tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76555970751044006842024-03-13T08:46:23.506-04:00NPC WomenNational Panhellenic Conference http://www.blogger.com/profile/03390707503839684916noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-38469603372740200112024-02-06T10:38:00.001-05:002024-02-07T09:12:42.085-05:00From the NPC Chair: Welcome Spring Semester!<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Dear friends,</span></span><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">How is it February already? I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and time with their loved ones. We are well into the spring semester now, and recruitment on our campuses is well underway. This spring, our marketing coaches are working with more than 70 campuses with a goal to increase recruitment registration. This work is mid-way through the cycle, with coaching starting back in early December and running through each school's Bid Day (happening through the end of February). We look forward to sharing updates and results with the NPC family once Release Figure Methodology (RFM) are finalized in late spring, with a full webinar for semester results in early April. We wish all of our campuses a successful recruitment season!<br /><br />Just a few weeks ago, the National Panhellenic Conference hosted our annual College Panhellenic Academy weekend, during which nearly 300 College Panhellenic officers and fraternity/sorority advisors met in Indianapolis to enhance their knowledge of College Panhellenic operations and how they can continue to grow their communities. While there, they also participated in a case study competition featuring a fictionalized campus with a College Panhellenic in crisis, learned from a keynote speaker about resiliency and continued to develop their leadership skills. The feedback was positive; as one woman put it: “My biggest takeaway is that by having consistency and structure within my Panhellenic organization, I can excel in my position and create strong relationships with the other members of the Panhellenic community.” If you weren’t able to join us this year, we hope to see your campus participate next January.<br /><br />As we look ahead to warmer weather, new leaves on the trees and flowers blooming, there are a few dates we want to highlight as well. As you may know, February is the Month of the Scholar. We love hearing your stories of scholarship and academic achievements, for yourselves as individuals and your chapters as a whole. Don’t miss your opportunity to be featured on NPC social platforms - send us your stories! Emma Austin, marketing specialist, is looking forward to featuring your stories of sorority scholars, so send them her way: <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:emmaaustin@npcwomen.org" href="mailto:emmaaustin@npcwomen.org" style="color: blue;">emmaaustin@npcwomen.org</a>. <br /><br />March is Women’s History Month. What better way to celebrate women than to wear your badge on International Badge Day, which is Monday, March 4, 2024! This is one of my favorite events, as all sorority members throughout the world, collegiate and alumnae, wear their badges and show their pride in our shared sisterhood. Hopefully the wearing of your badge sparks a conversation with someone not familiar with sorority life and provides an opportunity for you to share more about the benefits of membership. NPC will be distributing a toolkit for member organizations to use in promoting and amplifying the message as well.<br /><br />Also, don’t miss the deadline for applying for an NPC Foundation scholarship; it’s March 10th. They will award five scholarships to outstanding Panhellenic women for the 2024-25 academic year. To apply, all you need to do is answer a brief essay question, upload your resume and provide two letters of recommendation. You can submit your materials through the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/93888-National-Panhellenic-Conference" href="https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/93888-National-Panhellenic-Conference" style="color: blue;">NPC Foundation scholarship application</a>. Good luck!<br /><br />Lastly, in April, many of our Alumnae Panhellenics will be hosting their annual scholarship luncheons, when they will recognize women in their area for their academic achievements and pursuits. These events are one of the hallmarks of our Alumnae Panhellenic programming and provides our members with another way to continue to demonstrate their commitment to the sorority experience and our future women leaders. Thank you to all the alumnae who work tirelessly to fundraise, review scholarships and organize events to recognize our collegiate members.<br /><br />For those of you graduating this spring, we want you to remember that your membership in your organization is for a lifetime. I encourage you to seek out an alumnae chapter once you’re settled in wherever your post-graduate endeavors take you. If there isn’t one in your area, maybe you start one! Reach out to your national headquarters and they will gladly help you get connected. I would also encourage you to explore opportunities for continued leadership and service in a volunteer capacity both within your member organization or within the National Panhellenic Conference. <br /><br />We’re always looking for good women who want to give back to our College Panhellenics to further this experience for more young women. And if none of those opportunities seem to fit your life right now, getting together with chapter sisters, reading your magazine and supporting your collegiate chapter are also great ways to remain connected. Regardless of the path you choose, the most important part is that you stay involved. I often hear women say, “I was in a sorority when I was in college." You ARE a sorority woman, even after college! Who knows, maybe you’ll be a future national president of your member organization or serve on the NPC Board of Directors! There are so many opportunities just waiting for you.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Wishing you all a wonderful semester!</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSiURNquZb1GG2aXgxFVENaBQ3VT7gCCMWxuajRRB_fR26XL5OqkQ7NZdCCUTuRwzZOeog9qPGnCcc0adXEQV67oXG526zURo9L15iO6QIsiwjQDmTdzbbjJijGHs5HtT1LbPiE7vmx7Ir76t9tSc6_sCBdvCHgtMioVqxXG01FXVG6j_FUVxjQ3tZ80/s680/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="680" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSiURNquZb1GG2aXgxFVENaBQ3VT7gCCMWxuajRRB_fR26XL5OqkQ7NZdCCUTuRwzZOeog9qPGnCcc0adXEQV67oXG526zURo9L15iO6QIsiwjQDmTdzbbjJijGHs5HtT1LbPiE7vmx7Ir76t9tSc6_sCBdvCHgtMioVqxXG01FXVG6j_FUVxjQ3tZ80/w200-h71/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Kelly Beck<br /><br />2023-25 NPC chair</span></span></p>National Panhellenic Conference http://www.blogger.com/profile/03390707503839684916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-40638436049586688722023-12-14T10:02:00.001-05:002024-01-30T10:48:42.570-05:00From the NPC Chair: Holiday Thanks!<p> Dear friends,</p><p>It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the end of 2023. I feel as though the year has flown by! As I reflect on this year, I am grateful for our Panhellenic community. We have worked together to strengthen the sorority experience and our member organizations. A few accomplishments worth noting include:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Total Method Setting Team</b>- The Council of Delegates voted in the spring to pilot a new way of setting total on our college campuses. Our sorority community mobilized quickly to get this pilot started in the fall and we have learned a lot in the process, which we will apply to this spring. I want to thank those on the Total Method Setting Team and those on the RFM Team who also jumped in to support this initiative. They worked quickly and invested many hours to make this successful. We appreciate their time away from family and friends to support our communities.</li><li><b>Digital Marketing Campuses</b>- Our marketing coaches worked with more than 100 campuses experiencing challenges in recruitment registration this fall. As a result of that support, those campuses experienced a 13.69% increase in registration. This is in comparison to last year when that same group of campuses was down 19%. When our community works together strategically, we see outstanding results.</li><li><b>Annual Conference</b>- Nearly 200 leaders from our 26 organizations gathered in Texas for fellowship, learning and strategic discussions. While we were together, TCU welcomed us to their campus for a fun evening of touring their Greek village and dinner in the Legends Club overlooking the beautiful stadium.</li></ul><p></p><p>This work could not have been accomplished without our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, committed fraternity and sorority professionals and enthusiastic sorority women! We know the value membership in our organizations provides and our ability to collaborate and work together allows us to continue our vision of advancing the sorority experience together.</p><p>As you celebrate the holiday season, I hope it will be filled with moments of reflection and cherished time with loved ones. May the spirit of sisterhood fill you with joy and peace. Happy Holidays to you and yours!</p><p>Panhellenically yours,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vkcE-lJFsalk74tP8kBU9t9sWkgA2_1o_vsNgAN7d3yydN1S8Pm6dPkEhkwEWgRwztG9M8shz_a7SmXYFwPUT4hmjDmn4yTMTbnBpMCMi_hdweEGBC6cRGMxZc6Fj6f42UNTC8oWaHs74YBxrU3DWu8XCFZLzpXDo3xMKgNia4urk6_Pd7BCDz3Ahqc/s680/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="680" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vkcE-lJFsalk74tP8kBU9t9sWkgA2_1o_vsNgAN7d3yydN1S8Pm6dPkEhkwEWgRwztG9M8shz_a7SmXYFwPUT4hmjDmn4yTMTbnBpMCMi_hdweEGBC6cRGMxZc6Fj6f42UNTC8oWaHs74YBxrU3DWu8XCFZLzpXDo3xMKgNia4urk6_Pd7BCDz3Ahqc/w200-h70/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Kelly Beck</p><p>2023-24 NPC chair</p><p><br /><br /></p>National Panhellenic Conference http://www.blogger.com/profile/03390707503839684916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-68418633908044112712023-11-13T10:51:00.001-05:002024-01-30T10:55:13.547-05:00From the NPC Chair: 2023 Annual Conference<p>Dear friends,</p><p>Fall is finally here in most parts of the country, although it seems in some places, we are bouncing between late summer and fall. And while the seasons are in flux, our campuses are more than halfway through the fall semester and already starting to plan for the spring. My, how the time flies by!</p><p><b>Just a few weeks ago, the NPC board of directors and staff welcomed more than 170 member organization leaders, partners and other guests as we hosted our Annual Conference in Dallas.</b> As I shared with the attendees: “One hundred and twenty-one years ago, nine member organizations came together to formally create the National Panhellenic Conference. They were focused on creating standards that all sororities would adhere to, along with fostering cooperation and mutual assistance. As we gather this week, let us embrace the continued spirit this Conference was founded upon, which has and will continue to play an integral role in navigating our path forward together.” I am pleased (but not surprised) to say, that as I connected with old friends and met many new Panhellenic sisters, I could feel the desire of all attendees to work together to advance the sorority experience. </p><p>Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers during several large group sessions. <b>We opened with our higher education panel discussion entitled Promoting the Women’s Only Experience: Lessons from Women’s College Admissions, which included marketing and enrollment professionals from women’s-only colleges and universities.</b></p><p>The panel explored the parallels between NPC member organizations and their schools in how they approach the recruitment and retention of today’s young women. As one panelist shared: “When you educate a woman, you empower the world”. Today’s young women are looking for connections with other women who can lift them up and help them build strong networks that will benefit them long after they have left college. </p><p><b>Our second speaker was attorney Toby Eveland, managing partner for Saul Ewing LLP’s Chicago office.</b> Toby shared several recent campus situations that impact our industry, especially those that may harm freedom of association.</p><p><b>Our second panel discussion, What’s Happening on the Ground? Thoughts from College Panhellenic Officers and Advisors, was comprised of College Panhellenic presidents and their fraternity/sorority advisors from Southern Methodist University, the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Texas at Arlington.</b> These women shared their insights on recruitment, marketing and the impact of NPC policies on their campuses. They were open and honest about the successes and challenges they face on their campuses today. </p><p>Our final speaker was Chris Smith of Smith Insights. Chris presented during last year’s conference and returned this year to provide an update on the project he has been working on for NPC regarding analysis of recruitment and membership data and trends. <b>Chris shared insights related to the timing of recruitment registration, the number of women signed up, and overall member organization trends regarding recruitment and retention.</b> Each member organization was provided with its own data to better understand how they are performing as it relates to structured recruitment and COB.</p><p>A luncheon was held to recognize the recipients of several NPC Awards and their service to the sorority community. We wrapped up the conference with a visit to Texas Christian University (TCU), where attendees could tour the sorority houses in Worth Hills Greek Village and enjoy dinner in the Legends Club overlooking the TCU Amon G. Carter Stadium. NPC thanks TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. for hosting us and providing a wonderful evening full of Panhellenic spirit and fun.</p><p><b>Following the Annual Conference, a meeting of the Council of Delegates was held.</b> Delegates voted to amend Unanimous Agreements and several NPC College Panhellenic policies. Jen Daurora, chair of the Total Method Setting Team (TMST), joined the meeting as the Delegates discussed total setting and key indicators of success for the current pilot.</p><p><b>The TMST has been partnering with campuses this fall in determining the best method of setting total on each campus, factoring in unique campus attributes and data points within the community.</b> In the spring, this process will be simplified because College Panhellenics will no longer need to vote on the total method. This is an “all hands on deck” effort and I am grateful for the time and energy our TMST team members have, and continue to, provide. I am also thankful to our member organizations for sharing their talent with NPC. </p><p>Overall feedback on this year’s Annual Conference has been positive and individuals expressed their gratitude for changes made in the overall schedule and, more importantly, the quality of speakers and information shared. The Annual Conference provides leaders of our organizations time to establish new relationships and deepen existing ones. I always feel energized after spending time with my Panhellenic sisters discussing our positive impact on today’s college women and future generations.