Progressions

PRΣΣA: It’s all Greek to Me

Based on Greek Life’s reputation, I never thought I would rush a fraternity, let alone become an executive member. Not too long after joining, I found that being in Greek life provided another opportunity to apply PR knowledge to a different kind of ‘client’—particularly when it came to recruitment.

As you start thinking of new tactics for your PRSSA Chapter’s recruitment this fall, don’t be afraid to borrow best practices from other organizations you are a part of. What you find might surprise you!

Don’t be shy.

When recruiting for a Greek organization, you shouldn’t limit recruitment to one “kind” of member. Every first-year student is a potential new member. Talk to marketing or advertising majors—even finance or business administration. PRSSA can add value to any pre-professional, regardless of their field of study.

Are you on-brand?

As future public relations professionals, it’s our job to ensure that clients stay on-brand in every interaction with the public. Whether you’re representing a Greek chapter or PRSSA, make sure you build a cohesive strategy for your members to recruit others. What do you want people to know about you? What is your group’s “why”? What are the best channels to communicate those ideas through?

People join people.  

Even though PRSSA isn’t a ‘social’ organization, like a sorority or fraternity, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Take new members out bowling, go to a sporting event together or spend time together doing homework. The most time you spend outside of the meeting environment, the more apt the group is to become cohesive. When your group is more cohesive, people are more likely to want to be a part of it.

Use your network.

Being in a national fraternity with chapters from around the world creates a vast network at my fingertips. I often talk to others to brainstorm solutions to problems, share best practices with and even engage alumni for their perspectives. Reach out to other PRSSA or PRSA Chapters in your area and see how you can collaborate.

Whether it’s PRSSA or Pi Rho Sigma Sigma Alpha, how will you be creative with your recruitment strategy this fall? Let’s continue the conversation below!

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Brian Hammel is a senior public relations and communication studies double major at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. He serves as the president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, as well as Chapter president for Otterbein PRSSA.