Last week we had the priviledge of intereacting with a panel composed of some of the top student leaders in the Sorority and Fraternity Community, as well as Sharrel and Kurt who work with Sorority and Fraternity Life at the Ohio Union. I have interacted with all of these people many times before, but have never really gotten into conversation about the problems facing our community and how they feel these problems need to be addressed. It was cool to discuss these issues with them, hear their take on everything and get ideas for the future.
One issue that was addressed was senior apathy and older members not being as active as they need to or could be. Some panelists suggested this was because members feel that they already put their hard work in, and the younger girls need to take control. When I was younger, I did feel that way but I have a new perspective now that I am a senior. Although I am a little burnt out on recruitment workshops and informational events that I've heard a million times, I think about the girls I looked up to when I was a younger member and realize I want to be that. I want to model the way and be a good example for the younger members. I think this point needs to be stressed to older members, and if they are shown appreciation for participating and being a good role model that should be recognized.
I also think our chapters are set up to push seniors out 2 quarters before they graduate. As a senior, I am losing all of my positions at the end of the quarter. I still want to be really involved, but I am finding a hard time finding things to be involved with. I whole-heartedly agree that leadership is not positional, and I can still make an impact without a position, but it's a weird feeling that I am losing a big chunk of responsibility at the end of this quarter. I feel like some seniors feel less ownership of the chapter, and less responsible and therefore slacking off is inevitable. To keep people from feeling this way, the panelists suggested that chapters highlight seniors and continually remind them how important they are to continueing the growth of the chapter.
Another topic brought up during the panelist was the negative stereotype on the Sorority and Fraternity Community. It was interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on this. It is very apparent that these stereotypes exist for a reason. One person can perpetuate a stereotype for everyone, and we are obviously not perfect. The only thing we can do is strive for better. Continue to work on things we don't excel in and striving to be the best members we can be. Living our rituals and letting other people see the values we possess will only help get rid of stereotypes. Are we ever going to change everyone's mind? Of course not, but if we are living by the guidlines set by our founders we are bound to change a few.
It was a great experience having the panel come in and I really appreciate the time and effort put into that!
Kristen
I wish everyone thought like you did when it came to seniority. Even though the older people have been through it all and may be burnt out, they need to stick it out till the end. I agree with you, they need to model the way for the younger people. I look at it like a marathon, you work so hard on those first miles, are you really going to give up on the last 4 or 5?
ReplyDeleteI really liked your perspective on the whole senior apathy situation and I agree that while you don't need a position to be a leader it is easier to be a leader with more responsibility.
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