”what we know
to be true, and what is perceived to be true by generations before and after us, can be vastly different.” Research from the Amplifying Sorority Campaign reveals several key barriers preventing Gen Z women from joining sororities. Understanding the most prevalent obstacles is crucial to building and communicating the value of a more desirable sorority experience.
time commitment
44%
fear of being judged
68%
Too Many rules
48%
Too much drama
80%
financial Burden
59%
Too Snobby
62%
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TRI SIGMA SORORITY
more common than images representing leadership, campus involvement, academic achievement, and philanthropic endeavors— those negative perceptions are getting harder to overcome. Another concern made worse by the #BamaRush trend is the financial commitment. Alabama's sorority megamansions and outfit of the day videos showing PNMs in head-to-toe designer outfits has dramatically inflated the perceived cost of membership. Because the overall cost of membership can be an actual barrier for some, conversations regarding the financial investment should be transparent but positioned as a step toward achieving meaningful, long-term personal and professional growth. Concerns over balancing sorority involvement with academic demands, and other commitments also present a significant challenge. So does the overall lack of diversity. In fact, the research shows that most PNMs desire diverse environments that value individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Beyond more than simply fostering connection, this includes creating opportunities for reflection, discussion, and education that allow all perspectives to be seen, heard and respected. In a time where most campuses offer vast extracurricular options that provide avenues for social engagement and personal growth, we must overcome these barriers and misconceptions in order to remain relevant.
RETHINKING RECRUITMENT
Having a better understanding of the our potential new members and their attitudes about traditional recruitment allows NHQ to develop targeted strategies that better showcase the value of our membership. Knowing that primary recruitment is scaring off some of our best prospective members, we can be better primed to address specific concerns and overcome misconceptions. “This is not about placing less importance on primary recruitment. Rather, it's about better preparing our volunteers and equipping chapter leaders with the
training and resources to share the value of Tri Sigma.” said Sr. Director of Collegiate Experience Ellen Elmore. “In doing so, we are not inadvertently overlooking the growing number of women that primary recruitment does not appeal to.” One way to do this is by erasing the stigma sometimes associated with Continuous Open Bidding—or COB as it is called on many campuses. COB is not a secondary recruitment strategy, but rather a viable and vital approach to recruiting those who are hesitant to participate in fully structured recruitment events. With nearly 33 percent of collegians joining Tri Sigma through COB in 2022–23, it is (and should be) presented as a legitimate and valuable pathway to membership. Another approach is to equip collegiate chapters with the tools to better showcase the more tangible benefits of membership during primary recruitment. “We can't go wrong by sharing the Tri Sigma we fell in love with, the Tri Sigma that has made a lasting impact on our lives—we just need to do so in a way that resonates with the aspirations and values of today’s college women,” Elmore said.
PRACTICING WHAT WE PREACH
It's not just about saying the right things; it's about ensuring the experiences we provide evolve alongside the needs of our members. At the national level, the research is being used to inform changes to the strategic plan, resource allocation, training and programming, recruitment strategies and resources, and more. In order to move the needle, members of all ages will need to actively contribute to reinforcing a Tri Sigma experience that is empowering and promotes lifelong affinity. “Tri Sigma’s alumnae network is one of its greatest resources. Leveraging those connections to facilitate mentorship or model leadership skills by volunteering is one of the most direct ways to make an impact on the collegiate experience,” said Director of Lifetime Engagement