The sorority experience teaches members vital life skills that can be a launch pad of personal development and career success. One of the most profound benefits of sorority membership is the ability to break outside comfort zones and experience new things. While the sorority experience is a lifelong one, there are many ways to push yourself and get the most out of your collegiate Panhellenic experience. You are in control of your sorority experience, so make the most of it by trying a few new things this year.
Here are some ideas:
- Seek a leadership position or get involved in a committee. Serving in this way allows you to contribute to the greater purpose of your organization.
- Show up to optional sisterhoods. These are hosted to enhance your membership experience. Take advantage of these events to participate in a fun activity and connect with other members.
- Build a relationship with your advisor. Advisers provide mentorship and guidance as members navigate college which can provide support beyond sorority membership.
- Go to other sororities’ and fraternities’ philanthropy events. The sorority experience is much bigger than only the events your chapter hosts. Attend other events to contribute to the larger fraternity and sorority community.
- Connect with alumnae with the same career aspirations as you. Lean on these members for support and advice as you prepare for the next steps in your career.
- Attend events, presentations and other milestones of members. Support of members isn’t limited to chapter meetings or events. By attending an important milestone of members, you can expand your own educational interests and provide encouragement for your sisters.
- Serve on a leadership board or join a committee within your College Panhellenic. You’ll get to know other Panhellenic women and better understand the power of Panhellenic sisterhood.
- Plan a trip over a school break or long weekend with sisters.
- Apply to be a recruitment counselor. The benefits only improve your skills and Panhellenic experience.
- Participate in intramurals or other smaller groups within your chapter. Sometimes getting outside of your comfort zone is the best way to spark new relationships!
- Research special ways to be involved as a collegian with your Headquarters or the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).
- Attend leadership conferences for Panhellenic members and leaders.
- Connect with the new members of your chapter. Take them on a coffee or ice cream date or meet up with them after a chapter meeting and ask them how school is going. Offer yourself as a resource if they need help in that one class or have questions about the next service event your chapter is hosting.
- Review your ritual outside of the required time to read it. Connecting to your ritual allows you to stay connected to your chapter’s purpose and can help you align your actions with the purpose.
- Live in your sorority house or with members of the Panhellenic community.
- Pay attention to the little details about members. Congratulate them on a big test or send them encouragement before an internship interview.
- Grab coffee or ice cream with a member you want to get to know better.
- Share your ideas to your chapter or Panhellenic leadership. Help add a new perspective to those in leadership. What you have to share is valuable!
- Invite non-members to your service or philanthropy events. Spread the impact of philanthropic service beyond the fraternity and sorority community.
- Apply for scholarships for collegiate members through your headquarters or NPC.
- Say “yes” to invites for a late-night donut run with sisters or a spontaneous road trip. Some of the best memories are created through unplanned sisterhood-building moments. If you’re able, say yes!
- Find members with the same major as you to study together. Create your own network of future professionals in your career field.
- Volunteer at campus involvement fairs to share about the sorority experience.
These suggestions are opportunities to reengage with your sisters and other members of your Panhellenic community. Take the leap and make the most of your Panhellenic experience. Remember, the more you put into the experience, the more you will get out of it.