Sigma Pi Recruitment Yesterday’s Stranger Today’s Friend Tomorrow’s Brother

What is Recruitment? Recruitment is the process of replenishing or replacing a loss; a fresh or additional supply of quality men that will perpetuate the positive existence of Sigma Pi Rush is an act that is defined as acting in violent and rapid motion that takes an object by sudden assault…not what we want to do Recruitment will improve image, perpetuate the fraternity, solidify finances, and build on the brotherhood, which makes Sigma Pi the best organization on campus

Why do we have to recruit? Image –Recruitment of quality men is necessary to maintain a positive image at the campus, community, and international level Perpetuation –In order to uphold the tradition of successful fraternity operation, the organization should consistently recruit quality men

Why do we have to recruit? Finances –In order for the chapter to operate, financial growth and development are necessary Brotherhood –Having a strong group of brothers to share your experiences with strengthens the traditions of Sigma Pi

Recruitment Goals Goals should be achievable, yet challenging to the chapter What kind of chapter do you want to be? –A solid recruitment plan will yield quality members –Determine the kind of chapter you want to be and the kind of campus image or presence you want to have –Determine what type of members you want- leaders, athletes, scholars…QUALITY MEN

Recruitment Goals Determine what size chapter you want to be, and set a solid ambitious number -It takes 20% of your chapter size in new members to maintain your size You should pledge a number that is equal to 40% of your current chapter size Bid on a 2 to 1 ratio Set your retention rate around 90% of your pledge class

Recruitment Goals Quality vs. Quantity There are a large number of quality men that will join if they are approached in the correct manner Strive for Excellence Set your goals, achieve your goals and then some, be the best and accept nothing less

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy Meet him –Class –Dorms –Recreation center –Student Union –Orientation What is taking place during the first two weeks of school?

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy Make him your friend –Lunch –Study sessions –Recreation sports –Call him –Social events

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy Introduce him to the fraternity –Invite him to the house –Escort him to social events –Interaction with other brothers –Community service –Fund raising events

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy Ask him to join –Ask if he is interested –Tell him why you want him –Tell him why the chapter would be good for him –Talk to him about his fears and reservations –Common interests –Explain financial obligations

The Four Bones of a Chapter Jaw Bone- All talk and no action, may come up with good ideas but doesn’t act on them Wish Bone- Members who wish things get done but don’t contribute Knuckle Bone- A member that doesn’t come up with any ideas and is critical of others who do have ideas Back Bone- The workers of the chapter, it may not be their idea, but the back bone makes sure the work gets done

Recruitment Committee Recruitment Chair –Coordinates and oversees all brothers of the committee – Attends all IFC recruitment meetings and recruitment workshops –Develops the recruitment budget

Recruitment Committee Public Relations Chair –Develop and disburses recruitment information such as flyers, pamphlets, posters and press releases –Maintain records of recruitment themes of previous years –Maintain communication with IFC and sororities about recruitment events

Recruitment Committee Activity Coordinator –Organize times and locations of recruitment events –Organize transportation for potential members to and from events Contact Chair –Responsible for contacting brothers to attend recruitment events –Responsible for assigning active brothers to keep in contact with prospective new members

Knowing your role Chapter participation is essential to a successful recruitment campaign Determine what each member will be doing during recruitment events

Knowing your role Face men –Friendly, popular; men who are admired by others –Can be shy or out going, but will be the first person a potential member will see –Projects an image that people want to be associated with –Brothers who are prominent figures on campus and in the community…collegiate athletes, student government, etc..

Knowing your role Initiator –Can talk to anyone, great personality –Can also be a face man –Can strike up a conversation with potential new members –Able to initiate conversation and move potential new members to brothers that they may feel more comfortable with or have some commonality with

Knowing your role Meet and Greet –Slightly shy, average guy that can conduct a good conversation when the initiator introduces the potential new member –They gather the information we need and then pass the potential new member to the closer

Knowing your role Closer –Very persuasive personality, slightly dramatic when he talks about the chapter and the individual benefits of being a brother –These guys seal the deal, they get the new members to commit to Sigma Pi

Knowing your role Workers –Can contribute just as much as the aforementioned players –Set up events…cooks, cleans, take care of the small but important tasks –Men who might not be the most out spoken or the best conversationalists –Their attendance is necessary to ensure a strong projected image

Knowing your role Other than team players –Ladies- show that your chapter is social, fun and an organization that others want to hang out with –Alumni-talk to potential new members to help them understand how the fraternity can be beneficial –Organization, teamwork, and effort will yield a successful recruitment period

Where do you meet potential new members? –Recreation sports –High School buddies – Pike County –Hometown acquaintances –Volunteer to give campus tours –Help freshmen move onto campus –Encourage sororities to help with recruitment –Legacies

Nonverbal Communication Always use a good firm handshake Make eye contact both when speaking and listening Do not crowd a potential new member, allow enough room for personal space Don’t cross your arms Look as if you care about the conversation Dress appropriate –The first impression is the KEY in this situation

Verbal Communication Tips Always introduce yourself, use proper English When introducing someone to another brother introduce the brother by his real name, NO NICKAMES Don’t dominate the conversation, be a listener Ask open ended questions Know the traditions and history of Sigma Pi

Strategies Dress Impressively if you want impressive guys Set up classy and commanding events Offer to pick up and drop off potential new members Keep in constant contact with potential new members (daily) Always respect the obligations of Sigma Pi

Handling the Tough Questions Never make negative comments about other organizations on campus, especially other fraternities Answer questions honestly Know the facts about the chapter’s finances –(initiation & pledge fees, social dues, housing cost) Remind them the days of hazing are over

Handling the tough questions Why join? –Common interest –Place of belonging –Social activities –Leadership opportunities –BENEFITS ARE ENDLESS

If He Declines Don’t be afraid to ask him “Why” –Take care of the “Why” –Get him to sign Convince him to reconsider the idea of joining any fraternity Don’t dwell on one guy

Conclusion Recruitment is 365 days a year Always be looking for men who could be a quality brother Find creative ways to meet new people Every event is a recruitment event Recruitment is every brothers responsibility, not just the Recruitment Chair In order to recruit quality men, you have to present yourself as a quality organization Emphasize your chapter qualities

Semi-famous Quote “Don’t make me Suck”