When it comes to Greek life on university campuses, it seems inevitable that natural divides between different sororities and fraternities are created as a result of the fact that these groups are, well, different. Each sorority and fraternity has its own
beliefs, values, and traditions. Unfortunately, this can lead to members of one chapter looking negatively upon Greeks from other houses. However, through the promotion of interfraternalism on campus, Greek organizations can learn how the benefits of supporting one another and working together far outweigh those of working apart. Here's 5 ways to encourage interfraternalism on your campus:
Greek Week: Many universities host an annual Greek Week or something of the like, during which Greek organizations are assigned to teams and work together to complete specified tasks and earn points. At my school, Loyola Marymount University, the most anticipated Greek Week event is football, when Greek organizations compete against one another in games of friendly competition after weeks of training and practice. Overall, Greek Week is a great way to bring members of different organizations together in order to form lasting friendships and accomplish certain goals.
Philanthropy Events: One of the most rewarding ways to promote interfraternalism on campus is to encourage members of your respective Greek organization to attend other sororities' and fraternities' philanthropy events. Like Greek Week, these events often involve some type of team game with a winner announced at the end; however, the best thing about philanthropically focused competition is that participants know, win or lose, that they are supporting a good cause. Ultimately, this allows people to shift their focus from winning the game to, instead, getting to know other people and raising money for a worthy cause everyone can get behind.
Speak Highly of Other Organizations: While this point may seem obvious, I’m sure many would agree that members of Greek organizations don't do it enough. It's easy to claim that you believe all sororities and fraternities on your campus are “equally great,” but it's better to explain to people exactly how and why you mean it. A good way to do this is to speak highly of other sororities and fraternities whenever the topic comes up. For example, during pre-recruitment events such as open houses, I like to tell potential Greek members stories about the memories I have with friends from other organizations. Further, I’ll encourage potential members at my sorority’s open house to go to other sororities’ open houses in order to meet people from all Greek organizations and explore which of these they feel is the best fit for them. Not only does this make you seem genuine and friendly, but it also promotes a better image of Greek life as a whole on your campus.
Greek Mixers/Exchanges: A more traditional way to inspire interfraternalism on campus, Greek mixers and exchanges usually involve one sorority and one fraternity that come together to plan a fun event for each respective organizations’ members. In order to get the most out of exchanges—and encourage a stronger sense of interfraternalism on campus—it’s good to choose an event or activity that involves teamwork or facilitates communication, like bowling or laser tag. Further, exchanges don’t have to solely be between one sorority and one fraternity, rather they can involve two sororities or two fraternities. Overall, the main purpose of these events is to bring together members of different Greek organizations and provide an enjoyable way for everyone to meet new people.
Acts of Kindness: Small acts of kindness, such as writing a thank you card or a get well soon note can brighten anyone’s day, and this is also something sororities and fraternities can do to show appreciation for one another and foster a strong sense of interfraternailsm. If your Greek organization has a Public Relations director, or someone with a similar position title, designate that person to send out thank you notes to those Greek life members and groups that did something helpful or nice for you and your members. For example, women in my sorority always write thank you cards to the fraternity men who invited them to their formal. Acts of kindness like this are easy ways to show respect for other Greek organizations and build relationships.
