Founder's Day -- A reminder that we are still relevant?

What are we doing? What is this thing we are a part of? There are academics, national headquarters staff, writers, television hosts and professional speakers who are all paid for their professional opinion on the matter.

And you know what? They all have different answers. Many change their definition of fraternity and some of them even have trouble defining what fraternity is. (If you are going to recruit, you better shape up your answer...and don't just say: brotherhood. People benefit much more from your experiences than some generic answer.)

For 96 years, this fraternity has operated, succeeded, failed and, most importantly, continued on. This year alone we will take more new members than we had active just 8 short years ago! Our ideals are present in each chapter and we are growing. This semester we are working on chartering three colonies.

The question of relevancy is answered. Fraternity is relevant. People are joining us and there is an interest from campuses nationwide. But why? What is it that we offer and, as always, how can we improve with the times?

Happy Founder's Day, please take time to reflect and celebrate the ideals of this fraternity (and the men who brought this gift to you).

Here's brother Marpheen, Nu Xi, speaking about his why.
(Edit 3/4, I realized I had used the above video in an earlier post)

So here's another..

Dan J. of Nu Xi, speaking about his why.

Derrick Dubois

Director of Chapter Services

derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org

Shawnee State, Go Bears!

I had the pleasure of working with our colony at Shawnee State Univeristy in southern Ohio this week.

Portsmouth, OH borders Kentucky and is separated by the Ohio River. This institution has a history of helping those achieve an education on a limited budget and our chapter embodies that. They have only 6 alumni and have already created scholarships for prospective members through those alumni and the chapter.

"I believe in that broad conception of democracy which seeks freedom of opportunity and recognizes no color, race, creed, or position."

Seen above, Don teaches a class of 11 new brothers.

These men impressed me with their grasp of service, the knowledge of what it means to be a good fraternity man and the differences between leadership/management. They will have a chapter advisory board up and running very shortly, headed by Jonathan F. James, Residence Coordinator. This colony is an up-and-comer, I would not be surprised if they were presenting for national chapter of the year in only a few short years. 

Ohio Northern University-- Completed

I'm done at ONU and we have a total of 19 new brothers with more accepting each day.

The last two weeks of the process were the hardest and the most fruitful.

Getting through the names list and meeting with all the men while keeping track of where each man was in the process was difficult but as long as I kept the names list updated I was able to balance all efforts.

This chapter will surely flourish with advisers like Dr. Tom Kier, interim Dean of the Pharmacy College and noted Mu Beta alumnus, and Dave Smittle, noted Mu Beta alumnus and national council Member-At-Large.

In addition, the membership consists of an eclectic compilation of student leaders, ranging from student senate to residential life. This project has no doubt been a success on the National Office's position and we all will be looking forward to Mu Beta's hard work this year.

I am a recruiting machine.. and here's why

I just got over 100 names within an hour.

I'll tell you what, it was easier than you think. How many of you men want to have a better relationship with the organizations on your campus? I bet it's a pretty high number of you.

You, as a leader or student or fraternity man, have the ability to do what I just did.

I contacted the sororities, fraternities and several other student organizations on campus and asked to present. Today, I met with Zeta Tau Alpha, FIJI, Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Xi Delta.

ZTA and Theta were within an hour and I spent less than ten minutes presenting.

I walked out of each of those chapters with more than 100 names each.

First, I brought some type of gift..candy, coffee or flowers.

Second, I researched them a little bit. I knew I needed to know philanthropy, flower and other general information.

Third, I'm offering the organization which refers the most men(who actually join) 500 bucks to their philanthropy. What if this is what you used your recruitment budget for?

Fourth, show up. Dress up! Say hi to the people you know. And if you don't know anyone, chat with a person who may be able to give you some information, then add it into your talk. I met a woman who was excited to be taking over alumni networking just before the presentation. I used her name and gave her a positive plug in front of 70 women. In other words, find ways to get the people interactive with your presentation. You don't need a PowerPoint.

Fifth, talk excitedly about what your organization is planning and doing. They want to know what kind of group you are. Practice this beforehand because you must buy into what you're saying.

Sixth, initiate the name harvest! "Do you all remember when you received your bid? Aw, man. That was a great feeling. I felt so honored and happy. I want to bring that feeling to more people on this campus. I want all of Greek Life to grow. Help me do that. The number one reason why people do not join us is because they were never asked. Can you give me the names of men that should be asked to join? Men who are academically excellent, high caliber,  and service minded." Hand out 3x5 cards and let them at it.

I have advantages as a full time recruiter. But this can be adapted for you. I promise. I'm up to 350 names in a single week. That's nearly 10 percent of this campus and I've just begun.

What is stopping you? What excuses are you making?

The most important piece of being a leader

Don't ever forget that while you are the spotlighted leader you have the opportunity to create leaders.

A person I hold in a high regard once told me that it was not only my responsibility to grow a great organization but create leaders in the process. Take the time to open up those shy members to the possibility of being president. You never know, they may be the best option your organization has. 

I, like many of us, started my journey as someone who was seen as the quiet kid in the group. I hardly contributed until someone planted the seed.

Plant seeds, it's more than worth it. Few experiences are as satisfying as seeing someone grow into a pillar of the community. Just ask those men in the chapter who are successful at recruiting.

Good luck with elections and your transisitons out/into your respective offices.

Derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org