</p><p>As we now turn towards a season of thanksgiving, I want to take this moment to say thank you to each of you reading this letter. <b>You are a vital part of our community and your dedication to ensuring the Panhellenic spirit continues and grows is greatly appreciated. </b></p><p>Panhellenically yours,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwpLk5YTuOLkklLKJIgjxWuqA4CnJx4fL2J7MTQ0z96S8O_H0fGHPSLG3HrDKTqmlDpX8ObVB2_l2JEXez48aIwBqSXrbjS-uqt7HsONtC1eHm-fK4ZyGVcOKjq-UrcgXILfAPlgr_cCq121kmPcGlqt7l4nnOTpRw2kkecTGRzGdTZhyphenhyphen5WHTfiyiJhs/s680/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="680" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwpLk5YTuOLkklLKJIgjxWuqA4CnJx4fL2J7MTQ0z96S8O_H0fGHPSLG3HrDKTqmlDpX8ObVB2_l2JEXez48aIwBqSXrbjS-uqt7HsONtC1eHm-fK4ZyGVcOKjq-UrcgXILfAPlgr_cCq121kmPcGlqt7l4nnOTpRw2kkecTGRzGdTZhyphenhyphen5WHTfiyiJhs/w200-h71/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Kelly Beck</p><p>2023-24 NPC chair</p>National Panhellenic Conference http://www.blogger.com/profile/03390707503839684916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-86603691561996209132023-08-18T09:00:00.001-04:002023-08-18T09:00:00.141-04:00From the NPC Chair: Back to School Updates<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Dear friends,</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />While we’re still in the throes of summer, our campuses are coming alive as our collegians return to campus during the next few weeks. Back-to-school activities and recruitment work weeks are filling up calendars as our member organizations prepare to grow their chapters and welcome new members this fall. The summer hasn’t slowed NPC’s marketing to connect young women with sorority recruitment.<br /> <br />NPC's marketing coaches kicked off our Fall campus marketing campaign in late spring, working with more than 100 campuses to target social media advertising at incoming and unaffiliated women and encourage them to register for recruitment. Ads started running as early as July 10th on Snapchat, mostly. These ads are designed with imagery highlighting the local campus and current sorority members. This is the third semester of this marketing campaign, and it is gaining momentum. Additionally, for the first time, we are able to connect women responding to our national marketing campaign directly to the College Panhellenics to begin the registration process!<br /> <br />We are also continuing our partnership with Her Campus, a media platform that connects college women with native content written by college-aged women. Together we developed an <a href="https://www.hercampus.com/life/sorority-life-right-for-you/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">article about the sorority experience</a>, which is available for use by any NPC member organization. Throughout this month, seven select social media influencers in the Her Campus trendsetter network are promoting their own content, that highlights their own experiences as sorority women and offers recruitment advice to potential new members. This content will be promoted on social media channels and used in social media advertising nationally.<br /> <br />In addition to our marketing efforts, the Council of Delegates passed a resolution last spring to pilot a team approach to total setting, thus creating the Total Method Setting Team. This team is focused on promoting healthy Panhellenic communities while maximizing opportunities for women to join our member organizations. They have adopted a centralized, data-driven approach that also factors in unique campus situations and member organization information in identifying the best total setting method to be used on each campus.<br /><br />This team has been hard at work preparing: developing methods and decision-making trees, gathering feedback and connecting with our fraternity/sorority advisors, College Panhellenics and NPC volunteers that will support this work. The team’s guiding principle is to “Do the Next Right Thing” and is taking actionable steps this term to support community health. I’m encouraged to see the Panhellenic spirit alive and well with this work.<br /> <br />Back to school is always a fun and exciting time. Next year, I’ll get to participate in it myself when my son starts his college journey. As we’ve been touring college campuses, one of his questions is always learning more about Greek life. My son has grown up around the sorority experience and has attended a few sorority conventions, so he’s seen first-hand the impact this experience has had on me personally. I hope each of you reading this message also shares your personal stories far and wide, including on social media. If you have a few minutes, I’d love for you to answer one of these questions on your social media platforms:<br /> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Why is sisterhood so important to you?<br />How has being in a sorority affected your college experience?<br />How has being in a sorority affected your experience after graduation?</em></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> <br />Be sure to include tag @thesororitylife as well so your message can reach beyond your network. We would love to share your experience with women interested in sorority membership. I can’t wait to see the responses!<br /><br />Best of luck to all of our college panhellenics this fall!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">Interfraternally,<br /><br /><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="76" src="https://go.pardot.com/l/682853/2023-07-17/jqntg/682853/1689604332BHnIC4cL/Kelly_Beck_Signiture_.png" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; float: left; height: 76px; outline: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kelly Beck<br />2023-24 NPC chair</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-81734381138472020302023-06-28T12:00:00.001-04:002023-06-28T12:00:00.161-04:00<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Dear friends,</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />As I reflect on the past four years as director and last two years as chair for the National Panhellenic Conference, I think about the people who inspire me and the commitment of NPC staff and volunteers, and the many staff and volunteers in our 26-member organizations, who do the hard work to ensure that our member organizations stay relevant for the thousands of women who are sorority members now and in the future. I continue to be amazed by sorority women and their resilience and determination in working to find solutions to issues while living their values through their special sisterhood in their own member organizations.<br /><br />While our industry has had many challenges during the past few years with the pandemic and enrollment challenges in many parts of the country, housing issues, and ultimately declining membership for some, it is worthwhile to note that NPC has shifted its focus to increase direct marketing and advocacy efforts to help increase the pipeline of potential new members. I am optimistic about our progress and the work that continues to be accomplished into the next biennium.<br /><br />On a personal note, I want to thank the women I have served with during the past two years. These are incredibly dedicated women who believe in the Panhellenic spirit to serve for the good of all past, present and future sorority women.</span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Laura Doerre</span></li><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Jen Daurora</span></li><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Helen Lahrman</span></li><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Patty O’Neill</span></li><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Laura Sweet</span></li><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;">Leslie Williams</span></li></ul><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="color: black;">On behalf of all of us, we thank the Conference for their trust in us to focus on the timely needs of the day and to ensure that the resources of the Conference are directed in the appropriate manner. We also want to give a special shout-out to the NPC staff under the direction of CEO Dani Weatherford. Her unwavering leadership of the NPC team continues to amaze us all with her depth of knowledge and relationships throughout the industry, as well as the ability to put in motion the strategic framework that is at the core of our strategic direction toward growth.<br /><br />I will not lie, there have been some tough times with intense conversations on the issues that keep us all up at night, but ultimately, I realize the goal of all sorority women, especially those in leadership positions, is to ensure that we are here for future generations so that they too can experience the joy of belonging and sisterhood that we have all had the pleasure to experience.<br /><br />As I leave board service, I know NPC is in great hands, as there are talented women who will be serving in the next biennium and are committed to serving the needs of the Conference and ensuring that the sorority experience remains alive and well into the future.<br /><br />Interfraternally,<br /><br /><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="76" src="http://go.pardot.com/l/682853/2021-07-12/72s6h/682853/16261168479hCfBPpV/cheri_de_jong_signature.PNG" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; float: left; height: 76px; outline: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC chair</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-55762318963315950722023-05-16T08:49:00.003-04:002023-05-16T08:49:41.846-04:00From the NPC Chair: State of the Conference <p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Dear friends,</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px;"><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">During the recent NPC Annual Membership Meeting held April 29 in Carmel, Indiana, NPC Chair Cheri M. De Jong and NPC CEO Dani Weatherford, J.D., shared a State of the Conference report on behalf of the NPC Board of Directors with the Council of Delegates. Following the event, they recorded a video version of the report so all NPC family members and stakeholders could hear the message.</span><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px;"><span style="color: black;">In the State of the Conference report, De Jong’s portion focuses on noting the board’s strategic framework which includes:</span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;"><em>Growing our Panhellenic communities</em></span></li><li class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: black;"><em>Championing the sorority experience</em></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;">She outlines membership trends, the challenges many member organizations face with declining enrollment and the board’s role in supporting staff. Additionally, De Jong addressed the upcoming leadership transition as the biennium comes to a close at the end of June.<br /><br />Weatherford then reports on many strategic framework initiatives over the past year, noting detailed analysis and results from the campus-based digital marketing campaigns to an overview of the national marketing campaign with Carnegie. She also reports on the data analysis program and ongoing efforts of campuses looking at alternative recruitment models.<br /><br />You can watch the recording of the State of the Conference <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rHB13nuEZg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Interfraternally,<br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwVi1-fqOzXGSLlHyGwoothmLuEesaw6uwC2pZaxgBL_Gw36Xog3UK-bjueS454a6y1DKb1qhUH2JAx7poixYJ29AOdV2l27QW7eZqFJ_7Xtcalv4JKiMlntMlYuiq_4Ej_0WQCZ0to4kqeJn2q5yWGg1XEjzQKMFuu2gJzVeqlEEY-S0DODoVVMT9A/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwVi1-fqOzXGSLlHyGwoothmLuEesaw6uwC2pZaxgBL_Gw36Xog3UK-bjueS454a6y1DKb1qhUH2JAx7poixYJ29AOdV2l27QW7eZqFJ_7Xtcalv4JKiMlntMlYuiq_4Ej_0WQCZ0to4kqeJn2q5yWGg1XEjzQKMFuu2gJzVeqlEEY-S0DODoVVMT9A/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black;">Cheri M. De Jong</span><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">2021-23 NPC chair</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-81323219014381375842023-01-17T19:00:00.002-05:002023-01-18T10:18:07.978-05:00From the NPC Chair: Making an impact through NPC board service<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is the start of a new year and the perfect time to start fresh and re-focus. One of the things I think about and consider is how I am spending my time and making an impact in the various things I may be doing. As we approach the next cycle of NPC board service for 2023-25, I have been reflecting on my board service over the last two biennia—first as a director from 2019-21 and then as chair from 2021-23—and want to share how exceptional and unique my service has been on the NPC Board of Directors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As one of the first board members to serve in our new governance model, it has been challenging and stimulating to be part of the change occurring in this organization. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, there was a need for strategic thinking on how to get through the crisis and ensure that our member organizations could still recruit and Panhellenics could function on our college campuses. Over the years, our board has also addressed many other issues impacting the future of sorority and the health of our Panhellenic communities—declining college enrollment, anti-sorority activism and freedom of association concerns, just to name a few.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Being a part of the NPC Board of Directors has taught me to look at the bigger picture of sorority life rather than just my own member organization leadership experience. The sorority experience looks very much the same for many of us, but the future holds numerous changes in student demographics and diversity, college life, educational systems and how our students view our member organizations. Technology and people are changing at a swift pace. NPC’s vision of advancing the sorority experience together is one that the board takes very seriously, and it truly is the mantra we look to as we meet, discuss, debate and decide on various topics and issues. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Throughout, our board teams have worked together to make sure that NPC financial and people resources were deployed in a way to impact all of our member organizations for the better. I am so very proud of the women I have served with as a member of two different board teams. Working with our amazing CEO, Dani Weatherford, and the NPC staff and volunteers has been absolutely amazing, knowing that we are here making a difference. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Serving as an NPC director offers a special opportunity to work with Panhellenic sisters as part of a governing board overseeing many facets that affect our member organizations and our collegiate and alumnae members. I ask you all to consider this exceptional opportunity, whether for yourself if you are an alumna or to share with others who would think and work in the panhellenic spirit to advance the sorority experience together. Review the <a href="https://npcwomen.org/board-service/" target="_blank">NPC board service webpage</a> and <a href="https://forms.gle/vB1jMH2PqXuE2UE79" target="_blank">fill out the interest form</a> as part of the beginning of the nomination process. