"Values-Based Recruiting" (VBR) is a tool that Panhellenic uses to promote more than just surface-level conversations between potential new members (PNMs) and active chapter members during recruitment. In this, we encourage both active members and PNMs to recruit based off of their personal and chapter values rather than the things that they observe in the short time they have with each other during party rounds. Here are some examples of comments that PNMs make that don't represent VBR***:
"Oh my gosh, I loved AAA because the woman I talked to had really cute shoes and we talked about the best places to shop in Seattle."
"Oh my gosh, I loved BBB because I realized how their sisterhood events range from henna sisterhoods to random dance parties in their living room."
"Oh my gosh, I loved CCC because I talked to a member who also played water polo and she knows my coach!"
*** Let us clarify, these conversations will happen in FFR and that's awesome! The connections made with these conversations (ie; learning about similar interests, what each chapter does for their sisterhood events, and making connections from outside the UW community) and finding similarities between PNMs and active members is crucial to building a strong foundation for further discussion through out the week. These conversations need to happen for a more values-based conversation to come next in their relationship with the chapter over the course of FFR.
If PNMs come into the recruitment process with knowledge of what values they're looking for in a chapter and sisterhood, they can ask questions to active members that reveal the values of the chapter and organization as a whole. Connecting with a chapter and using that connection as a tool to prioritize organizations throughout the week will ensure that PNMs find a sisterhood that shares their beliefs and priorities.
Phired Up is a resource we use year round to ensure that we are staying on track with our goal to provide a values-based recruitment to PNMs and active chapter members in the fall. Check out this link to see what they say about VBR and how it can help you make your big decisions during FFR!