Themis—Summer 2022

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asking you about ZTA during their recruitment process, encourage them to keep an open mind, know that the recruitment process protects their preferences and interests, and focus on finding the group that shares their personal values.

encourage chapters

The antiquated term “rush” has seen the sunset. Days of red/ green cards, discussion sessions and voting by paper are all things of the past. The Release Figure Methodology implements an algorithm to ensure the recruitment process is treated with the highest integrity by mutually pairing members and chapters. Today, Primary Recruitment is one of the most sophisticated, measured and thoughtful experiences offered to students; so it makes sense that nofrills practices emphasize authentic connections rooted in genuine conversations. RFM enables the maximum number of PNMs to find the right sorority to call “home;” chapters’ “bumping” systems complement RFM and are designed to help PNMs get to know as many sisters as possible. Together, these processes inform collegiate members’ decisions and enable them to further relationships in each round. So what can alumnae offer to chapters when Recruitment runs on an algorithm, doesn’t serve refreshments and sometimes takes place virtually? Collegiate chapters’ recruitment needs are unique and varied to say the least. Ask the chapter President and Vice President III/Membership Chair what the chapter needs— and listen to the answer. If chapter leadership says the members need dinner dropped off or notes of encouragement, that’s what they need. If you are interested in providing broader support, consider becoming an advisor.

When it comes to providing on-site support for Recruitment, use the “yes, and” approach. Yes, as alumnae, we cherish the memories of recruitments past, with the thoughtful decoration, polished entertainment and delicious refreshments; and we recognize that current and incoming college students value their time and are looking for the organizations that are going to give them the most meaningful experiences.

celebrate community success

While we are proud of our ZTA experiences, it is important we remember those are our experiences and they occurred at a point in time for us and the group of sisters we joined with. Women participating in sorority recruitment have the right to explore and pursue an experience that is theirs and theirs alone. That experience may be best offered by ZTA or by another organization. Remember that Recruitment is a mutual selection process and the ultimate goal is for all PNMs to find the place that fits them best.

of experience in sisterhood are providing premier membership opportunities. The growth of any values-based organization supported by a network and infrastructure focused on development is to be celebrated. Collectively, members of NPC sororities are part of one of the largest women’s organizations in the country. A thriving fraternity/ sorority community benefits all the groups and individuals involved. While the process has changed over time, Recruitment has always been the beating heart that we trust to pump new life into our organization. It draws in and infuses our collegiate chapters with new members who represent their interests and carry our sisterhood forward in perpetuity, so it benefits ZTA to continue to be leaders in shaping the fraternity/sorority experience. How will you contribute?

Be confident that the inter/ national sorority organizations that share collective centuries

Feature | Themis Summer 2022

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