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for considering a rewarding and worthwhile board service opportunity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LwCI4O1PzIqMlMMU_CSCmUECdcrmyB-G3JB6kFAAFY_3ch2bMquJgFV6kvXEuwVwMCiJg-h6_2kySQ6Ru6eZYzVEHRx8E-7NzsDbjpuL6up4XAdsDPt7ZKhhNlkATPjHoBh2u_1JcGX_MlUfsaBrncxtLXyDrUIBaO0F1z5Ff7Ivx3RTYpvKySK92Q/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LwCI4O1PzIqMlMMU_CSCmUECdcrmyB-G3JB6kFAAFY_3ch2bMquJgFV6kvXEuwVwMCiJg-h6_2kySQ6Ru6eZYzVEHRx8E-7NzsDbjpuL6up4XAdsDPt7ZKhhNlkATPjHoBh2u_1JcGX_MlUfsaBrncxtLXyDrUIBaO0F1z5Ff7Ivx3RTYpvKySK92Q/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">2021-23 NPC chair</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-12621988541280758872022-12-20T13:22:00.002-05:002022-12-20T13:22:33.342-05:00From the NPC Chair: NPC's strategic framework guides our vital work<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe another year has passed and that 2022 has just a few weeks left! As we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, may we all treasure the time with family and friends. This will most likely include lots of food and other festivities! The new year will be upon us soon; for me, it is always a time of reflection.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This past year has been busy, as I am sure it has been for many of you. Finding time to reflect on the past year and assess the good times and perhaps not-so-great times will help us as we look toward 2023 to set goals and determine how we want to proceed in areas such as our careers and family matters, as well as volunteering. As this message goes out to the broader NPC family, we are all engaged in promoting the sorority experience through our work or volunteerism. Take some time to look back on this past year to see if there are areas that need continued work and development and if so, make a strategic effort to plan in 2023 to address those issues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As NPC chair, I know our work is never done. The NPC Board of Directors continues to evaluate and assess our progress for <a href="https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2022/07/npc-chair-2207.html" target="_blank">our strategic framework</a> in the areas of growing our Panhellenic communities and championing the sorority experience. In the new year, NPC will continue its work and report to our stakeholders the progress made during these past six months and our plans for the remainder of the fiscal year. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The board knows the importance of this work and how we are impacting the sorority experience through promotion and marketing to attract and recruit more women so they may join our member organizations. We also know the important work our NPC volunteers and staff are doing to better analyze our recruitment data, deliver marketing and recruitment education for College and Alumnae Panhellenics, help College Panhellenics use the best recruitment style for their communities, and reduce barriers to joining for more women.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Across all our efforts, we are committed to spending our resources most efficiently and effectively in our growth and advocacy efforts. That is our continued goal as we look to 2023.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I reflect on the past year and look to 2023, I strive to live up to the many expectations others have of me in this role. I aim to work with the rest of the NPC Board of Directors and staff as a team to ensure the success of our vital work. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-ico2HBJZZ63I-jeZ1VZyhRb6QVYqHHQbkqcwZ-JYSVUKwuzVe6TKDvtWZxR57o_v0Npn-Q0HkhDanCyXHhd16ZHVGZEHPxZUMsWeJEJg2mpgTxoMN8erY9fj-v1KPxfcjac7gsKRApDHmnwVvwdd-6BddG8mGVHzGROzwwX4LA1akdfYoVEZzG4uw/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-ico2HBJZZ63I-jeZ1VZyhRb6QVYqHHQbkqcwZ-JYSVUKwuzVe6TKDvtWZxR57o_v0Npn-Q0HkhDanCyXHhd16ZHVGZEHPxZUMsWeJEJg2mpgTxoMN8erY9fj-v1KPxfcjac7gsKRApDHmnwVvwdd-6BddG8mGVHzGROzwwX4LA1akdfYoVEZzG4uw/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chair</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-23724081877203825302022-11-11T11:44:00.002-05:002022-11-17T11:46:24.447-05:00From the NPC Chair: Giving thanks for those who make a difference in the lives of others<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">November—the month of Thanksgiving in the United States. As I ponder the meaning of Thanksgiving and giving thanks to others, I immediately think of the mentors I had during my collegiate years that I gained through my sorority experience. I am sure many of us can identify those in our life who have truly made a difference in who we are, what we value, and how we live our lives today. I challenge you right now to think of those who have made a difference in your life and simply thank them! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My sorority experience has impacted my life tremendously. I would not be the woman, mother, grandmother or businesswoman I am today if not for that experience. I grew as a leader and gained the confidence to follow my dreams. I also acquired my many sorority sisters, and now Panhellenic sisters, that are indeed the best friends one could have. That is what the sorority experience is about for many of us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As chair of NPC, I see many women making a difference in the lives of sorority women. First and foremost, I want to thank our NPC staff who go above and beyond to foster NPC's mission of being the premier advocacy and support organization for the advancement of the sorority experience. They help to guide, educate and train our College and Alumnae Panhellenics, work with our many NPC volunteers, and champion and defend the sorority experience on behalf of our member organizations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There are also so many NPC volunteers to thank! These individuals volunteer their time and talents to NPC to work with our collegiate and alumnae members. As you look around at the people with whom you interact with consistently, thank the volunteers around you—they are helping our collegiate members make wiser decisions, grow in their leadership, and even provide mentorship to others in their chapters. There are also those that work with our Alumnae Panhellenics that help our alumnae members continue their sorority experience beyond college.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In just a few weeks, many of us will celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving with our families and friends. Let us all reflect on this past year and consider those who have impacted our lives. I hope you will all join me in celebrating—not just during this time of Thanksgiving but also all throughout the year—the many women who work tirelessly to advance the sorority experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and quality time with your families and friends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlahhm5H-pKIf9QK7tz_rNZ64POH7bx-FzxMPlKW9Q8QCHgI_FA1FOHz11rLYGWVF3nRUFxt7sFn-Do0gDZM1WgAI8DMwipwpHhMfvD6jJWfw9wQ0YTC_qEDiOcTtvIs8UfxibUP_CEfdHg6zJrZbVr0vxZZ35-IPZCk7bb9Il6bw5DUyCu23qwzgE6g/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlahhm5H-pKIf9QK7tz_rNZ64POH7bx-FzxMPlKW9Q8QCHgI_FA1FOHz11rLYGWVF3nRUFxt7sFn-Do0gDZM1WgAI8DMwipwpHhMfvD6jJWfw9wQ0YTC_qEDiOcTtvIs8UfxibUP_CEfdHg6zJrZbVr0vxZZ35-IPZCk7bb9Il6bw5DUyCu23qwzgE6g/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC chair</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-79637660051436895162022-10-31T11:30:00.036-04:002022-11-01T11:39:29.778-04:00From the NPC Chair: Member Organizations Gather for Fall NPC Annual Conference<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusnpikgYoucSucZ3eYu50vxfvCa5rVH3HptPN6-GrD2pjN9oyh-iy5eSEEMwgO6yqiAvc7e1vtftAO9cTIWbQGyQ8gaDe-D85ToDmPLn70pONRabjIJ-sxlvomwtKLFF3Bhy0qvCllrUKj_bdHX7fYaK7fcWJqlSrqm_vKKIrQ3N_wAy3_3uKRKto7w/s2653/De%20Jong%20Annual%20Conf%20Fall%202022%20crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="NPC Chair Cheri De Jong welcomes Annual Conference attendees." border="0" data-original-height="2573" data-original-width="2653" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusnpikgYoucSucZ3eYu50vxfvCa5rVH3HptPN6-GrD2pjN9oyh-iy5eSEEMwgO6yqiAvc7e1vtftAO9cTIWbQGyQ8gaDe-D85ToDmPLn70pONRabjIJ-sxlvomwtKLFF3Bhy0qvCllrUKj_bdHX7fYaK7fcWJqlSrqm_vKKIrQ3N_wAy3_3uKRKto7w/w200-h194/De%20Jong%20Annual%20Conf%20Fall%202022%20crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NPC Chair Cheri De Jong <br />welcomes attendees.</td></tr></tbody></table>Fall is definitely in the air with our enjoyment of autumn leaves and all their colors and the cooler temperatures. While our collegiate members have been engaged with more normal college activities this fall, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) also returned to our regular fall schedule when the leadership of our member organizations and NPC gathered together in Indianapolis for our Annual Conference just a few weeks ago. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I want to give you all a quick recap of the Annual Conference so you can know more about the work of NPC, driven by our <a href="https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2022/07/npc-chair-2207.html" target="_blank">strategic framework</a>, and the discussions NPC and member organization leaders are having together about overcoming challenges and improving our experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our kick-off speaker, Chris Smith, is helping the NPC Board of Directors address our strategic priority of gathering and analyzing data—an area we are investing in to aid in decision-making. Chris is a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega and a long-time staff leader of that organization. In 2019, Chris started his own data consulting company, Smith Insights, and he has built a history of leveraging membership data into metrics for organizational success. NPC has now partnered with Chris on a year-long project to review and analyze data that we currently have in order to provide recommendations regarding growth strategies and policies, what data we still need and how to get it, and how to develop a storage and reporting system that will prove helpful for years into the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Chris reviewed some fascinating recruitment-related data and he presented the results of his analysis that point to the campuses having the most success and the greatest challenges. This information will be very helpful in making future decisions for NPC and our member organizations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our keynote speaker on Friday was Jeff Selingo who is frequently called on to present on trends and the future of higher education. Jeff has written about higher education for more than two decades and is a New York Times bestselling author of three books. His newsletter on all things higher education, titled Next, is also widely read, including within our community. (For more about Jeff Selingo, including access to his higher ed resources, newsletter and podcast, please visit <a href="http://jeffselingo.com" target="_blank">his website</a>.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As both an observer of higher ed and an insider with an academic appointment at one of the largest universities in the country, Jeff occupies a unique position to explain the intersection of work, life and learning. He shared with us his observations on the future of higher education and work, enrollment trends, and what today’s and tomorrow’s students expect from their college experience. He also shared a great deal of information about our college communities and provided us with much food for thought as our organizations strive to deliver a meaningful and relevant experience to all our members. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Higher Education Trends Panel, sponsored by the NPC Foundation’s Alpha Gamma Delta Higher Education Trends Panel Fund, consisted of the following panelists: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Kathy Adams Reister, associate vice president for student affairs & executive associate dean of students at Indiana University-Bloomington;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Laura Blake Jones, dean of students at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">JC Lopez, dean of student success at DePauw University; and</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Alexander Miller, vice president for student life at Denison University.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Panelists discussed everything from the challenges they see Panhellenic women encountering, recruitment issues and the relevancy of the sorority experience to how to best partner with campus personnel and faculty to how their institutions are approaching student health and wellness. Their insight helps us know more about what our campus communities are seeing and how our member organizations can work together with administrators to deliver the best possible sorority and college experience to our members.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We also heard from Heather Matthews who is well-known to our Panhellenic community. For more than 15 years, Heather has been working with both sororities and fraternities to build and implement impactful communication strategies. She has served her member organization, Zeta Tau Alpha. Heather has also served as chief communications officer for both the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and Sigma Phi Epsilon, and she recently began her own consultancy. Heather joined us to review the digital marketing campaign she helped direct for NPC during fall 2022. That campaign is also a strategic initiative for NPC and a large financial investment in growing our Panhellenic communities and championing the sorority experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Heather oversaw the campaign to provide direct marketing support, in the form of one-on-one marketing coaching and marketing grants, to more than 230 College Panhellenics this fall. During her presentation, she shared the strategy and tactics within the campaign, outcomes, lessons learned and recommendations to date, and she will present a final report to NPC in mid-November when the fall campaign is officially complete.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcySTB9ugbU_y_hOwROdy0DuH2sXHrzXUqWc8DyWoenO5fujDwr4eQ0RTrsEBdpA16Klf7FlzxkkQko2ZxxoSEbgxzaXIJZcO_d3g2V8Ie2ApxW3aIjIAXnHpMD5WMqxHvv1wTtqd_rgQCDrOQcirt585HisnwazdI2EaHF74bWLWffzt45ej_XZzAg/s3585/fall%20ac%20attendees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3285" data-original-width="3585" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcySTB9ugbU_y_hOwROdy0DuH2sXHrzXUqWc8DyWoenO5fujDwr4eQ0RTrsEBdpA16Klf7FlzxkkQko2ZxxoSEbgxzaXIJZcO_d3g2V8Ie2ApxW3aIjIAXnHpMD5WMqxHvv1wTtqd_rgQCDrOQcirt585HisnwazdI2EaHF74bWLWffzt45ej_XZzAg/w320-h293/fall%20ac%20attendees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Annual Conference attendees listen to a keynote speaker.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our final session was our Conference Conversation. Our board and staff have been listening closely during the past several months as many member organization leaders have shared with us the challenges our organizations are facing. The Conference Conversation offered a chance for these leaders to also talk directly to each other in a large setting group to share information with and gather insight about what might be next steps for our organizations. Together, they discussed the difficulties they are facing with sorority housing, barriers to membership growth, and how organizations partner together during situations of college/university overreach.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Overall, the Annual Conference provided a terrific setting to get to know many new faces within the leadership of our organizations as well as to have strategic discussions regarding the most pressing issues that face us as a Panhellenic community and how we can continue to advance the sorority experience together. