Recruitment
This is my guide to recruitment, I have been using it for a while now and seems to be working. Take what you will leave what you want.
Recruitments easy, all you have to do is get to know someone new. How you do that is the challenge. There are many methods I have used to go out of my way to meet new guys, I have looked in class, in groups, at friends, the ways a endless.
Class: We all don't like not knowing someone in our classes, so strike up a conversation in with the person sitting next to you. Most people are like you and don't want to sit there quietly. I have done it numerous times, so its really not that hard. After a while you will become facebook friends or exchange numbers so you can study together. Ill cover how to get them around the chapter in a later section.
Social Groups or Educational Groups: Everyone is part of a group some how. For example I am part of Engineering Scholars and when I was part of the group I actively always searched to find a good FIJI. There are many other groups like SAC, ECO CAR, Ohio Staters, ect. where you are already are set up to meet people. Always ask yourself when you meat a new guy "Is he right for FIJI".
Friends: This can be a tricky subject. Not all friends make great recruits. I know when I first came through the chapter, I was told to replace myself, and my first thought was my friends from high school. After trying to get them to come around and truly understanding what makes a great FIJI, I found myself realizing that not everyone is destined to be a FIJI. So in this area be careful not everyone including your best friends can be FIJI's. Also remember that just because they are not FIJI's doesn't mean they can't be your friends.
How to get them to come around: There are several ways to approach this. If you already know they are interested in greek life then it is easy to get them to come around to the house. Also understand that if they are interested in greek life, they are more then likely looking into other houses, so it essential that you can get them around as quickly as possible. If they are not interested in greek life as several of my brothers were not originally, then don't bring up greek life till much later. Get to know the person first and hang out with them outside of the house, but bring your brothers a long so they get to know your friends. Eventually when you invite them to the house, to study or whatever, they will soon see that many people they know and like are part of the chapter. After that its is super easy to get them to come around.
How to deal with recruits: Now that you have them coming around its time to show them all aspects of the fraternity. You can preach all you want, but until they actually see what we are about they are still skeptic. Invite them out for the a night out (make sure this is not the only thing they see), invite them to go workout or play a sport, invite them to the house or library to study with a few brothers. It is very crucial they don't just see you as a partier, but are also serious about school and fitness. Well this is important for them, its also vital for the chapter. While they see the different aspects, the chapter is able to see just how the guy preforms in different areas. You can see his study habits, how he handles himself socially. So remember always invite brothers with you when you go and hang out with him. Its a great way to get to know the potential and for the potential to get to know us.
Now we say recruit 365 days a year, that does not mean on Christmas, or new years, or thanksgiving that you are expected to find a new guy for the chapter or even talk to the recruit you are already talking to. But always to be aware of the people around and given the opportunity that you run into someone who does, you actively pursue him.
One last point, the chapter sells its self. This is a great chapter that has many great achievements, not only in scholarship but also in the community and socially. (What up chariot race and Greek Week '10). The reputation of the chapter is crucial in recruiting. Often the recruit hears of the chapter before actually meeting a brother.
You guys know I love youtube videos so I found a great one from some brothers
And because this video does recruitment for us.......
With that keep recruiting guys 365 days a year.
As always proud to be an American
and damn proud to be a FIJI
-Weaver
I agree with your take on the balance between friends and FIJI. I too have learned recently that not all friends would make good FIJIs, and yet they still can be my best friends regardless. It's always good to bring them around and introduce them to FIJI and greek life, but its also important not to be discouraged if they decide a fraternity is not for them.
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said about not just preaching about FIJI but SHOWING recruits what FIJI has to offer. That's a very powerful and true statement
ReplyDeleteFIJI recruits itself, people recruit people. That is the key. Bringing the guys around and just talking to them and getting to know them is all you need to do!
ReplyDelete