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Sister Chapter Program: Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide

Welcome to the Sister Chapter Program! Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Identify who the points of contact will be for each chapter.

  • Exchange contact info.
  • Remain open to alternative methods of contact: Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, etc. The platforms that you are most familiar with may not be common in your sister chapter’s country.

2. Initiative the conversation immediately.

  • Communication is important. If you don’t understand, ask! We all come from different backgrounds, so don’t judge – this is your opportunity to learn from each other.
  • Maintain consistent and regular communication. Try to establish a regular time to talk (ie. first Monday of every month).

3. Decide on mutual goals.

  • Discuss what each chapter wants to get out of the sisterhood
  • Each chapter might want to do something different. Remain open to new ideas and try to have a balance of events that your chapter wants to hold and events that your sister chapter wants to hold.

4. Become familiar with your sister chapter.

  • Share academic calendars. Identify when your sister chapter might be busy with Holidays or breaks between classes.
  • Share your chapter’s constitution or bylaws. Understand how their chapter operates including their leadership positions and duties.
  • Leverage internet technologies: social media, chapter websites, e-newsletters, blogs, etc.

5. Involve as many people as you can.

  • Engage your chapter’s members to participate.
  • Use help of faculty and alumni.

6. Discuss best practices.

  • Talk about what issues each chapter faces. Try to help the other chapter based on your chapter’s own experiences.
  • Communicate your chapter’s strengths and what works best for the chapter.

7. Cohost events.

  • Social or cultural: recipe exchanges, pen pal program, gift exchange
  • Professional development: corporate presentations, faculty webinars, mock Skype interviews

8. Explore opportunities to meet your sister chapter in person.

  • Look into exchange student programs.
  • Meet each other at the Annual Student Conference.

9. Prepare for leadership transitions.

10. Have fun!