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNVVqTShj0kSTsQ39OHvIYRguiwh7PvdZt1K5SOCPeZynjKKMB6noly2Lq87dx0trzm7ic4DJr8may5qH-2ZS2t1_paDjnXrMbBGbDgnsoSraRo5cq17uQtdKT1WZIn2wClESaNzKeGAktY68oDfqWoagARqDIoNPICUS9voRITssFefkJGP_MQjMbg/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNVVqTShj0kSTsQ39OHvIYRguiwh7PvdZt1K5SOCPeZynjKKMB6noly2Lq87dx0trzm7ic4DJr8may5qH-2ZS2t1_paDjnXrMbBGbDgnsoSraRo5cq17uQtdKT1WZIn2wClESaNzKeGAktY68oDfqWoagARqDIoNPICUS9voRITssFefkJGP_MQjMbg/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chair</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-80131228225088237732022-08-23T13:20:00.000-04:002022-08-23T13:20:13.154-04:005 Quick Fixes for Your Recruitment Marketing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv77iQNCu4qIQXzhGWuoCwxZvsZMrbkhjTsWEn68WRR_eMkq97o1HM2PJw2rrATWYeiHzz1CMbW7TInVcmxJpFiTQBXWE_9QJYXc4Ne9T_yP37tdTVrp67bPMOlsfi7oRV-qKSVnqfdLqfyFo8VjZTqnYC2St3QQ-o7IUB7NpTexHB0BokJxp0NrCGUg/s1920/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv77iQNCu4qIQXzhGWuoCwxZvsZMrbkhjTsWEn68WRR_eMkq97o1HM2PJw2rrATWYeiHzz1CMbW7TInVcmxJpFiTQBXWE_9QJYXc4Ne9T_yP37tdTVrp67bPMOlsfi7oRV-qKSVnqfdLqfyFo8VjZTqnYC2St3QQ-o7IUB7NpTexHB0BokJxp0NrCGUg/w225-h400/2.png" width="225" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This summer, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) has been working with more than 200 College Panhellenic Associations to boost their recruitment marketing efforts. As we’ve worked with them, we’ve identified some things that are holding back their recruitment marketing efforts–and that could be holding back yours, too. Here’s part of what we’ve learned and <b>five quick fixes for your recruitment marketing</b> for every Panhellenic:</span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Put your Recruitment registration link and deadline EVERYWHERE.</span></b></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If potential members wanted to join a Panhellenic sorority on your campus, could they find information on how to do that? If you google “sorority recruitment at [name of your campus]?” what comes up? Your recruitment registration link and the deadline to register should be <i>everywhere</i> online and on campus (where permissible). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Check and update:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Your college/university’s Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) website</b>. Coordinate with your fraternity/sorority advisor if your Panhellenic officers do not have access.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Your Panhellenic’s social media accounts</b>. If you’ve already posted once about the links and deadlines, <i>keep posting</i>. You need to share this information repeatedly to ensure it stays at the top of your feed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Your Panhellenic webpage</b>. If your Panhellenic maintains a separate website from the FSL site, make sure your recruitment registration link and deadline are listed here, too.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Chapter websites and social media</b>. The sorority chapters on your campus also play a role in promoting the sorority experience. They should be able to post about when Panhellenic recruitment will be held, what the registration deadline is, and how to register. Encourage chapter members to share individually, too!</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Share recruitment event dates.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If potential members can find your recruitment registration link, can they identify <i>when </i>recruitment registration ends? When recruitment orientation is? When each round, preference and Bid Day will be held? Provide as much information as possible so potential members can plan ahead and mark their calendars so they don’t miss out on any part of the recruitment process!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Be clear about PNM expectations.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you offer multiple orientation sessions and do potential new members (PNMs) need only attend one? Do they need to register for recruitment before they attend orientation or after? Is orientation required? If you host a partially structured recruitment, have you explained to PNMs what events they are expected to attend prior to when invitational rounds begin? Be sure to spell out PNM expectations on your website and social media so they don’t miss a critical part of the process and, therefore, miss out on joining a sorority.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">4. Explain how to meet sororities/members prior to recruitment.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">How are you providing ways for potential members to meet the sororities or sorority members prior to recruitment? It might be that some members participate in summer programs with new students, that Fraternity & Sorority Life members are allowed to present during orientation or that sororities/sorority members play an important role in new student move-in. Your campus might also have an all-student organization fair once classes start or there might be special events to meet all fraternities & sororities on your campus. Whatever opportunities your campus or Panhellenic offers, promoting those opportunities can go a long way to making connections with new and transfer students and helping them become interested in sorority recruitment and membership.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">5. Be open to questions. </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Even if you’ve fixed items 1-4 above and you’ve provided a ton of other information about the benefits of joining a sorority, potential members may still have questions about recruitment or joining a sorority. Be sure to share how PNMs can contact your Panhellenic to ask questions. And, be sure someone is monitoring those accounts so questions can be answered quickly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you’ve gotten through this list and you know your Panhellenic is doing all of these things, give yourself a huge pat on the back! If not<b>, there’s no time like the present to get started making these changes</b>, whether your recruitment is this month or not for several months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We’ll be sharing more of what we’ve learned during this project in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have a question for how to improve your recruitment marketing or you want to share an idea that works great for your campus that you think others can benefit from, please feel free to reach out to me <a href="mailto: loretta@npcwomen.org">by email</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Panhellenically,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Loretta Good<br />Chief Marketing Officer<br />National Panhellenic Conference</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-74606341979162240522022-08-20T08:41:00.001-04:002022-08-22T08:44:00.485-04:00From the NPC Chair: A time to grow sorority membership<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Summer is still in full swing with heat waves across the country, but fall is in the air as colleges and universities are starting back-to-school activities, and we will soon have college football every Saturday! Hooray! This also means that fall sorority recruitment has begun across many of our campuses. It is the time of year that many of our chapters welcome new members and bring them into their sorority families, whether that is through the primary recruitment process or continuous open bidding (COB).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This time of year may bring back fond memories for those of us who joined a sorority during primary recruitment or who participated as sorority members and had conversations with many potential new members. However each of us remembers our recruitment experience, we all realize that recruitment is the lifeblood of our organizations and that we all have the opportunity to encourage relatives, young women in our hometown and community, and others we know about the benefits of sorority life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I <a href="https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2022/07/npc-chair-2207.html" rel="" target="_blank">wrote about</a> last month in the chair's message, championing the sorority experience is a priority in our strategic framework. NPC's responsibility is to promote the life-changing impact that sorority life can have on our young women today. <a href="https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2022/06/blog-post.html" target="_blank">Research</a> I have previously mentioned shows that our members have strong positive emotions, robust relationships, life meaning, and accomplishment due to their sorority membership. The role of sorority is to foster a community where our members thrive and feel empowered to lead and champion their causes by equipping them with skills and confidence. Now is the time for us to identify and encourage young women to sign up for recruitment and join a sorority so they can become tomorrow's trailblazing women.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Everyone has their story about how their sorority membership has provided sisterhood, a home away from home, leadership opportunities, confidence, and the ability to provide care and support to others. I invite you to think about your life and how your sorority membership has changed you for the better, equipped you with exceptional skills, and provided remarkable lifelong sisters and other Panhellenic friends. I, for one, have been forever impacted by my sorority membership. I value my sorority sisters, and I treasure my many Panhellenic relationships. I hope you share similar sentiments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This fall, let us remember how sorority has shaped our lives and strive to engage as many women as possible in the recruitment process so they may enjoy the benefits of sorority membership and our Panhellenic communities can grow and prosper now and for generations to come.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCk4lrJMXrVES80FaNCytKxTkqm1W4XLY_m9WrMJ6_TD4RFy8u929MlJKXFoS-R08XyLD20STsLf5iyqg4C2i8xgOsdQbSQckIT8f55MsgrkG-ULfP4p4Yd9y6FctOISOuvN0h52bGiIsHIVq2WV1rHyaDwVlLmImzY9A07XEqZEqtUUBS1mifgujQA/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCk4lrJMXrVES80FaNCytKxTkqm1W4XLY_m9WrMJ6_TD4RFy8u929MlJKXFoS-R08XyLD20STsLf5iyqg4C2i8xgOsdQbSQckIT8f55MsgrkG-ULfP4p4Yd9y6FctOISOuvN0h52bGiIsHIVq2WV1rHyaDwVlLmImzY9A07XEqZEqtUUBS1mifgujQA/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chair</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-71602867743822458192022-07-27T09:58:00.012-04:002022-07-29T10:01:52.337-04:00From the NPC Chair: A New Strategic Framework for NPC<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The NPC Board of Directors met in June in Louisville to conduct business, including a robust discussion of a new strategic framework to guide NPC’s work during the next two years. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In setting our future direction, the board approached strategic planning in a slightly different way. We began by reviewing our strategic priorities as identified last fall:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <i> Growth in Panhellenic communities</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;"> Champion the sorority experience</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We then discussed the Conference's current strategic goals and our renewed focus on growth in recruitment. We also noted that our previous strategic plan was very complex, with many layers, and more challenging to measure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As the outcome of our discussion, we determined we should streamline our approach and incorporate the prior two strategic priorities into a new strategic framework that the board and staff will build upon and monitor on an ongoing basis. Moving forward, we are focusing on the priorities that matter the most to our constituents. The board plans to communicate our objectives, initiatives, and measurable outcomes from our workforce on these initiatives to our wider Panhellenic community on an ongoing basis. We plan to do that by using a simplified reporting format for all to clearly see progress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Following is a high-level look at our new strategic framework and the two priorities in it.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">PRIORITY 1: GROW PANHELLENIC COMMUNITIES</span></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Through dedicated coaching and resource sharing, NPC personnel will assist College Panhellenic Associations in increasing recruitment participation and, as a result, collegiate membership.</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Stimulating the growth of our collegiate Panhellenic communities is of utmost importance, and we will do that by leveraging a number of recruitment-focused strategies. Specifically, this includes the digital marketing campaign already underway with our College Panhellenics to increase promotion of the sorority experience and stimulate recruitment registration numbers so NPC organizations see increases in membership. A top priority also includes reducing the barriers for potential new members to participate in recruitment and join a sorority as these barriers hinder our membership growth capabilities. NPC staff and volunteers will continue to look at innovative opportunities for our College Panhellenics to reduce restrictions and barriers for potential new members and recruit more women to our organizations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Data collection and analysis is another critical area that NPC is investing in so the entire Conference can have important information available to everyone as we look to make crucial decisions regarding how to best support growth within our Panhellenic communities.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">PRIORITY 2: CHAMPION THE SORORITY EXPERIENCE</span></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Through marketing and community engagement, NPC will improve the public perception of the sorority experience.</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Continued advocacy for our sorority experience is critical for our broader publics—potential new members, parents/caregivers, guidance counselors and coaches, college/university personnel and administrators, among others—to support and engage with us. National and campus-based advocacy initiatives within our new strategic framework will provide further positive messages and images to promote the modern sorority experience, improve public perception and, ultimately foster new member interest in recruitment and sorority membership. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The board recognizes that we need to stay agile and flexible with whatever may happen within our community in the future. Continuous review and oversight, along with the possibility of shifting and changing objectives and initiatives, is critical to the success of this strategic framework. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q6FD88zut_x0QOuek3KZutMtmPcmi2yyo3UPDPub38ro1VBObUHEfTn69Lo5nb-pt-aGDbRjhqilHACbkKHAcVz4ZR0ahj3L_6w5LG3bcaYbvJqFH6ZaHo9fc4-BqZ5QZPR2Tf02Ch5lRSVE48ZGYIJEc8GxFqnk2wyj_n3HLml25KKSxgRWFdKJzw/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q6FD88zut_x0QOuek3KZutMtmPcmi2yyo3UPDPub38ro1VBObUHEfTn69Lo5nb-pt-aGDbRjhqilHACbkKHAcVz4ZR0ahj3L_6w5LG3bcaYbvJqFH6ZaHo9fc4-BqZ5QZPR2Tf02Ch5lRSVE48ZGYIJEc8GxFqnk2wyj_n3HLml25KKSxgRWFdKJzw/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chair</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-29413707012082852192022-07-06T15:31:00.016-04:002022-07-06T15:31:00.133-04:00Together as Sorority<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">This content first appeared in the Summer 2022 edition of "The Lyre," the official magazine of Alpha Chi Omega, and is reprinted with permission.