Summer is a crucial time for fraternity chapters to strategize and implement effective recruitment tactics. By planning ahead and utilizing the summer months wisely, chapters can get ahead of the game for a successful Fall Rush. In this blog post, we will explore some strategies that fraternity chapters can employ to maximize their recruitment success during the summer.
Establish Recruitment Goals
To begin, it is vital to set clear and realistic recruitment goals. Determine the number of new members you aim to recruit and consider what traits those new members have such as academics, involvement, and how they’ll reflect your chapter. By having measurable objectives, you can ensure a focused and purposeful recruitment process that goes beyond “let’s just do a bunch of stuff and see who comes out.”
Remember, quality and quantity of new members are not mutually exclusive, but to achieve both it will require hard work.
Build a Summer Recruitment Team
Assembling a dedicated and enthusiastic team of brothers is crucial for successful summer recruitment. Look for brothers who possess excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a genuine passion for the fraternity. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each team member to ensure a coordinated and efficient recruitment process.
These brothers also don’t have to be in the same geographical location, in fact it might be better if they’re not.
Consider having one brother as the leader for each area where students typically come from. Example: If you’re recruiting at the University of Georgia, you may want someone to lead the efforts in Atlanta and a different brother to lead the efforts in Savannah.
Utilize Recruitment Tools and Social Media
In today's digital age, online platforms and social media are powerful tools for fraternity recruitment. Create an engaging and professional fraternity website that showcases your chapter's values, activities, and achievements. Actively maintain social media presence by regularly posting engaging content and leveraging various platforms to reach potential recruits. Utilize these platforms to tell your fraternity's unique story and engage with prospective members.
You’ll also want to take advantage of tools like OmegaOne that can help your chapter communicate during summer and coordinate recruitment events.
Engage with Incoming Freshmen
Make an effort to connect with incoming freshmen before the academic year begins. Attend freshman orientation events, campus tours, and involvement fairs to establish early connections. Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere during these interactions, making a positive impression of the fraternity. Building early relationships can significantly impact recruitment success.
Organize Summer Recruitment Events
Host a variety of recruitment events during the summer to engage potential members. These events can range from formal meet-and-greets to informal sports activities, community service projects, and alumni networking events. Each event provides an opportunity to showcase your fraternity's values, bonds, and opportunities. Plan and execute these events thoughtfully, ensuring effective promotion and timely follow-up.
Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into the powerful resource of your fraternity's alumni network. Engage with alumni and leverage their connections and experiences to enhance your recruitment efforts. Consider hosting alumni events or encouraging alumni to participate in recruitment events. Their involvement can provide valuable insights and strengthen the fraternity's reputation.
You should also reach out to alumni and ask if they know of any men attending your college/university who might be a good fit.
Training and Development
Invest in the training and development of your recruitment team. Provide resources, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance their recruitment skills. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement within your fraternity. By empowering your recruitment team, you ensure they are equipped with the tools and skills to find, meet, and select the best potential new members.
Conclusion
Summer recruitment is an opportunity for fraternity chapters to grow their community and establish a strong brotherhood. By proactively planning, leveraging available tools like OmegaOne, engaging with incoming freshmen, organizing impactful events, and utilizing alumni networks, fraternities can achieve remarkable recruitment success. Embrace the summer months as a chance to strengthen your fraternity and build a diverse and vibrant brotherhood that upholds the values and traditions you hold dear.
