How to start a local

Now that you're familiar with the definition of a local, you can go about starting one!

The first thing you should do is visit your Student Activities office at your university or speak with either the Dean of Students or the Coordinator of Greek Affairs. In order to start an organization, you have to know what requirements your university expects you to fulfill. Examples of requirements may include forming an interest group and maintaining it for a specified amount of time. At this time you should also inquire about the obligations your organization will have toward the university Greek council. Some university Greek councils decide if a new Greek organization will be allowed on campus. Some will require you to become members of the council. Your student activities office will be able to inform you and point you in the right direction.

Now that you have found out what your university expects of a new organization, you have to define that organization to suit your ideals and purposes. Keep in mind that everything you choose, from a name to your colors and your crest, should mean something special to your founding group and should symbolize the ideals your group will embody.

What will be your purpose for existing?

What will be the goal of your organization and its members? What will the organization offer members? This mission/purpose statement will become the foundation of your organization and will direct all of its activities and actions in the future.

Pick a name for your fraternity or sorority.

Names of Greek organizations are usually designated with Greek letters, although some still use the words "society," "order" or other Greek names (e.g., Order of Prometheus, Philomathean Society, etc.) As stated above, the name you choose should mean something to you and your founding group. For instance, Chi Upsilon Sorority in Rochester, Mich. was founded on the basis of Caring and Understanding, Creativity and Uniqueness. Be sure to do an online search and check Baird's directory of national fraternities and sororities to make sure the name you choose is not already taken by another organization. You can find Baird's in your library's reference section.

Decide what type of organization you will have.

Will it be co-ed? Will it be a social, honor, professional, religious or service organization?

Choose your colors.

All fraternities and sororities have colors. What will your colors be and what will they stand for?

Pick a symbol/mascot.

Some organizations have both or just one. You'll have to decide which suits your needs. Examples of a symbol/mascot: Phi Sigma Sigma's symbol is the sphinx. Chi Upsilon's symbol is the unicorn (creativity and uniqueness) and also the five-pointed star (our ideals). Alpha Delta Pi's mascot is the lion. Each of these organizations picked symbols that signified their ideals and purposes in some way.

Flowers, jewels, insects and mottos.

Most sororities have a sorority flower. Some also have special jewels and gemstones. A few fraternities have insects. How far you go with official organizational symbols and items depends on your founders. All Greek organizations should have some sort of motto. Only you can decide if you will keep your motto a secret within the organization or publicize it.

Handshakes and other symbols.

Secret handshakes, writing, door knocks, etc. are optional.

Design a crest/coat of arms.

A crest, also called a coat of arms, is the most unique symbol of any fraternal organization. A crest is the graphical representation of the organization's ideals, purposes and symbols. If you visit any of the locals listed here, you'll find many examples of crests. Hopefully you, someone in your founding class, or a friend is artistic enough to draw and color a coat of arms. As always, we're here for you. If you can't find someone to draw your crest, e-mail us!

Design and make a flag.

Will your group have an official flag? Probably. You may want it for rituals and ceremonies, spirit events, or just to decorate your office.

Pick a philanthropy.

Good works is the cornerstone of Greek secret societies and should be a priority within the organization. Choose a cause that your founders feel strongly suits the organization. You may decide to choose a national and local philanthropy, or just a local philanthropy.

Develop a constitution.

Every Greek organization needs a constitution. Locals Online has a starter constitution to help get you going. This starter constitution will help you pin down all sorts of issues including how your organization will be governed and how it will recruit and educate new members.

Okay, you've fulfilled your university requirements and tackled the basics. Now what? The fun's just beginning! There are a zillion things to develop including rituals, fundraisers, rush and pledge programs. Only you can decide how you want your organization to function. Locals Online will be posting tips for all these areas in time. For now, visit our Reference Center!