events on campus, including creating a dance for Chi Omega’s March Madness dance competition.

Despite not being able to host large events, the chapter planned many COVID-safe sisterhood events, including painting, tie-dying and a barbecue. Finally, Alumna Advisor Kelly Scarfe, Southeast Missouri State, was named Advisor of the Year at the Illinois State University Greek Gala. Congratulations, Kelly!

KANSAS

THETA IOTA – KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

As COVID-19 restrictions loosened in Manhattan, Kansas, during the spring semester, Theta Iota Chapter tried to get each class and sister as involved as possible. The chapter started the spring semester with a Galentine’s event in celebration of Valentine’s Day with their sisters.

At the end of February, Theta Iota hosted an online fundraiser with a goal to raise $20,000 in one day for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chapter passed its goal with a total of $22,351.28! In April, Theta Iota hosted a favorite event, Delta House of Pancakes (DHOP), serving breakfast food and beverages on top of unlimited pancakes at the chapter house. They also partnered with the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity for a percentage night at Chipotle and Panera, with a portion of spending that night being donated to St. Jude.

To help new members make memories and grow closer, Theta Iota held a sleepover at the chapter house, which included games, movies, snacks and some homemade treats made by the house director. Toward the end of the semester, the chapter members were excited to have their moms in town for Mom’s Weekend, which included a painting class, flower arrangement event, brunch and shopping.

THETA OMEGA – UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

While continuing to follow university, Douglas County, Kansas, and CDC guidelines, Theta Omega Chapter was still able to host a few events during the spring semester. The chapter celebrated it seniors with a Pansy Brunch and hosted a Mom’s Weekend which included brunch and a Bunco tournament.

During the spring semester, the chapter raised $57,591 for St. Jude with fundraisers like 10K in a Day, Delta Diner, percentage nights, T-shirt sales, and a Mom’s Weekend auction.

The chapter was excited to continue expanding its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee during the spring semester. Committee chairs Payton Smith and Grace Hoge hosted weekly meetings to create an open space for women to talk about important DEI issues, and the chapter looks forward to being able to create an open dialogue where women can have the tough, and sometimes uncomfortable, yet necessary conversations.

The chapter has taken time each month to recognize its members for academic excellence. Emma Bartelsen was recognized for receiving the Genentech Outstanding Student Award! She was the only student from the University of Kansas selected for this $5,500 scholarship and summer internship at the Genentech headquarters in San Francisco. Congratulations, Emma!

MISSISSIPPI

BETA MU – MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

The women of Beta Mu held their 15K in a day event on Tuesday, March 23, with the goal of raising at least $15,000 in 24 hours for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Members rallied around the event’s “Race for a Cure” theme to motivate friends and family to donate.

Social Media Spotlight

Lambda Chapter at Baker University shared member Amanda Hawj wearing Hmong cultural clothing on their Instagram in July. Amanda explains in the post what she is wearing and the meaning behind it: “I’m wearing a traditional Hmong white outfit. It is normally worn during a harvest festival. Often worn with coin belts and silver necklaces to show off the produce of the year. Right now I’m wearing it for a multicultural celebration.” It was a wonderful way for our Tri Delta sister to share this rich, vibrant culture with others!

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE

This summer Claire Darley, Colorado, drove in the Lemons car race at High Plains Raceway in Deer Trail, Colorado. The team has to buy a car for less than $500 and keep it running for two full days of racing— they finished with the checkered flag!

To kick off the 24 hours, the chapter met on a Zoom call where members took turns sharing why they personally fundraise for St. Jude. Afterwards, they played a St. Jude trivia game. To boost donations, Beta Mu members took to social media with graphics, challenges and a positive attitude. They posted funny pictures and videos of themselves for every donation, made a piece of art for everyone who donated through their link, and called on their friends and family to give to this worthy cause.

The 24 hours went quickly, but the chapter came together again to attend a final push event at the chapter house to get all of those last-minute donations. In the end, they enjoyed a day full of sisterhood and reflection on why they fundraise for St. Jude. The chapter far exceeded its 15K goal, raising $59,598 in 24 hours, and $63,020 by the next morning!

MISSOURI

PHI MU – SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE

Tri Delta’s Phi Mu Chapter at Southeast Missouri State took home the Sorority of the Year Award on April 18. This last year, the chapter focused on supporting and helping their members during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with the Southeast Arrow, Abbey Hammack, vice president of chapter programming and development, shared, “Obviously, it was a big adjustment for us. We couldn’t hold chapter meetings because we didn’t want to stress people out. We did check in on each other a lot—we had mental health check-ins, and we had tutors to help students with online work.”

NORTH CAROLINA

ALPHA OMICRON – DUKE UNIVERSITY

Congratulations to Alpha Omicron Chapter for receiving the Excellence in Community Engagement Award as part of Duke University’s 2021 In the Spotlight Award recognition! Thank you for all of your contributions to the Duke community.

OHIO

DELTA CHI – DENISON UNIVERSITY

Delta Chi Chapter collaborated with Sigma Gamma Rho, a chapter under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), to celebrate National Girl, Me Too Day on April 7. Girl, Me Too is a nonprofit established to promote the healing, empowerment and education of women while encouraging healthy

“We did check in on each other a lot—we had mental health check-ins, and we had tutors to help students with online work.”

ABBEY HAMMACK, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE

relationships, and National Girl, Me Too Day acknowledges the strength and endurance of all women of all ages.

The collaboration consisted of two parts—an informal conversation facilitated by leaders in Sigma Gamma Rho and an all-day social media challenge. The conversation took place via Zoom and revolved around the importance of Girl, Me Too, women’s history, how to actively empower other women, and other female-related issues on Denison’s campus.

The social media challenge was on April 7. Women all across campus were encouraged to customize and repost Instagram story templates, including sharing “A Female Organization That Inspires Me.” The social media challenge had great participation from women affiliated with Greek organizations and unaffiliated women.

ZETA – UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Following the winter storms in Texas last February, Zeta Chapter’s vice president of community relations, Cece Mihelich, arranged a fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank to help those affected. The chapter got the entire Greek community at the University Cincinnati together and, with the use of Bingo boards on social media, they were able to raise enough money to provide 966 meals. The chapter also remains committed to putting its best efforts forward to help support the fight against childhood cancer. Last year, Zeta raised $15,481 for St. Jude through its Sincerely Yours event and a CycleBar event. The chapter also plans to put together a chapter cookbook consisting of family favorite recipes from members, along with fun facts and photos. Proceeds from the cookbook will all go toward St. Jude.

TEXAS

BETA XI – STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE

UNIVERSITY Beta Xi was able to begin its journey back to a “normal” semester in the spring, holding more in-person events, including its brand-new philanthropic event, a grill-off benefitting St. Jude! The event was a tailgate themed grill-off at the chapter house. It included games, unlimited burgers and hot dogs, a grilling competition, hot dog eating contest, snow cones, mechanical bull and live music from Joey Greer. The event raised $4,649.

The chapter also hosted a 4K-in-day event for St. Jude, surpassing its goal by more than $10,000 and raising $14,166! The chapter maintained its support of the Nacogdoches community by holding service events, such as tutoring at an after-school program, collecting canned goods for the food bank, and participating in SFA’s Big Event—an entire day filled with serving the community.