4 Phases of The Joining Process

Every single person who has ever joined a sorority or fraternity has joined in the same way.

Read that sentence again.

In our industry, that’s a pretty controversial statement. We often get so caught up in the differences between our organizations and councils that we can’t see the universal truths that apply to all of our organizations. We get caught up in the details, the words (and the strange historical meanings we’ve applied to those words) that confuse us all: “intake” “recruitment” “bid” “pledge” “rush” “neo” “match” “RFM” “formal” “aspirant”  “primary” “interest” “structured” “process” “new member” “line” “pref” “snap” “total” “cross” “drop” “Meet the Greeks.”

Those are all just details (details that we honor and respect, but details nonetheless). And they often make it difficult for some advisors and professionals to support organizations different from their own. They also make it difficult to create equitable joining processes that benefit all organizations and potential members.

Look closer. You’ll see that every single person who has ever joined a sorority or fraternity has joined in the same way.

There are four phases of the joining process that are universal to all people who join all fraternities and sororities.

Phase 1: Introduction
At some point every person who has ever joined one of our groups a) learned about the organization, and b) met one or more members. In this first phase not only do the potential members get introduced to our organizations, but our organizations are working to introduce their brands, benefits, and “pitches” to the potential members.

Sometimes this introduction happens through social media marketing. Sometimes this introduction happens through an on-campus event.
Sometimes this introduction happens when someone’s Grandma talks about an organization to which she belongs.
Sometimes this introduction happens by word of mouth.
Sometimes this introduction happens via text or email.
Sometimes this introduction happens through a high school connection.
Sometimes this introduction sets clear expectations for membership.
Sometimes this introduction sets false expectations for all parties.
Sometimes this introduction is driven by a potential member’s curiosity.
Sometimes this introduction is driven by an international marketing effort.
Sometimes this introduction is organic, and other times it is orchestrated.

At one point or another, organizations and potential members get introduced to one another. That has happened to every single person who has ever joined one of our groups. When done right, that introduction sparks inspiration and potential in the minds and hearts of both parties.

Phase 2: Connection
After potential members and organizations are introduced to one another (if the joining process continues) it continues into a phase called “connection.” In this phase the goals for both parties are to establish connection, relationship, trust, and an understanding of potential benefits to continuing the joining process.

Sometimes this connection happens through research and inquiry led by the potential member.
Sometimes this connection happens through big events.
Sometimes this connection happens over coffee and lunch.
Sometimes this connection happens at formal presentations.
Sometimes this connection happens during rounds and rotations.
Sometimes this connection happens during natural conversations among friends.
Sometimes this connection happens at a house or in a student union.
Sometimes this connection happens over digital interactions.
Sometimes this connection happens on purpose, and other times it’s incidental.
Sometimes this connection happens over years, and other times it happens within a few days or even hours.
Sometimes this connection happens with a local group, and other times it happens with a regional, national, or international organization.

No matter what, every person who ends up joining builds connection with the people and the entity. When done right, that connection is forged with authenticity and trust that is shared by both parties.

Phase 3: Evaluation
When the connection is strong enough for the potential member and the organization, the parties shift into the evaluation phase. In this phase the potential member makes an evaluation about whether the organization is a fit for them and will provide a positive return on their investment (or money, time, energy, reputation, etc.). And the organization makes an evaluation about whether inviting this potential member into their organization (even on a provisional basis) with benefit the organization.

Sometimes this evaluation happens on a pro/con list.
Sometimes this evaluation is driven entirely by emotions.
Sometimes this evaluation takes into account data, math, and statistics.
Sometimes this evaluation includes an application or an interview.
Sometimes this evaluation happens formally over multiple days.
Sometimes this evaluation considers safety, equity, and inclusivity.
Sometimes this evaluation is essentially an open door by the organization.
Sometimes this evaluation is driven by alumni.
Sometimes this evaluation is surface level and other times it is deeply considered.
Sometimes this evaluation intentionally guards against risk to the organization and damage to reputation.
Sometimes this evaluation is heavily influenced by family members and loved ones.
Sometimes this evaluation is conducted in secret.
Sometimes this evaluation is done by a few, and other times it requires the consensus of all members.
Sometimes this evaluation includes a discussion between the potential member and the organization that honors their

No matter what, decisions are made. Big decisions. Decisions that impact the life of the potential member and the future of the chapter. Sometimes those decisions result in immediate full integration into the group (immediate initiation), and other times those decisions result in a provisional membership experience. But evaluations happen and decisions are made. When done right, those decisions are based on significant levels of objective data that help the potential member find a safe and beneficial membership experience while also benefiting the chapter with the addition of valuable contributor. The evaluation phase is vital – everything after the evaluation phase has heavy consequences for both the chapter and the member who is joining.

Phase 4: Persistence
When a mutual evaluation has taken place and the joining member finds themselves within the organization (either as a provisional member or long-term), the parties shift into the persistence phase. In fraternities and sororities, members continually make decisions (consciously or not) to stay members (and stay engaged), and organizations often have ways to release members. This persistence phase starts with the onboarding of newly joined members, and it truly can be seen to continue throughougt a members lifetime. Joining is an ongoing process.

Sometimes persistence depends upon leaders charged with meeting membership persistence metrics.
Sometimes persistence depends upon a small sub-group of tightly connected members.
Sometimes persistence depends upon how a newly joined member is treated early on.
Sometimes persistence depends upon a feeling of having earned membership.
Sometimes persistence depends upon smart onboarding plans.
Sometimes persistence depends upon expectations that are met.
Sometimes persistence depends upon ongoing relationship nurturing.
Sometimes persistence depends upon affordability.
Sometimes persistence depends upon alignment with life circumstances and priorities.
Sometimes persistence depends upon an individual’s identity being honored.
Sometimes persistence depends upon key extreme moments.
Sometimes persistence depends upon consistency and predictability.

For all members and organizations, persistence is an ongoing phase of high importance. While membership in some organizations might be permanent, engagement and recognition are decidedly impermanent and in need of consistent effort.

Every single person who has ever joined a sorority or fraternity has joined in the same way. They have all experienced each of these four phases of the joining process.

The question is… How can we create the best possible joining journey that results in healthy, safe, and inclusive fraternity/sorority experiences?