10.24.11 / Category: Campus Spotlights

What can my campus do?

One of the most frequent questions we receive via facebook, email, twitter, etc. is “What can my campus do?” Our response…anything! Fundraising and awareness building is about being creative, working with your audience and knowing that if one effort doesn’t work, you can always try something else. There isn’t much in common between UC San Diego, Miami University in Ohio, Texas Christian University, and Clemson University, but each of these schools are making efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation. Here is what they are doing, in their own words:

Lauren Kolnick, President, Panhellenic Council, University of California, San Diego

When I learned about the Circle of Sisterhood at the AFLV West conference this past spring, I knew it would be the perfect organization to support for a new annual UCSD Panhellenic Philanthropy event. This November, we will be throwing a Dance Marathon to support the cause.

Tentative Strategy:

We are charging each chapter an entry fee of $50 for their team of four women, and $25 for every additional team who would like to participate. We will open up registration to the entire UCSD campus community for participation. It will be a 12-hour event, from 1 pm to 1 am, each hour dedicated to a different type of music. We will have performances by different dance-oriented organizations on campus, and also hold lessons each hour for a different type of dance (i.e. country line dancing, salsa dancing, etc.). Teams may pay $5 for every 10 minute break they would like to take. The event will be held on campus at a venue called The Loft, and a portion of the proceeds made from food and beverage sold will also be donated to the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation. We are hoping for this to be an annual event, with upwards of 20+ teams participating!

Kathryn Waggoner, VP of Community Involvement, Panhellenic Council, Texas Christian University

After attending the Southeastern Panhellenic Conference this past April and learning about the Circle of Sisterhood, I knew that the Circle of Sisterhood would be a great philanthropic fit for our 11 chapters at Texas Christian University.We adopted Circle of Sisterhood as our Philanthropy this August and have been working together as sisters to support women and children around the World. Our fundraisers have been successful and our women are excited to be a part of this cause. As sorority women, we are all privileged with the opportunity to have a collegiate education and it is our responsibility to help ensure that our global sisters can have this experience too. The opportunity to have an education is a deciding factor in the lives of many women, especially women in impoverished areas. Circle of Sisterhood is making a profound impact in the lives of women who might not otherwise be able to receive an education and we, as Panhellenic women, are excited to support this meaningful cause.

Tracy Smith, Vice President of Panhellenic Recruitment, Clemson University

In Fall Recruitment 2011, Clemson University adopted the Circle of Sisterhood as its official philanthropy. Funds were raised by adding $2 to each potential new members registration fee, hosting a Panhellenic Recruitment Kickoff Dinner and Concert, designing and selling “Panhellenic loves the Tigers” buttons for all Panhellenic women to wear, and planning several dinner fundraisers in the surrounding area. In total, Clemson University was able to raise about $5,000 for the Circle of Sisterhood! We are very blessed to have so many women who are passionate about helping other women around the world.

Jenny Levering, Director, Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Leadership, Miami University

This Fall the Miami (OH) Panhellenic Association is doing a bus trip to see Wicked.  We’re talking about friendships, sisterhood and girlfriends…with a broadway flair!  Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Circle of Sisterhood. We’re hoping to be able to make about at $1000 donation before the end of the semester.

Is your campus doing something creative & fun for the Circle of Sisterhood?? Want us to spotlight your school next? Send an email with details to: blog@circleofsisterhood.org.

We can’t wait to hear from you!