</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When you join a sorority, you enter a community. You have chapter sisters to laugh and cry with, an alumnae network to help you pursue your dreams and even a national sorority that connects you to sisters coast to coast and beyond! But have you ever thought about the even larger sisterhood you're a part of?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When you accepted your bid to your chapter, you also joined the Panhellenic community. As the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) vision states, we are all "advancing the sorority experience together." We come together as nearly 5 million sorority women across the world.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEPwxreZbgVe-tXge9wRggkzdWIE6akbbwO9vAnqgP-LAYvKiyJ6aJvCuaqu-7C2hssyk1hESwMqeROlDHxZvqEquJsK42lgDFX5Y5Vk7lqn8OOMpygncMLhc71Mfnon2VcAvfzsWLkkkT1iS4ARFRX-H8uO3fDO1UGftgj0aS8acvts2Y4H3nQdvAQ/s450/Jen%20Daurora%20flag%20background%202022.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEPwxreZbgVe-tXge9wRggkzdWIE6akbbwO9vAnqgP-LAYvKiyJ6aJvCuaqu-7C2hssyk1hESwMqeROlDHxZvqEquJsK42lgDFX5Y5Vk7lqn8OOMpygncMLhc71Mfnon2VcAvfzsWLkkkT1iS4ARFRX-H8uO3fDO1UGftgj0aS8acvts2Y4H3nQdvAQ/w200-h200/Jen%20Daurora%20flag%20background%202022.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Jen Daurora (Delta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Allegheny College) serves on the NPC Board of Directors and points out that no matter which of the 26 NPC member organizations we are members of, we all have shared experiences including leadership opportunities, education and the ability to support our communities through philanthropy and service. And most importantly, she adds, "I think the underpinning of women supporting women rings true throughout the NPC experience."</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We strive to uplift our sisters in all their endeavors, and our empowerment can extend to the Panhellenic community. It's why our collegiate chapters have Panhellenic delegates to connect the Alpha Chi Omega chapter to the larger campus, and why many cities have Alumnae Panhellenics to bring together women from all organizations for networking and making a difference.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In a time when some are questioning the value of the sorority experience, we can work together as sorority women to share the benefits we've received and that others can obtain if they are open to the experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"From my perspective, togetherness for NPC really means the way we leverage our collective strength to advocate for and promote the sorority experience as a whole," Jen explains. "Because while it is important that each member organization strives to be its best and each chapter strives to reach its full potential, it's important that as a community we're helping one another reach our goals as well."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">How can we do that? Jen suggests that collegians let potential new members (and others!) know what makes them proud to be in a sorority, whether it's learning to manage an officer budget or having a sister notice your potential that you didn't even see in yourself. For our alumnae members, Jen recommends they share openly with their networks that they're sorority women. She also explains it's important to articulate broad benefits; the collegiate experience you had might look very different for today's student, but the opportunities and lessons are far-reaching.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, while we all share a sorority experience, we also each have a story. And your story</span><span style="font-family: arial;">—</span><span style="font-family: arial;">with all of its nuances and lessons and moments that make it distinctly yours—is a powerful piece of advocating for the experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Be proud of what you've gained from this experience," Jen says, "and tell your own story."</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-43601528861445537432022-06-21T20:09:00.001-04:002022-06-22T08:13:51.530-04:00From the NPC Chairman: New Research Highlights Benefits of Sorority<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Summer is here! Congratulations on making it through another school year. I hope that you have had a successful year and are now enjoying your summer vacation. Reflecting on this past year, I thought about how much the sorority experience matters, including my lifelong membership journey that began more than 30 years ago. That experience has changed my life in so many ways, and my sorority and NPC service have brought me in contact with women I treasure and filled my life with joy. I also contemplate how my experiences made me into the businesswoman, mother and grandmother I am today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Many of you have similar stories of how your sorority experience has significantly impacted your life. Whether your experience was 30 or 40 years ago or as recently as last year, the effect has been powerful and one that I want to explore alongside some recent research findings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">NPC and member organization leaders and volunteers recently attended a Zoom presentation by Dr. J. Patrick Biddix regarding his latest Panhellenic <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2022/06/NPC-Sorority-Belonging-Survey-Spring-2022.pdf" target="_blank">sorority research on belonging and well-being</a>. I noted a few key takeaways from the research that I believe support how impactful the sorority experience is for young women today.</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Sorority women generally feel a stronger sense of belonging and satisfaction at school v. non-sorority women.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A vast majority, 75-80% of sorority women, agree that their organizations support and respect individuals and unique differences among their members and welcome and appreciate culturally different views of their members.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A vast majority, 75-80% of sorority women, agree they feel comfortable having open discussions about race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, religion and mental health and well-being.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Our members show strong positive emotion, engagement, robust relationships, life meaning and accomplishment due to their sorority membership.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We all know that increased well-being leads to positive emotions and satisfaction with life, and that can increase member retention and overall student success. Positive general comments reflect that women value their experience and feel support and respect from their sisters. They also value their leadership skills and ability to grow and develop into influential leaders.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While the sorority experience is highly valued, there is room for improvement. Specifically, some women indicate struggles with diversity, equity and inclusion. This is an area that continues to evolve where we as NPC and our member organizations must continue education and awareness to promote a culture shift in our members, including collegiate members, alumnae and advisors. For our experience to remain valuable and relevant for years to come, all of us must work together to create a more welcoming and inclusive Panhellenic community.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Overall this research provides important insights as we strive to extend our message about the power of sorority and the positive impacts of membership. So, as you relax on these long summer days, reflect on your experience as a sorority woman and what you value the most. Is it the lifelong leadership skills you acquired or the invaluable friendships you still have from those good old college days? Whatever it may be, hold on to those thoughts and share them with others to promote an unforgettable and valuable experience so that others may flourish as a result of the sorority experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTHVG6n4OcCmB0LsCLjCo-lf1fklBYpMRfz_TrTKtv8PFGWbLv9nyUqf0kiWaMPQngcCtmSgfTKYv6PDxMTxyLle4ryi2-YXa-ljozajIBnHqUP58_mMer39pNWWWLxzlUctDNvaXrYMBJMn5iTsZdZqVuNbcBcDXZGvsN2qP9WyJN5ScxK0MOi3-HA/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTHVG6n4OcCmB0LsCLjCo-lf1fklBYpMRfz_TrTKtv8PFGWbLv9nyUqf0kiWaMPQngcCtmSgfTKYv6PDxMTxyLle4ryi2-YXa-ljozajIBnHqUP58_mMer39pNWWWLxzlUctDNvaXrYMBJMn5iTsZdZqVuNbcBcDXZGvsN2qP9WyJN5ScxK0MOi3-HA/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-82219432704400922102022-05-10T13:22:00.009-04:002022-05-11T13:25:24.492-04:00From the NPC Chairman: Reflecting on the end of the academic year<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As the school year winds down and many of our students prepare for graduation, it is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to what is next. As a matter of fact, I plan to attend my niece's graduation at Colorado State University—she just happens to be a sorority woman too! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As we look back on this past year, we began with a great deal of promise that the pandemic was waning and things were getting back to normal, yet the pandemic did continue, perhaps to a different degree depending on where you lived. For many, it was finally time to be gathering together in person and cultivating more friendships within their chapters and sorority communities. The year has been one that has many of us seeing challenging times in our community growth, housing concerns and issues, and the mental health of our students. Yet, I see a resilient base of sorority women who have stepped up in their philanthropic and service efforts to help others and demonstrated excellent care in taking care of each other. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Personally, as I reflect, I am proud and humbled to be a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Board of Directors and serve as its chair. I see the thousands of sorority women graduating this month from around the country looking forward to their post-college life, and I know that through their sorority experience, they are ready to head out into the world and make a difference.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The NPC board is also looking forward to making a difference. Our College Panhellenic communities need focused marketing efforts to help them experience growth in recruitment and thrive. A major action the board has taken is to approve a concentrated marketing plan throughout this summer aimed at helping many of our campuses that recently have seen noticeable declines in sorority membership to grow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our sorority experience is incredibly valuable for so many women that all of us must promote and advance our Panhellenic communities so more women want to join our organizations. We want potential new members to know that the sorority experience can help them establish leadership skills, build their confidence, create lifelong friendships, and establish the importance of service to others.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As each of you reflects on the end of the school year, remember how much the Panhellenic experience has meant to you and determine ways that you can promote and advocate to others the power of sorority.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6FeIKAG8XthLqU5qaEetL5eWvby1yvAHisBYoT7SE_UAv-nBdtwtbfwDeFApkX1idw1HAzOQAdBmKFzJYT31CMbGuc5oCGMfNfTrAgY7lsXP1_IaXMFnJgkSv7aLcpUvgs1yu2vlzycaZ_Qki0UM7CjAMmEdQoqhAwz0iWBvdas0nSNs9fZzu0yC1g/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6FeIKAG8XthLqU5qaEetL5eWvby1yvAHisBYoT7SE_UAv-nBdtwtbfwDeFApkX1idw1HAzOQAdBmKFzJYT31CMbGuc5oCGMfNfTrAgY7lsXP1_IaXMFnJgkSv7aLcpUvgs1yu2vlzycaZ_Qki0UM7CjAMmEdQoqhAwz0iWBvdas0nSNs9fZzu0yC1g/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-89153683517431329742022-04-14T13:56:00.037-04:002022-04-20T14:05:55.548-04:00From the NPC Chairman: The State of the Conference | April 2022<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) recently held its Annual Conference, March 31 – April 1, in Louisville, Kentucky. This was the first large in-person gathering of Conference and member organization leaders, volunteers and staff since October 2019, prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this Annual Conference, NPC CEO Dani Weatherford, J.D., and I shared a State of the Conference report on behalf of the NPC Board of Directors. That report recapped the work of the NPC board and workforce (volunteers and staff) and offered insight into our current efforts and future focus. I'm pleased to share with you edited excerpts of the report below.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5d8PAudMc1zaD8d5_2OIjcnsORdWB7T6aB9BQN1g7xx-L_47XlJvwa7CvWdcfjuLBix5VCsxhAFvhhdzWLYo5SWRhsQF9oTdPUhda7l6ti9ZMspT-Mc8t8oM2uYHvUJgZi93oRsxLpXq0MA2YGJdL6F3yCNcqQ4Gluz7NT83Cuz6q9X5KQ29YsBGBw/s466/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5d8PAudMc1zaD8d5_2OIjcnsORdWB7T6aB9BQN1g7xx-L_47XlJvwa7CvWdcfjuLBix5VCsxhAFvhhdzWLYo5SWRhsQF9oTdPUhda7l6ti9ZMspT-Mc8t8oM2uYHvUJgZi93oRsxLpXq0MA2YGJdL6F3yCNcqQ4Gluz7NT83Cuz6q9X5KQ29YsBGBw/w200-h76/cheri%20de%20jong%20signature.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">The State of the Conference | April 2022</span></b></h3><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaker: Cheri M. De Jong, NPC chairman </span></b></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a privilege and honor today to be a part of providing the state of the National Panhellenic Conference. NPC has had many achievements over the past year, yet there continue to be a variety of challenges that all of us are facing together. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I will discuss the work of the board this past year, various initiatives that the board has directed and how that is defining our focus in the coming years.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">These incredible women that make up the NPC Board of Directors bring forth broad professional expertise, countless leadership experiences within the fraternal community, assorted professional skills, different perspectives and knowledge within NPC, and unique thoughts and ideas on improving and enriching NPC and how we advocate for the sorority experience. </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7LwzuVqk-JYWhVpd9fWOzZ9TdA2E7X1yhS2RDIAvGD6HktGrJiiDm8HBg6K2T71mjWY4Ubep1PAcBIzUkggzQ0LwrAVI_VdR0x7LP_smqwDUb1bRIpCoWj_x8oUiqxGzmW34KpQrlX0aDE3a9DTcGVwWGDkDRNd3782jI2UGtOIVXu8PwopM3aXKcw/s2048/BOD%20Image%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7LwzuVqk-JYWhVpd9fWOzZ9TdA2E7X1yhS2RDIAvGD6HktGrJiiDm8HBg6K2T71mjWY4Ubep1PAcBIzUkggzQ0LwrAVI_VdR0x7LP_smqwDUb1bRIpCoWj_x8oUiqxGzmW34KpQrlX0aDE3a9DTcGVwWGDkDRNd3782jI2UGtOIVXu8PwopM3aXKcw/s320/BOD%20Image%201.