my advice on sorority recruitment

my advice on sorority recruitment,

how Christ fits in,

thank yous, 

& a goodbye.

for the past three years i have been a part of an amazing sorority.

i've pomped hundreds of hours, flyered for nearly every event, sat through endless chapter meetings, participated in philanthropy nights, worn my letters proudly, been initiated, been given amazing opportunities and i have met some amazing young women.

it's a no-brainer that sororities have stereotypes.

but here's something not a lot of people think about:

those stereotypes don't define every girl.

don't be swayed by these. it's silly.

not every single girl in a sorority is wild. 

not every girl has a 4.0 GPA.

not every girl is rich.

not every girl is a snot, or a beauty queen, or a nerd, or a legacy.

every girl is unique.

and every girl is important.

as a former Pi-Chi (a girl who steps away from her sorority to help lead the freshman girls through recruitment) - i got to see a lot more emotions than anyone else sees. 

i had girls who felt unloved.

i had girls who felt unwanted.

i had girls who felt stupid.

i had girls who felt ugly.

i had girls who felt worthless.

news flash: this is not okay.

recruitment shouldn't make you feel worthless.

girls shouldn't walk away from their experience and feel like trash.

they should feel loved by the chapters,

whether they're going to be given a bid or not.

they should feel respected.

they should feel beautiful.

and they should feel important.

because they are.

it doesn't matter if they're going to be a Kappa, or a Tri-Delta, or a Tri-Sigma,

it doesn't matter if you think they didn't like your chapter,

or if they're rude to you.

they deserve amazing conversations.

they deserve your undivided attention.

and they deserve kindness and respect.

ladies, these girls aren't numbers.

they're not fresh meat to use for pomping.

they're human beings with feelings and dreams and so much potential.

but do they feel that?

do you show them that?

do they want to be a part of your sorority because they feel loved,

or because you win homecoming each year?

is that what sororities have lowered themselves to?

or are they places where girls can call home?

where girls will feel like they're a part of something really special,

where they'll feel wanted, worthy, and loved?

another bit of advice: 

the whole "don't mention the 3 B's (Bible, booze, boys) thing:

i don't see anything wrong about talking about your religion.

i talked about being a Christian.

and what do you know, I got into a sorority.

ladies, you should not hide your religious beliefs to get into a sorority.

do i think that a 5 minute conversation where you're yelling to be heard is the best place to share the Gospel with a stranger? probably not.

but if you went on a mission trip this past summer and you feel like if you say that you won't get into a sorority - that is WRONG.

say it. don't be ashamed of your love for Christ.

you should NEVER cover the fact that you're a Christian just because other girls are saying "don't talk about the Bible" 

you're not going to offend anyone.

if they aren't a Christian, they're not going to cut you just because you are.

this applies to active members as well.

if you're involved with Veritas, Cru, Chi-Alpha, CCH, or the Newman Center,

SAY IT! 

i pray that you'll tell new members about these organizations.

i pray that they'll be inspired to join and that they won't give up on their faith, or that they'll be encouraged by yours.

recruitment is such a ministry opportunity!

am i saying you need to explain the Gospel right then?

no.

but at least plant the seed.

invite them. tell them when it is.

show them God's love. shine the light of Christ to these young girls.

is this inappropriate to do during recruitment?

no. not at all.

in fact, it could be lifesaving.

some of you might think, my recruitment director might not like this..

but who is man (or woman) to judge?

if Jesus were to ask you, "why didn't you mention your involvement in children's ministry at the crossing when talking to that potential member?"

are you really going to say: "well i was scared of what my recruitment director would say.."

maybe this all sounds intense to you.

maybe you're shaking your head at me.

maybe you're thinking, this girl is nuts.

i just think sororities can be more than what they are.

i think sororities can be more than silly stereotypes.

i think they can be homes of growth and acceptance.

and i also think they can be vessels for ministry.

i am incredibly thankful for the past three years in my sorority.

i'm thankful for the growth and the eye-opening experiences.

i'm thankful for the women who poured into me, and who continue to do so now.

i'm thankful for each and every one of my relationships with the women in my chapter & for the impacts they have had on my life.

i am thankful for the women who pushed me closer to Christ.

i'm thankful for those who taught me that hugs aren't all that bad.

i'm thankful for late night talks and crafting and endless amounts of cereal.

i'm thankful for all of the laughter and dance parties and growing up.

i'm thankful for inside jokes, dressing up, and heart to hearts.

i'm thankful for friends with different beliefs and backgrounds and passions.

i'm thankful for diversity, long hours at pomp tables, and walks to Veritas.

my college experience would not be the same with being a part of a sorority.

i am incredibly thankful for the past three years,

but my time has come to an end.

i wish the women in my chapter an amazing recruitment.

i pray that y'all pour out love on these new girls.

i pray that it's not about having high numbers or involvement in highschool,

but about welcoming genuine and caring girls into your sisterhood.

that each and every one of you welcome these girls into your home with love and respect like i was three years ago.

i pray that it's not about homecoming. that it's not about greek week. that it's not about rams.

because it's so much more than that.