How can a new fraternity build relationships with top sororities? Especially when the pledge class is passionate and willingly to do anything it takes?
Answer:
This is not as complex a problem as you would expect. In fact, I dedicate an entire chapter of my book The Fraternity Leader to this subject.
To give you the cliff notes though – here is what I’d do:
- If you want to build strong relationships between organizations, you have to build strong relationships between individuals. Put another way, make friends with the girls in a sorority. If you become friends, then getting the organizations to interact will be easy.
- If a brother is dating a girl in the sorority, leverage that relationship to meet more girls in the sorority. Then refer to #1.
- Invite the sorority to your events. If you have a party, make sure they are invited. You mention you have an eager pledge class. Send them to the sorority house the week before a party and have them personally invite the girls. And when they show up to your event, make sure they have a good time. Then refer to #1.
- Offer to assist the sorority with their events. Does the sorority have a big community service event they are passionate about? Maybe they have a big fundraiser? Regardless, offering to help is a great way to start developing that relationship. Then, refer to #1.
One final note, always remember to be a gentleman. Simple courtesies seem to get forgotten in college. I assure you; the girls will recognize how your brothers behave. If you want to impress them, don’t forget this simple tip.
This question was submitted by one of our readers. If you have a question you want me to answer go here to submit it: Fraternity Advice.