From the NPC Chair: Making an impact through NPC board service

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 NPC board service webpage and fill out the interest form as part of the beginning of the nomination process. 

Thank you for considering a rewarding and worthwhile board service opportunity.

Interfraternally,

Cheri M. De Jong
2021-23 NPC chair

NPC Board of Directors Service Opportunity

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is looking for Panhellenic women to serve on the 2021-23 Board of Directors. The NPC Board of Directors leads the Conference and has authority and responsibility for overseeing its affairs. Since joining the board in 2019, current directors have learned and accomplished a lot in their work to set the strategic direction of the Conference and create a vision for the future of Panhellenic sorority life. Below, three directors share their thoughts and advice for future board members.

Why Panhellenic Women Might Consider Serving

“There are so many exciting opportunities coupled with unique challenges as we build the future framework of the sorority experience,” Mary Baker, Alpha Chi Omega, said. “In addition to the collaborative work with highly competent and progressive women on the board and staff, working with 26 NPC organizations to make a difference in the lives of undergraduate women is fulfilling volunteer work.”

But, the work of the board is also to think about the future of NPC and the sorority experience. Mary shares that directors must want to pay it forward and find ways to make the future sorority experience relevant for women enter college in the next few decades.

A Successful Director Possesses Certain Skills

To be able to fulfill the duties of the board, a successful director possesses certain skills. Malaea Seleski, Zeta Tau Alpha, shared a director should be emotionally intelligent, kind, confident, flexible and a strategic thinker.

“They should have the ability to look at things from alternative points of view and have the willingness to change your mind if your point of view is not the best for NPC,” Malaea said.

Serving is Rewarding and Challenging Work

Serving on the NPC Board of Directors is fulfilling and challenging volunteer work. Directors have an impact on the future of the sorority experience and service can be both rewarding and challenging.

“Being a servant leader, anticipating the possibilities for all women on the campus to feel welcomed in membership and planning for that future has been the most rewarding,” Laura Sweet, Sigma Sigma Sigma, said.

As NPC’s current organizational model and governance structure is still new, it is continuously being perfected. “It will be a privilege to have the opportunity and joy to make NPC’s evolving structure work for our member organizations and the future women who will thrive in their sorority environment,” Laura said.   

To learn more about serving on the NPC Board of Directors, you can visit this link. Starting the path to service is as simple as submitting the NPC Board of Directors Interest Form here.