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>As this board began their work of the Conference nine months ago, we determined that with a change of leadership, a still-new governance structure and the many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic brought, it would be essential to engage in a listening tour of our constituents. This listening tour had each of our board members reach out to member organization leadership teams that consisted of delegates, inter/national presidents and executive directors to discuss their strategic interests and priorities, challenges and feedback on NPC activities. These meetings with member organizations provided clear and direct feedback for the board on the Conference's priorities.</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The loud messages were compiled, and the board reviewed the information, keying in on areas that member organizations believed NPC could make a difference and how those issues align with our strategic focus areas. It was determined NPC should remain committed to two main areas:</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Cultivate Strategic Growth of Panhellenic Communities.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Champion the Sorority Experience.</span></i></li></ul><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The key focus for this board is the growth and promotion of the sorority experience through marketing and public relations efforts. Growth is of utmost importance for our member organizations. Additionally, marketing about the sorority experience is also a top priority to create awareness of sorority life that can benefit all of our recruitment efforts.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Our organizations also have many challenges and opportunities:</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Housing</b>. If there is one thing that so many member organization leaders have voiced during the past several years, it is housing and the inability to fill some of your houses due to lower membership numbers. As a former national president, I understand and sympathize with each and every one of you. These financial burdens weigh heavy on your organizations and potentially drain resources that could be deployed elsewhere. …</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Declining college enrollment</b> in some regions of the country is significantly impacting many of our collegiate chapters. The <b>changing demographic</b> is perhaps the bigger issue of students enrolling in college. …</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> </i><i>Alongside this is declining interest in our organizations and <b>questions about our relevancy</b> to young women in today’s collegiate experience. The world is changing, and so are our potential new members. Our organizations are making changes too, whether it be to legacy or recommendation policies, acceptance of transgender members and creating more diverse and inclusive membership opportunities. Our communities are transforming, and this is a moment of adjustment for all of us. … </i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Each of these challenges is being felt by all our member organizations, and we realize that these challenges create opportunities for NPC to help grow our Panhellenic communities, promote and advocate for our sorority experience and continue to be a convener for our member organizations to work together on campus-specific needs or engaging in issues that we all face. …</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">So where do we go from here?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The board has embarked on several initiatives as a result of the priorities previously discussed and is driving our future focus. (Those initiatives include:)</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Opportunities to partner with researchers to support our marketing messages with strong relevancy data. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The Growth and Marketing Pilot currently underway … to target campuses to increase recruitment of potential new members … </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">A full audit of the NPC Manual of Information to streamline the information and strengthen accountability to Unanimous Agreements, policies and best practices. … </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://npcwomen.dynamic.omegafi.com/priorities/npc-diversity-equity-inclusion/" target="_blank">Diversity, equity, inclusion and access</a> with the board’s focus shifted to including and incorporating access and equity in our conversations, resources and communications for our College and Alumnae Panhellenics to use. … </span></i></li></ul><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The NPC Board of Directors wants to see all of us working together toward the same goals: focused marketing and other initiatives to grow our Panhellenic communities and consideration of ideas to break down the barriers to membership in our organizations.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">If we want to survive and be relevant in five, 10 or 20 years, we need to do this collaboratively. I hope you all feel that we are partners in this critical work. We want to dive into the issues and create the best possible solutions to ultimately provide an inclusive, values-oriented, affordable and relevant membership experience to as many collegiate women as possible. And together, we can make this happen. …</span></i></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaker: Dani Weatherford, NPC CEO</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> </i><i>This was a year when we were able to return our focus to the <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2019/02/2019-22-NPC-Strategic-Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Strategic Plan</a> after pausing almost all of that work from spring 2020 to spring 2021 to respond to the COVID pandemic and anti-sorority activism. As a reminder, the plan prioritizes three major areas:</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Priority number one is to <b>Cultivate Strategic Growth of Panhellenic Communities</b>. I think of this bucket of work as direct and tactical support of our College and Alumnae Panhellenic communities. Providing them with the tools and resources needed to function appropriately and focus their efforts on bringing more women of various backgrounds into the community. (Work in this priority includes but it not limited to:)</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Our flagship opportunity to train College Panhellenic officers is the College Panhellenic Academy. … </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">New <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/login/college-panhellenics/recruitment/" target="_blank">recruitment resources</a> and education for College and Alumnae Panhellenics. … </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Providing resources related to creating a more inclusive recruitment process. … </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">A new partnership with Phired Up to provide a three-part <a href="https://npcwomen.dynamic.omegafi.com/login/college-panhellenics/marketing-and-communications/" target="_blank">marketing training</a> series to current and incoming Panhellenic marketing and recruitment officers. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Nearly a full year of work dedicated to <a href="https://npcwomen.dynamic.omegafi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2022/03/recruitment-reform-executive-summary-only.pdf" target="_blank">recruitment reform</a>. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Growth and Marketing Pilot to provide targeted coaching to Panhellenic communities in the most need. … </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Several other projects and work groups supporting our College Panhellenic communities. …</span></i></li></ul><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Priority number two is <b>Champion the Sorority Experience</b>. I think of this priority as our advocacy work mostly done at the national level—promoting our brand and protecting the experience—but we also do this at the local level. (Work in this priority includes but it not limited to:)</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The work of the NPC staff in managing campus concerns. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The promotion of the sorority brand through awareness campaigns, including direct advertising, national marketing partnerships and pipeline program partnerships. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Advancing our legislative agenda through policy advocacy work, engaging on such topics as freedom of association, anti-hazing initiatives and tax parity. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/priorities/npc-research/research-results/" target="_blank">Research partnerships</a>, including our renewed collaboration with Gallup and a partnership with Dr. Patrick Biddix. These efforts are focused on the impact of sorority membership. … </span></i></li></ul><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Priority number three is <b>Leverage the Collective Strength of our Member Organizations</b>, along with our industry partners, to continue advancing the sorority experience. (Work in this priority includes but it not limited to:)</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">NPC volunteer recruitment, development and accountability, including for the volunteers supporting 583 College Panhellenics and 171 Alumnae Panhellenics. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Growing the <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/about/our-partners/" target="_blank">NPC Partner Program</a>. …</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Convening (virtual) NPC Family Gatherings to share data and information with internal stakeholders. …</span></i></li></ul><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for what you do to advance the sorority experience and to create a community that is kind and welcoming to all women who want to be a part of this extraordinary sisterhood.</span></i></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-19500972124563593582022-03-08T16:30:00.004-05:002022-03-30T11:09:32.972-04:00From the NPC Chairman: Continuing to Create a More Accessible and Equitable Panhellenic Sorority Experience<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Diversity, equity, inclusion and access are all words that we have heard a great deal more of collectively or in some combination over the last several years from our member organizations. As a result of the tumultuous times during 2020, many of us have had an opportunity to reflect on our thoughts and actions as we consider the access and equity of those around us and how we incorporate diversity and inclusion in our organizations to better serve our chapters, campuses and communities. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In fall 2020, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) hosted an Access & Equity Listening Tour with various constituencies throughout the fraternal community. The NPC Board of Directors also initiated an Access & Equity Advisory Committee where one of the charges was to identify barriers to membership on our campuses. Through participation in these sessions and with recommendations from our advisory committee, one of the overarching themes was need to revise and redesign the processes, practices and policies of Panhellenic recruitment. It became evident that our recruitment processes and their costs created barriers to membership. Therefore, all of us must acknowledge the necessity and urgency of creating an accessible and equitable Panhellenic experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">NPC has further taken the initiative to form five recruitment reform project workgroups. These recruitment reform projects were initiated early last year and have just recently completed their work. Eliminating and reducing barriers and opening the access to all women on our college campuses has been a focus of these reform projects. Removing these barriers that impede progress as a conference is a priority if we are to remain relevant and in alignment with our highest and best values. You can read a summary of the work of the recruitment reform project workgroups <a href="https://npcwomen.dynamic.omegafi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2022/03/recruitment-reform-executive-summary-only.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Reforming recruitment practices may be difficult for many to do, but it is truly imperative. The traditions, customs and practices that many of us have participated in for many years no longer provide a platform that serves our changing membership, values and relevance to collegiate women. The fully structured formal recruitment process, costs of recruitment and sorority membership, alternative approaches to recruitment and promoting the sorority experience are all areas the reform projects have reviewed and made recommendations. The board appreciates the work of these project teams to study the issues and help us begin to take real action toward recruitment reform, and as their recommendations are implemented, we will share updates with all of you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">However, there is more we all can do right now. We must not stop here but continue to educate, listen and act to provide access and equity in our entire NPC community. Our collegiate members seek to hold NPC and inter/national leadership responsible for changing current policies and practices in response to the demographic and attitudinal shift in the collegiate environment, and we are doing so both at NPC and in our member organizations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Specifically, over the last several years, NPC has prioritized the development of <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/login/college-panhellenics/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/" target="_blank">resources</a> and educational sessions to develop a culture of care within our Panhellenics, and we’ve seen the addition of specific Panhellenic officers on many campuses focused on creating more inclusive communities. At the same time, many of our member organizations have taken this call to action to make changes within their own organization and integrate many initiatives that promote inclusiveness within our collegiate chapters on college campuses. Changing or eliminating legacy policies and recommendation letters, the establishment of chapter belonging/inclusion officers and transgender inclusion are just a few areas that our member organizations have examined and made significant internal changes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Ultimately, the goal of all our member organizations is to provide an inclusive, values-oriented, affordable and relevant membership experience. Together we can make this happen. As I reflect on what I’ve learned about those four words—diversity, equity, access and inclusion—during the past several years, it demands that we collectively promote and provide action to break down the barriers and provide access and equity, thus providing a richer, more diverse experience for our entire NPC community. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqefwldVfP1www6jxiNOjPixBVdRh6UiAb-61U1Z2yKfxWslvmdI3u3jPWSsvTsCq0NHRQCQQrY72RWFJMaJx40onCkIgsopKtrGLjZOFuwE4d6v3A4Jlmb1obrU3G2E7ngljNcditcarQlHn28PYtwo3ZAxNQFfqCUfAfcTd-LzFsM3alLFwXGrz5YQ=s466" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqefwldVfP1www6jxiNOjPixBVdRh6UiAb-61U1Z2yKfxWslvmdI3u3jPWSsvTsCq0NHRQCQQrY72RWFJMaJx40onCkIgsopKtrGLjZOFuwE4d6v3A4Jlmb1obrU3G2E7ngljNcditcarQlHn28PYtwo3ZAxNQFfqCUfAfcTd-LzFsM3alLFwXGrz5YQ=w200-h76" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-57448464406521349332022-02-08T09:01:00.008-05:002022-02-10T09:56:44.407-05:00 NPC Volunteers Make a Lasting Impact on Panhellenic Communities<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">February is a time for Valentine's Day, chocolates and flowers, and for the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), it is a time for us to say thank you to our many volunteers. NPC enjoys a rich history of outstanding, dedicated volunteers who support NPC’s operations and all Panhellenic women. