Does size matter?

[VT Tri-D]

My chapter has around 135 members after we do formal recruitment (which we only do in the spring). I have to say that I know every single girl in my sorority and it has never been a problem with girls seperating into cliques, etc. There is not one girl that I would feel uncomfortable talking to or anything like that. We ALL know everybody else's name- and it's not because we were made to learn them during our pledge period, because we weren't-- it's because we all really get along and love Tri-Delt. Plus, we always have an awesome turnout for events, socials, and campus activities. I really think chapters with small numbers (50-60) are missing out on the spirit that comes with having a larger chapter.

[Peaches-n-Cream]

My chapter began each school year with 40 something sisters. That size was nice, but bigger would have made everything easier in terms of division of labor. Total was 85. Anything larger would have been overwhelming to me.

[catlady]

The bigger the chapter, the more discipline problems that have to be handled by only a few people. Sometimes, when there are too many, some may fall through the cracks and think it is okay to continue that sort of behavior.

In some cases, it also means that it is more difficult to meet quorum when doing some events or when you want to do something like a tour of a business or community service that would be great, and you are limited to how many people can participate. That's not cool and some people get upset when they are excluded for any reason.

Plus, it would be better to know those in your organization on a personal level so you can at least recognize them when you see them on campus.

Plus, when certain issues come up, meetings would be too long because everyone would have a different opinion and would want to express it. Our meetings already run about 2 hours long with 40 people. I can't imgaine what it would be like with 150!

[xp2k]

VT-Tri Delt

Then your chapter is truly an accomplishment and I commend you guys on a job well done! I dont think I know any sorority that large that is as free of internal problems so that's where I get my perspective from.

I will have to disagree with you on the "under 50/less spirit" idea. Look at some of the NPHC organizatoins. Many of them have chapters with fewer then 40 active members and they probably operate with more spirit then chapters twice their size!

I personally belong to a chapter of about 80 people. I would like about 20 more because I enjoy the diversity you get with numbers. I dont enjoy the "growing pains" though or that personal touch you lose with size. Knowing a brother or sister by name or being able to say hello at any given moment doesnt mean that you necessarily "know them".

XP2k