Recommendations, References, Letters of Support...What do you really need?

Any time you want to join an organization you are typically asked to complete some type of application that provides pertinent information to those already in the organization. There are as many types of applications as there are organizations out there.

Sororities are no different.

To ensure you have the proper paperwork to move through the recruitment process, you are encouraged to obtain a formal recommendation/reference for that specific sorority. Each group calls this form something different which means there is sometimes miscommunication. 

 

You are responsible for asking women to write formal recommendations/references for each sorority. This is a form that is unique to each sorority. For example, only women who were members of ABC or DEF can write a recommendation or reference for their sorority. Again, each sorority calls this form by a different name. Some national sororities have systems that allow alumnae to complete a form electronically while some women prefer to hand write a form and mail it to the appropriate person. It is always wise to ask how the alumna would like you to deliver your packet of information. It is not imperative that alumna be a graduate of the college you will attend. It is critical she be a member of the sorority for which she will be writing a recommendation/reference.

In addition, you can have women write letters of recommendation for their sorority. You will need the formal recommendation/reference to make sure you have the ability to move through the membership process with each sorority. It is like an application for membership in an organization. I know – confusing.

Each prospective new member (working with her mother) is responsible for gaining her own formal recommendations/references. We suggest having your mom ask her friends if they were in sororities and then asking if they will write a reference/recommendation. They did not have to attend the university you will attend.The best recommendations/references are written by someone who knows you!

You will need to provide the following to each woman writing this recommendation/reference.

• Letter requesting she write a  recommendation/reference
• Social resume
• Photographs – head shot & full length shot (see comments on what types of pictures to include)
• Copy of transcript
• Stamped envelope with the name & address of the sorority for which the woman is writing a reference. (You can get this information from the panhellenic website at the university you are attending.)

You will follow up with a hand written thank you note to the woman.

You will need to call or email the woman and either hand deliver or mail the packet of information. If you do not know the woman well, you might need to set up an appointment to meet her. When she writes a recommendation/reference, she is addressing your ability to be a candidate for membership in her sorority. She will need to know if you have the ability and desire to fulfill the obligations of membership – attending meetings & socials, participating in service projects, paying dues, living in the house (if required), and upholding the values and standards of that sorority. That is the reason for these forms – to let current members of that sorority know a little more about you and your ability to be a contributing member of that organization.

BVPAA seeks to assist local women in identifying local alumnae who can assist in finding women to write these recommendations.