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>A Special Message to All Our NPC Volunteers</b>:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our Panhellenic women and for the future of the sorority experience. Your dedication of time, energy, skills and knowledge will continue to positively impact our mission and achieve our strategic goals. Your caring heart, compassion, support and expertise have been transformational over your many years of service, but more poignantly these past several years during the pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether individuals are serving on standing or special committees or other specialized work groups, our various committee members' service is extremely appreciated. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A shout out to our vast volunteer network!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Standing Committees include:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Alumnae Panhellenics Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• College Panhellenics Committee, which includes area advisors </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Panhellenic Extension Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Panhellenic Judicial Appeals Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• New College Panhellenics Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Panhellenic Recruitment Committee </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Panhellenic Release Figure Methodology (RFM) Committee, which includes RFM specialists</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Our current Special Committees consist of:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Bylaws Review Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Community College Work Group</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Content Creators</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Fraternity/Sorority Advisory Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Government Relations Advisory Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Growth/Marketing Pilot Project</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Marketing Advisory Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Reorganization Support Teams</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Research Review Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Risk Management Pilot Project Work Group</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Student Advisory Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Special pandemic-related Task Forces & other Special Committees who have concluded their work over the past few years:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Access & Equity Advisory Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Audit Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• College Panhellenic Classification Project Work Group</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Disruption to Panhellenic Operations Task Force</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Education and Transparency Task Force</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Measurable Outcomes Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Nominating Committee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• PR & Marketing Review Group</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Recruitment Contingencies Task Force</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Recruitment Reform Task Force (Fully Structured Recruitment)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">• Recruitment Response Teams (RRTs)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Furthermore, we have our Advisory Committee, composed of the past chairmen of NPC. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lastly, I want to recognize the NPC Foundation Board of Trustees who lead that organization in its mission to visibly and collaboratively support NPC priorities and initiatives.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Looking Forward to New Volunteer Opportunitie</b>s: </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2022/01/volunteer-interest-2022.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjugS8aRvMQxwLAAbbiu0PL-iq7SAO7Mjlg6HJ9sX6kjRLQKxI16hf91eSmqzekUyIuPW6-l6t8P4Dn4dM7PZpzQqKeps20nxnlZmNXYxECK5lGhs62sKeV4oQSJjTGulHputIEDziVs9ozrbPkJooF-QTC_BMFSfsEKtB1T1A2Ls54mHN_cHcbtdOqtQ=w200-h200" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />As we thank our volunteers for their past and current service, we are also looking forward as we have recently announced the application process and timeline for Standing Committee members to serve for the next term of 2022-2024. You can learn more about each committee, the benefits of volunteering for NPC and how to apply by reading this <a href="https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2022/01/volunteer-interest-2022.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>. We appreciate those considering continuing their NPC service and welcome new individuals ready to serve NPC.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I close this special "thank you" to our volunteers, I want to say this: Your leadership, guidance, and direction have made others better as a result of the time and talents you have so generously given to NPC. Your extraordinary commitment to service is making a lasting and exceptional impact for the future of the Panhellenic community!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwy8vbitOCQpI81UrVBVadF1Htha3EDXAEVZM2j0aPED6c-huoHJZiA10cYGbPpgPslAIWdsJWeJ616Rvw-94jHq5SraOxj76EVHTK1t8ohNUfRCGSPahY8vpIOXJyv_v0EuTnmkc0D58H5O9EcAC_3h6hANlvxh5suxZOU_tU317uPtLYMSxbKgIUqw=s466" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwy8vbitOCQpI81UrVBVadF1Htha3EDXAEVZM2j0aPED6c-huoHJZiA10cYGbPpgPslAIWdsJWeJ616Rvw-94jHq5SraOxj76EVHTK1t8ohNUfRCGSPahY8vpIOXJyv_v0EuTnmkc0D58H5O9EcAC_3h6hANlvxh5suxZOU_tU317uPtLYMSxbKgIUqw=w200-h76" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-72797010571105561152022-01-21T17:43:00.000-05:002022-01-21T17:43:29.729-05:00NPC Recruiting for Standing Committee Volunteers for the 2022-24 Term<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Every two years, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) asks individuals to apply to serve on NPC Standing Committees. The work of the individuals who serve on these committees is vitally important to helping accomplish the work of the Conference and ensuring NPC and its member organizations are advancing the sorority experience together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">NPC is currently accepting applications from individuals who wish to serve as an NPC Standing Committee volunteer during the 2022-24 term. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8WQR6DN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7hPw9SGXs7nLb3QNVjCznmGxRv1A5cxOjyAkblH9mPEF2krKX6IlgWE5fhvdpSYjysXWyx7h6BigcuHgaJoDY30J7TjyEb8VME8KhF0fnDEYM5GuyO1ycZumIQB_leZqUbPjhzGdboJiX80Z1a2VpGofCcld3QCHDO8CXXP7PNpTnOfsQYs7xbLmuyw=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you think you may be interested in serving, we encourage you to <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/m99slik9s3ughog/NPC%20Standing%20Committee%20Descriptions%2012.2.21.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">read about the NPC Standing Committees</a> prior to applying. You may also <a href="https://youtu.be/trdpa7Cgia8" target="_blank">watch the recording</a> of the NPC Standing Committee Volunteer Interest Session (~45 minutes), where you can hear from current committee chairmen about the important work they do on behalf of NPC. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As an NPC volunteer, you'll be able to: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Give back to NPC and the broader Panhellenic community.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Network with a variety of individuals from NPC leadership and staff to campus-based professionals to collegiate women.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Uphold and influence NPC processes and procedures. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Improve your skills in an area of interest to you.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Have fun!</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you determine serving on one of these committees may be a fit for you, please complete the <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8WQR6DN" target="_blank">NPC Standing Committee Volunteer Interest Form and Application</a> <b>by Feb. 20, 2022</b>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Applicants will be notified of whether they have been selected in late April.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have questions, please contact the NPC office by <a href="mailto: npccentral@npcwomen.org" target="_blank">email</a> or phone (317-872-3185).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-48250389986958704772022-01-11T17:00:00.034-05:002022-01-12T09:45:56.949-05:00From the NPC Chairman: 4 Considerations for Approaching Goals for the Year<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizpDiqEWI1VoJza9C7b8nD9crVfUpeH_7fx6O45X3cGhdP3Jw0-NWNgd1f2EgcG5yUyi9U2D49sx77XDY2enxkE7bMrcqIDEtG4RTw8258VeuMOmBiiCBwDUZno1mnub_tUJWk7FKG-tB-Y51yn7kkTkZcRAb4wgL3eLzzjNqAMsikO_42LgOad0oREQ=s450" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizpDiqEWI1VoJza9C7b8nD9crVfUpeH_7fx6O45X3cGhdP3Jw0-NWNgd1f2EgcG5yUyi9U2D49sx77XDY2enxkE7bMrcqIDEtG4RTw8258VeuMOmBiiCBwDUZno1mnub_tUJWk7FKG-tB-Y51yn7kkTkZcRAb4wgL3eLzzjNqAMsikO_42LgOad0oREQ=w200-h200" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can hardly believe that it is 2022! Another new year and a perfect time to reflect on past activities and determine new initiatives for the future. During reflection, one might evaluate what they wanted to get done but did not, or things still on their bucket list to carry over for the following year. A new year signifies a start over or a reset. As we settle into 2022, here are the things that I consider when approaching new initiatives or goals for the year. You can consider it advice or just some words of wisdom from someone who has a few years of experience!<br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">What do I do well? Perhaps rather than thinking about what you don't do well and try to improve, think about what you do well and build on that. Then, expand your impact on others around you in the areas you excel. Finally, make a conscious effort to use your skills and talents to help others and improve your communities.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Many new year's goals are about getting rid of things such as certain foods or other vices. But, for me, it is about what to add to my life that makes me feel better. For example, walking at least five days a week just makes me feel better, so rather than cutting out certain things, how about adding something that positively impacts the quality of your life?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are making an assortment of new year's resolutions, make one of them about reaching out to former classmates, sorority sisters, family members or others in your community. These past years with the pandemic have left many lonely, and reaching out and making connections may just impact someone else's life as much as it does yours.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">For the past several years, we have had the pandemic affect us emotionally in so many ways, and unfortunately, with the new variant among us, we still find ourselves dealing with many of the same issues. Just when we thought we were out of the woods, we find ourselves facing continued cancellation of events and persistent remote school or work. When will the emotional roller coaster end? No one knows, but taking care of our mental health is critical. Making sure we take care of ourselves and recognize when help is needed is so important. The last few years have brought a lot of disappointments and frustrations, but a positive attitude and addressing one's mental health is a step in the right direction in managing the challenges we face in life.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As we leave 2021 in the past and make way for another new year, I wish you all a happy new year, and may it be filled with adventure and good fortune.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJOxITAqN_o0zy_aWBjC5xU1phxr5Z53RyK7IDCnrsoyB9axgcZFWsG7oTa7JZW13Not_i8LXLBD4BheoSm9S2jPlOWNfSTFqo-VLeuYldMhHPTEApCtoJtM66phltloWxgkev5KbSOoKbI36eSpQP_bQj-yhB9rC4laV2pmYCLQBedAdzziJpKXBVLw=s466" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJOxITAqN_o0zy_aWBjC5xU1phxr5Z53RyK7IDCnrsoyB9axgcZFWsG7oTa7JZW13Not_i8LXLBD4BheoSm9S2jPlOWNfSTFqo-VLeuYldMhHPTEApCtoJtM66phltloWxgkev5KbSOoKbI36eSpQP_bQj-yhB9rC4laV2pmYCLQBedAdzziJpKXBVLw=w200-h76" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-4658375054691657782021-12-15T15:30:00.003-05:002021-12-15T15:30:00.179-05:00From the NPC Chairman: Raising our Collective Voices to Promote the Sorority Experience<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As we begin to get ready for another new year, it is a time for reflection as we have just endured almost two years of the pandemic, anti-sorority activism and various other challenges in our community. While these challenges have consumed much of our thoughts and time these past years, we should also note that the vast majority of our members have voiced their appreciation and value for their fraternal memberships. We recognize that their sorority or fraternity membership has made a positive difference in their life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2021/07/Fraternity-and-Sorority-Outcomes-Gallup-2021.pdf" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="468" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYakNSkZe8S95dYTnnBzYzaK2OxHFUcl7hNX_YNl9J5ZRQFOTetD-OG8SDgYHF7msu-oCD5zq6Oownivn9kX3VxAHG_MmUvMb2IMNUwnLAfYOe-sifAQt4BFxA9E_4MxFnzPmF-K9lLdROMAlUaj2ByqzFx5MkoXk6YFF2kaerOspbkwn4mIdoqual0w=w155-h200" width="155" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the 2021 Gallup survey conducted earlier this year, you will note that fraternity and sorority membership strongly correlates with positive undergraduate experiences, career skills development and post-graduate well-being for our members compared to nonmembers. Additionally, 84% of affiliated members report that they would still join their fraternity or sorority if they had to do it all over again.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Gallup survey found that affiliated alumni…</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Had great college experiences.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Felt more prepared for life after college.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Are more likely to be thriving in their well-being.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Remain more connected to their institutions and continued affiliation.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Gallup's survey shows that our alumnae vs. non-affiliated alumnae are more likely to have great undergraduate experiences, have great jobs and live happy lives after graduation. The report was shared with you all earlier this year, and you can find it on the NPC website <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2021/07/Fraternity-and-Sorority-Outcomes-Gallup-2021.