Recruitment and the Six Bad Bs

As of now, all the chapters in Section 67 have begun their pledge processes, which means that recruitment is over, right?

That statement couldn't be any more wrong.

When it comes to recruitment, the biggest hurdle in the path of getting new members to pledge is the way that our chapters often think about recruitment.  Often times we think, "Hey, since it's rush week, that must mean that recruitment has started," and the same can be said when rush ends.  What many people neglect to realize is that recruitment is not a solitary, time-constrained act; rather, recruitment is happening at all times.  Recruitment is a year round activity, and can come up in the most unlikely and mind-numbingly simple ways.  Inviting someone to an event.  Answering questions about your fraternity.  Just showing enthusiasm is a great way to recruit.

Think about it...you walk through campus wearing your APO t-shirt.  Someone sees you, and wonders, "I wonder what...Alpha Phi...what's that thing at the end...I think it's an Omega...let me look this up.  I have no idea what that is."  Suddenly, they've stumbled upon the national website, and they begin to seriously consider rushing.  You recruited by simply wearing a t-shirt, and you didn't even realize you were doing it.

That's my first topic, but my second is largely related to the first.  It's what I call the Six Bad Bs of recruitment.  While my first topic touched on year long recruitment, this focuses in on rush week, most of which are a long way off for most chapters.  But these are things to start thinking about right now, and it's a good time to start detoxing these topics out of your system.

The Six Bad Bs of recruitment are topics that should probably be generally avoided, or at least lightly touched on, during recruitment.  Often these topics can cause animosity, a sense of discomfort, or boring conversation to ensue between yourself and the potential new member that you are trying to recruit.  I'm not saying avoid these topics entirely; I'm just saying be mindful when you use them.  So, without further adieu, the Six Bad Bs:

1. Bureaucracy, a.k.a your political views.  Chances are that at least one person that you are recruiting doesn't agree with your political beliefs, and you don't want to make them feel uncomfortable because, at the root of it, service should be apolitical.  My grandmother has told me before that there are two topics that you don't talk about at the dinner table.  This is one of them, along with...
2. Bible, a.k.a your religious beliefs.  Again, people may not share your particular religious beliefs.  Remember that Frank Reed Horton's dream of Alpha Phi Omega was based in the ideal of brothers being able to practice on their own Sabbath, in their own way.  Respect him in his pursuit of this by refraining from extensive religious ideological banter.
3. Booze.  While the National Fraternity does not have a national alcohol policy, talking about this topic with potential new members should be avoided.  Alcohol does it have its place in collegiate life, but not in the context of recruitment.  Leave this discussion it in the liquor cabinet at home.
4. Boys and Babes.  This B serves a threefold purpose.  First, don't talk idly about someone's significant other, especially if you don't know him/her.  Secondly, don't come on to a potential new member - they are interested in becoming your brother, and this violates that relationship from the get-go.  Lastly, avoid any discussion that may come off as sexist.  We are co-ed.  Respect and appreciate all brothers.
5. Books.  This is one of the easiest things to do.  "What classes are you in?"  "What major are you interested in?" "Who is your favorite teacher?"  While these are great questions, getting bogged down in them is uncomfortable and leads the conversation toward the dangerous territory of no-man's talking land.  Use them sparingly.
6. Bucks.  While it's important to answer questions about money and dues, concentrating on money has a tendency to inevitably make someone in the conversation feel uncomfortable.  Money is often an awkward topic, and you don't know the financial situation of the potential new member that you are talking to.  Bear that in mind when you casually throw around dues amounts and act like paying it is no big deal.  It may be for them.

I hope that those tidbits help you in the next rush season and throughout the year!

Until next time!

Brotherly love,

- Brandyn