Two people whom we trust and respect have mentioned the SigEp Counselors Yahoo Group in the last few days. It is a Yahoo! Group set up along the same lines as SigEp-Talk, but specifically for Chapter Counselors to communicate with each other and with the HQ Staff. Set up in 2001 after the DC Conclave, there has been a steady but thin trickle of messages on it.
This seems to be one of the many good ideas from HQ that have fallen into disuse. Or maybe it never took off to begin with - because no one knew how to use it, new CCs were not told about it, or any of a dozen other reasons.
No matter — Chapter Counselors who are reading this now can add your experience - 3 months to 30 years - and make that group a stronger resource.
If you are a Chapter Counselor; if you believe you could do your job better if you had a way to communicate directly with other CCs; if you want to encourage more interaction between HQ and volunteers - then sign up! Go to the group site and click the "Join This Group" button. You will have to wait on authorization from HQ but its almost Christmas break so what else are they doing? Once you are set up let the others know you are there and start participating.
An example of the kind of exchange that happens there (identifying info redacted):
Opening:
I'm the Chapter Counselor at ZZ Omega. I am struggling at this point and could use some input, please.
Short version: I have communicated with the alumni (inactive completely until now) to let them know our situation with the undergraduates. Basically we started this fall semester to truly implement Balanced Man and all the "rules" and guidelines.
[...]
The alumni are, shall we say, "resisting" the change. They are venting etc and making attacks on HQ, myself, and others who are working to make this chapter fully BMP.
Now for my request: Has anyone had to deal with inactive alumni? Who find inspiration from their negative impression on a positive change? Who may be attempting to `band together' to provide influence on the undergraduates as non-AVC members? Who are not exactly `supportive' of BMP?
I've been trying to educate them on BMP and it's merits but they just don't want to hear it; they want the chapter to go back closer to Animal House...
In advance, THANK YOU for your input and advice.
Completely Frustrated.
Response:
Brother:
Working with alumni is a lot like trying to herd cats; but perhaps I can give you some ideas how to accomplish this transformation with the backing of alumni, and more importantly, alumni from other BMP chapters.
[...]
I strongly suggest that you develop a campaign to engage your older alumni (over 40), seeking their assistance to support necessary changes by actually showing up to a planning meeting and/or to a chapter meeting, and speak to subject. You should be clear that you are not seeking money, but a few hours of their time to talk to the chapter about why change is necessary.
[...]
Get a list of alumni from HQ with in a 50 mile radius, and first write letters to the oldest alumni first. Tell them in the letter that you are going to call them personally to get their input. The trick is to get them talking and involved. Ask them for their stories. But assure them you are not looking for money; just advise. You'll probably have to talk with them a few times for them to comfortable with you.
Don't be disappointed if more then 80% of the alumni you contact reject your inquiry. Those over 65 will be less inclined to help you, but you may find a gem. Your best success will come from alumni between the ages of 45 to 55. Avoid alumni under the age of 40.
Ask them to be on a chapter oversite committee; then work as a panel at a chapter meeting to explain the changes and reasons for the change. Make sure that the alumni understand that it is only a committee of influence, not a governing body and not a long term commitment. If things work out, you make get a longer commitment from individuals to serve on the Alumni Board.
Any more questions, call me at my office between 11:00am and 5:00pm at 999 999-9999.
Fraternally,
As a former Chapter Counselor I know I would have benefitted from being able to draw on that kind of experience and support.
(Disclosure - some, but not all, of the S&P blog team are members of the group. S&P has no other connection to it.)