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. The important matter is that we should all be sharing and promoting this information in our communications to our alumnae, potential new members and their parents, college/university professionals, government officials and the wider public. We need to "toot our horn" and let others know the positive aspects of sorority life. I don't know about you, but I tire of hearing negative comments from those who have often formed their opinions from inaccurate, or incomplete, depictions of sorority life in the media. It is time for our community to come together and raise our voices to promote the fraternal experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">To me, the most significant benefit of the fraternal experience that this survey shows is our alumnae thriving in many areas of their lives, whether it be their employment, adaptation to changes, pandemic challenges or social and physical well-being. Our community has faced challenges over the past few years, and our resilience has shown that our community strongly believes in and benefits from what we do and how we do it. Our members believe in our values and live them in their everyday lives. Just look at the leaders who have stepped up to lead their chapters, our members that have comforted others with mental health issues and the money raised for those in need. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I feel proud to be a part of this amazing community. I'm proud and willing to share the story of our remarkable sorority women and what they are accomplishing. I encourage you to reflect on how much you have benefited from your sorority experience and share the pride you feel with others, too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdcBTl0REZnmmW7FrVGDw6cG-O7kA9P1HmXTbr8pdUQRVOk8v60ew0yVBKT9TxJgSnPbBjf2vKlCAcT1SMqwxyA7LvdMl-N9BmxyS-1kGAQYpQ1Xj9o3S3O-HcD16q7fuG9rgfrynZNX4g-DlFe9SlOhwzUOrkv7HTdmcd_V3cAgdH2ukfF1zHESzC7w=s466" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdcBTl0REZnmmW7FrVGDw6cG-O7kA9P1HmXTbr8pdUQRVOk8v60ew0yVBKT9TxJgSnPbBjf2vKlCAcT1SMqwxyA7LvdMl-N9BmxyS-1kGAQYpQ1Xj9o3S3O-HcD16q7fuG9rgfrynZNX4g-DlFe9SlOhwzUOrkv7HTdmcd_V3cAgdH2ukfF1zHESzC7w=w200-h76" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-70454133903182860242021-11-09T17:30:00.007-05:002021-11-10T08:43:29.399-05:00From the NPC Chairman: The Panhellenic Community's Commitment to Preventing Sexual Violence<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is composed of 26 member organizations with collegiate and alumnae members throughout the world. Our collective impact in our communities is expansive and noteworthy. As the mother and aunt to five NPC women, I feel incredibly blessed that they have the opportunity to be sorority women and know that their experiences have helped make them the women they are today. Sorority women are truly making a difference in the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As members of values-based organizations, sorority women live their member organization's purpose and vision through millions of dollars in philanthropic support to dozens of worthy causes and countless hours of community service. From supporting victims of sexual assault to leading bystander intervention programs, sorority women are at the forefront of solving some of the most pressing challenges facing collegiate women today. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you’ve been reading or watching the news lately, you’ve likely seen coverage regarding increased reports of sexual violence on college campuses and the student-led protests that have followed. These recent reports are alarming and serve to underscore why awareness and education about sexual violence prevention are critically important.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For many years, NPC has been committed to supporting College Panhellenic women in cultivating safe environments and helping them lead the way on campus to prevent sexual violence. For example, "<a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2037/2019/08/Real-Talk-Time-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">NPC’s Real Talk Time: College Panhellenic Sexual Violence Assessment Initiative</a>" seeks to provide a model for College Panhellenic communities to start conversations on campus, explore potential campus partnerships and increase awareness and action to combat sexual violence. With this approach, each College Panhellenic community can assess its environment and the level of knowledge in the community and then, in turn, tailor solutions and actions to meet the community’s needs. The College Panhellenic women who are committing the time and resources to successfully implement this initiative are making a difference on their campus and in the lives of other women. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition, our member organizations have done an outstanding job of preparing and providing resources. Each of our organizations’ investments toward sexual assault awareness and prevention education is genuinely amazing, indicating how important the issue is for all of us. The number of resources used to combat sexual assault is impressive, and together NPC, member organizations and universities will educate and work to eliminate sexual violence on our college campuses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One sexual assault is one too many, but NPC and our member organizations are committed to making a difference for young collegiate women. We want women on college campuses today to be well informed about this issue and spread the word to help others in their communities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkFpJsFEXZ-7nZ7Q_8v8S-GdgAPW4bZTCN3xBJ6kBsroTurllvV7eYIjat73eLhi8GvTYlW0-_Ykpe5iSFvVw7_-4Xh4kAbqIZii_Mqggsy3iFnJriD-vXETmXiZA7rBcqWRh3gOdPlQDeqnXBuGxrjezmi3x5GLD2ObMFOQIyWBi83LMT62neZTfwcw=s466" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkFpJsFEXZ-7nZ7Q_8v8S-GdgAPW4bZTCN3xBJ6kBsroTurllvV7eYIjat73eLhi8GvTYlW0-_Ykpe5iSFvVw7_-4Xh4kAbqIZii_Mqggsy3iFnJriD-vXETmXiZA7rBcqWRh3gOdPlQDeqnXBuGxrjezmi3x5GLD2ObMFOQIyWBi83LMT62neZTfwcw=w200-h76" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC Chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-88293737487328229602021-10-12T16:25:00.003-04:002021-10-16T16:29:24.935-04:00From the NPC Chairman: Listening and learning in order to lead the way<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) mission states we are the premier advocacy and support organization for the advancement of the sorority experience. But, what does advocacy really mean? Simply speaking, our mission is to promote the interests of our 26 member organizations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Guided by our <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/priorities/advocacy-building-blocks/" target="_blank">Advocacy Building Blocks</a>, NPC accomplishes our advocacy in many ways. Our advocacy includes engaging with policymakers as part of our government relations work to manage our campus concerns review process with college/university administrators and fraternity/sorority life personnel. It also includes our work to promote NPC and our member organizations with other stakeholder groups, such as the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), NASPA, the American Council on Education (ACE), the Anti-Hazing Coalition or the Coalition of Higher Education Associations for Substance Abuse Prevention (CoHEASAP). Finally, NPC's advocacy also encompasses our actions to promote the sorority experience by creating awareness with potential members and their caregivers through TheSororityLife.com, our social media channels and our NPC-led national marketing campaigns. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While NPC is helping promote the women's-only social sorority experience through our advocacy, each member organization is engaged in various other specific issues within their organizations. The 2021-23 NPC Board of Directors has taken the last month to engage in a listening tour of our member organizations. Each director has connected with member organization leadership and been involved in discussions that include:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Confirming the strategic priorities of member organizations.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Reviewing NPC's strategic priorities and their alignment with member organizations.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Discussing how to achieve those priorities together.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Leveraging our collective strength.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Identifying the most pressing issues about the sorority experience.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It has been a fascinating and informative exercise for the board. Listening to our member organizations has helped us recognize new challenges, verify alignment in areas and identify additional opportunities for NPC to continue its advocacy and support for all sorority members.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As the board gets ready for its upcoming fall meeting later this month, we must know what our member organizations have acknowledged as the most critical issues affecting them and how NPC can support them. I am pleased to report that leaders of our member organizations have been delighted we have asked questions, listened intently and are committed to action. Their input is crucial as the board reviews NPC's strategic priorities to ensure we are aligned in addressing the most pressing concerns that sorority women face today. A clear vision for the future, created with input from all internal and external stakeholders, led by the board, is imperative and is a board priority.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It goes without saying the past year and a half have been challenging for everyone. But, who would have ever imagined virtual recruitment on the scale we had last fall? It just goes to show that when sorority women put their mind to something – it happens! Challenges have led to significant action and change for our organizations. This listening tour has enabled NPC to find joint alignment, areas for continued change and additional and refined action items. This board is ready to take the next step to further amplify our advocacy and support for our member organizations and showcase the incredible impact of sorority women and our organizations worldwide.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzR0xB_Bz68To0AqFYKi78H8Fj3TGSmyh6Hjm6ScJnSj89gxBpYXA5FXhWqqKBPhTneEtCwsKKl-zCAhAElpnHbkqfvoaz3gVw46nm4NfidskrLs37igA4u1HHvjepFGH154OjrENTOEZiQQOk3sdEkURTg_KIREaMwOPvA7PER0RooPYUeJiKTNJ7Dg=s466" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzR0xB_Bz68To0AqFYKi78H8Fj3TGSmyh6Hjm6ScJnSj89gxBpYXA5FXhWqqKBPhTneEtCwsKKl-zCAhAElpnHbkqfvoaz3gVw46nm4NfidskrLs37igA4u1HHvjepFGH154OjrENTOEZiQQOk3sdEkURTg_KIREaMwOPvA7PER0RooPYUeJiKTNJ7Dg=w200-h76" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />2021-23 NPC chairman</span></p><div><br /></div>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7655597075104400684.post-18629517054104139872021-09-14T09:39:00.007-04:002021-09-16T09:48:08.539-04:00From the NPC Chairman: NPC Remains Focused on Ending Hazing<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I remember the days vividly years ago that I dropped off my daughters at their respective universities as they started their new college lives. First, the excitement for them to embrace their education, make new friends and start their adult lives. Then, my nervousness as I hoped they would be safe, make good decisions and surround themselves with people who bring out the best in them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As a parent, the health and safety of my children is of utmost importance. As chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), I feel the same way about our sorority women on campuses across the United States and Canada. I reflect on this as the <a href="https://www.antihazingcoalition.org/" target="_blank">Anti-Hazing Coalition</a> (AHC) continues its mission to bring awareness of hazing on college campuses and its goal to eradicate all forms of hazing. I salute the brave AHC parents who lost their children in such heartbreaking circumstances and are determined to help solve this problem so no other family has to endure this kind of tragedy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">NPC continues to partner with the other members of the AHC to pass federal legislation addressing hazing through the REACH Act and the End All Hazing Act. These two pieces of legislation were <a href="https://www.npcwomen.org/2021/03/16/two-anti-hazing-measures-reintroduced-in-senate/" target="_blank">re-introduced</a> in Congress earlier this year, and we eagerly await the opportunity for them to become law. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the meantime, state legislation continues to be passed and is making effective change. Ohio and New Jersey join a handful of other states that have made this a priority. Recently, Ohio enacted “Collin’s Law – the Ohio Anti-Hazing Act,” and New Jersey enacted “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law.” Through the efforts of the AHC and its tireless dedication to this significant cause, these states now have laws in place to help eliminate hazing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd-ndcDYumW_Q99FLYCgl_Zbwz77Seid_0a8HLuOyix2pgE7oBHSolzNNihQg5HxlgxRanFJjW6aI7lApEOEbTl4OhsSkQS2HqEUv7NGuGthDiB_3KA8ovppL2xwee86P4gc1eB4irNZX/s396/events-national-hazing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="396" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd-ndcDYumW_Q99FLYCgl_Zbwz77Seid_0a8HLuOyix2pgE7oBHSolzNNihQg5HxlgxRanFJjW6aI7lApEOEbTl4OhsSkQS2HqEUv7NGuGthDiB_3KA8ovppL2xwee86P4gc1eB4irNZX/w200-h84/events-national-hazing.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />As NPC continues our work as part of the AHC, we recognize that <a href="https://hazingprevention.org/events/national-hazing-prevention-week" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">National Hazing Prevention Week</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (NHPW) is Sept. 20-24. This week is an opportunity for campuses, schools, communities, individuals and organizations to come together to talk about hazing, raise awareness about the problem of hazing, educate others about hazing and promote the prevention of hazing. I invite everyone to participate in this important event and determine how you, your College Panhellenic and your member organization can be a change agent on your campus.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As students arrive on campuses this fall, let’s all be mindful of the need to be safe, surround ourselves with people who promote positive influences in our lives and work together bring an end to hazing once and for all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Interfraternally,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuJpgnNLpmYo3p_ujdiDmm-Yj-qa87YHS-WZkip7DvAL9-ZqQ0xoLMQwwPk0zYWNYh5ZFz9HCqbT25MHVH_DaY5yre8ssoSgSqrDPNedlSEcNBWy7ojnDpNMv63Wsq-keWhw3qKSuQm_D/s466/cheri+de+jong+signature.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="466" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuJpgnNLpmYo3p_ujdiDmm-Yj-qa87YHS-WZkip7DvAL9-ZqQ0xoLMQwwPk0zYWNYh5ZFz9HCqbT25MHVH_DaY5yre8ssoSgSqrDPNedlSEcNBWy7ojnDpNMv63Wsq-keWhw3qKSuQm_D/w200-h76/cheri+de+jong+signature.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheri M. De Jong<br />NPC chairman</span></p>loretta@npcwomen.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00472188220273523869noreply@blogger.com