Kappa Alpha Theta at Baylor University in Waco is trying a bold new approach to formal sorority recruitment: put the potentials to work. Sororities are well-known for comprehensive eleemosynary work and community service, but formal recruitment for both sororities and fraternities is often an unbroken series of cocktails, smokers, and even more titillating events. In the frenzy to put the best foot forward, the central role of charitable causes in greeks' mission can easily be lost.
The editors at the Baylor Lariat point to the precedent of Kappa Alpha Theta as a direction for all greeks to turn towards. First invoking a perennial hobby-horse, Animal House, and updating it with the new misexemplar of choice, Old School, the editors opine that greeks' service "is usually overshadowed by other social activities"; the article enumerates "toga parties, alcohol and the dreaded initiation," as well as "endless partying and empty pizza boxes." But for all the tired tropes trotted out as prologue, the Lariat seems genuinely sympathetic to greeks trying to "put a stop to the continually perpetuating stereotypes that plague them." And their highlighting Kappa Alpha Theta's example reiterates a valid proposal.
By placing charitable causes front and center in recruitment, and involving potentials in their good works, greeks can simultaneously augment their philanthropic program and immediately show rushees what the organization really represents. For some chapters, an unmitigated stream of beery debacles or lavish galas probably does accurately reflect the group's culture. No doubt there will be not a few takers for the abovementioned "endless partying." But for chapters with storied reputations of giving back to the community, why hide your light under a bushel?
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