Six Ways to Be an Active Sorority Member During COVID-19

Whether it’s with classes, internships, or even extracurricular activities, it is so hard to feel like we are “participating.” Sometimes, it feels like we’re worlds away, even if we’re still going to the same college. This makes me wonder, what will this semester look like in terms of being an active member of Greek Life?

Personally, I’m taking 6 classes this fall semester, and 5 of them are all online. I only have 1 class twice a week that’s in-person. I’m spending a lot of time in my new apartment in the city, and although I love it, I do feel incredibly lonely not having our usual sense of being “on-campus.”

However, it’s important to recognize our privilege. I feel so blessed and grateful to be back on campus, in a positive and encouraging atmosphere at a great university, and with an even greater sisterhood supporting me. It’s okay to feel upset about things getting cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic. Your feelings are valid and important. But sometimes, the only way forward is to be creative and find ways to do things differently in our new normal. 

First off, having virtual recruitment and practices every day still makes me so happy, even if it is on Zoom. Our chapter’s exec board is doing a fantastic job keeping spirits high and encouraging our sisters to stay involved. I have been reunited with my sisters, my best friends, but we have definitely had to reimagine our hangouts during the pandemic.

I recently did a Panhellenic Instagram take-over for my university to raise awareness for virtual recruitment this Fall, and in doing so, I was able to realize something. Through interactive polls and questions, I found out first-hand that even with everything changing... there is still so much interest from PNMs in becoming a part of Greek Life! And even though some events and socials are definitely not happening this semester, all hope isn’t quite lost. 

So yes, I’m still worried about what this semester will look like. But even more so, I want to create the best atmosphere possible for our new sisters, while still being safe. Here are some ways that Greek Life can still do our part (and have fun!) during this unexpected time:

Join new committees within your chapter 

This is a great way to meet regularly through Zoom while having fun just brainstorming new ideas on how to improve different aspects within our sorority. For example, I personally joined my chapter’s new social media committee. We help the social media director with ideas on what to post, what resources and links to upload, how to raise awareness on certain social justice issues, and more. It’s been great to have something to look forward to throughout each week, while still being safe.

Don’t host parties. Instead, organize small group events! 

Let’s be honest. We all want to stay on campus for the duration of the semester, however long that may be. But some schools have already shut down. As members of Greek Life, we have so many people looking up to us, so it’s our responsibility to set a good example. It’s important that we take a stance and do what’s right during this challenging and crazy time. Safety for everyone should be our highest priority. Thus, don’t go to parties. It’s hard, trust me. But it’s important to remember that we have to take care of ourselves in order to help others, especially our friends and family members who are immunocompromised. I’m already planning on doing 2-3-person coffee dates later this semester, and can’t wait!

Plan for virtual activities, such as Netflix Party for a movie night!

Staying in is a reality that we’re facing right now. If we want this pandemic to end sooner rather than later, we have to be innovative and sacrifice the usual weekend night out for a night in. So of course, why not make it fun? Game and trivia night are also very popular because at the end of the day, spending time with our sisters is all that matters, no matter what shape or form that can mean.

Spend time outdoors with your sisters (safely, of course!) 

For my Theta sister Liz’s 21st birthday, we went paddle-boating and rented canoes in Forest Park by the art museum. It was so much fun to spend time together while still celebrating her special day in nature. I’m not even the biggest outdoors person, but I definitely felt good vibes and had so much fun. P.S. a butterfly even landed on my finger while we were paddle-boating! Is that a good sign or what?

Recruitment-wise: Go all out and make virtual meetings FUN!

I know it can be easy to get bored quickly. But for bid day, it can be hard to be away from everyone on what should be a celebration of sisterhood, unity, and finally coming home to our sisters. For our chapter, we filmed separate videos to add to the one we’re showing our PNMs on Virtual Bid Day for social distancing reasons. My best friends and I did crazy make-up and wore funky outfits to add some color to a dry spell. I even painted my nails crazy colors to match our Bid Day theme, and we got some cute props and matching masks for our video. That way, once it’s played after the whole rush process, our PNMs can feel similar joy and excitement to how we felt when we ran home last year. 

Fundraise for philanthropies online & support other Greek Life organizations! Spread that Panhellenic love!

Just because in-person fundraising events are canceled, doesn’t mean we’re not going to continue to support our favorite philanthropies! Spreading awareness is one of the most important things we can do, so posting cute social media graphics, linking resources to donate and get involved, and more, are very helpful. Since my sorority chapter’s annual volleyball fundraising tournament and all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast are canceled for this year, my sorority is increasing the number of profit shares we’re doing with local St. Louis restaurants. We are also spreading Panhellenic love with the different sororities and fraternities on campus by supporting each other’s different virtual events, fundraisers, and goals for this semester, especially within the St. Louis area.

All in all, although this school year is completely unprecedented, it doesn’t mean that Greek Life is going anywhere. We have the choice to be leading women, and still be a support system and positive outlet for our members and community during this challenging time. Let’s not forget it. 

Take care and stay safe!

Xx,

Maria Cieslarczyk

@mariacieslarczyk

Kappa Alpha Theta

Saint Louis University