Eight Brothers Walk Into a Bar…

Hello hornstothebox.

How can a VP motivate and help the chapter to do a better job of recruiting and retaining members?

In my mind, recruitment/retention problems only really spring up when the President and Vice President just kind of stumble through the year. If they have a plan and are actively thinking about such things, they rarely become a problem. I don’t know if that’s because the plans are good or if, because they’re thinking about it, they notice the small stuff before it festers. I’ve also found that people, including chapters, can be motivated simply by telling them what you want them to do, why, and periodically telling them that they did a good job.

I would imagine that for most chapters recruitment starts at band camp. So, if I were VP, I’d have a pre-band camp meeting where we decided what to wear each day, developed ideas for posters or other recruitment paperwork, and tried to generate good ideas from the rest of the chapter. Once band camp started I’d meet with the chapter for 5 minutes after camp each day. I’d ask for names of people they thought would be good brothers. I’d remind them what we were wearing tomorrow, and I’d tell them they did a really good job today and to keep up the good work.

During rush I’d try to create events that the chapter already likes to do. Your chapter like BBQ’s, then hold a rush BBQ. If the actives want to be there they will be (and they’ll be happy about it). After each event, meet with the actives, make sure that you’re inviting the people you’re after, ask if new people should be added to the list, and tell them it went well.

Retention. Retention is hard for a VP to orchestrate. In fact, beyond that first prospective year, I’d say retention was more of a President’s job. If the President keeps meetings moving along and schedules enough fun chapter activities most won’t want to quit (if they leave school or have time commitment problems there’s not much YOU can do about that).

Retention for prospectives involves making them feel wanted. If your education meetings aren’t during chapter meetings, have actives show up (even if they’re not doing anything). Have their big brothers send them a note a week (or maybe a small gift, like a candy bar). Reveal big brothers early! Seriously a big brother, family traditions, etc… can go a long way towards making a prospective feel like they’re part of the chapter. Make sure prospectives feel like they’re accomplishing something. Have them organize and implement a class service project, fundraiser, social event, etc…

To sum up, the VP should have a plan for recruitment and everyone should know what that plan is. The actives should feel as if they have a role to play in forming that plan as well as implementation and they should be thanked for their efforts frequently. For prospective retention, do whatever you can to make prospectives feel like they’re part of the chapter. For active retention, do whatever you can to make sure the chapter is an enjoyable group to be part of.