GAC Greeks average only 8

Families come in all shapes and sizes and this axiom is no different for members of Greek organizations.

Of the 12 fraternities and sororities that make up the Greek Alliance Council the average number of members per organization is eight.

Smaller organizations can face problems with name recognition and large-scale member recruitment. But what they lack in quantity members say they often make up for in group connectedness and involvement.

The group of mostly multicultural fraternities and sororities will vote on an update to its constitution Wednesday that would require each to participate in more academic and service events.

Sergio Acero president of the Latino-focused Lambda Upsilon Lambda" said he would never want his organization to increase beyond a small group.

""A dozen is the most we would probably want to have at one time"" he said. We all are an integral part of the organization.""

Acero added that he likes the personal atmosphere of his three-member fraternity and says he hasn't found another group on campus that has the same mission.

""We all actually live together" we have weekly meetings and we usually eat together too" he said. We're very close.""

The GAC constitution stipulates that an organization can remain on campus even with one member" as long as that member attends GAC meetings and upholds standards such as the grade point average requirement.

The Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council leave membership requirements up to the national chapters.

Though smaller Greek organizations have to worry more about keeping afloat most don't have trouble becoming involved on campus and in the community.

Sharell Trusty president of the GAC and also Theta Nu Xi sorority" said her organization remains active even with only nine members.

""We put on three educational forums this semester" she said. This Wednesday we're hosting a social" and we have requirements for our nationals.""

Another challenge for smaller Greek organizations comes at recruitment time" when a big name and prominent status on campus peaks the interest of potential members.

Sarah Gerald president of Alpha Epsilon Omega a Christian sorority" said she and the other member of her sorority are currently focusing on adding a few new faces.

""Unfortunately" it's easier to get out our name and purpose and reach the campus more when we have a bigger number" she said.

But the two-member organization still plans events, such as their Founders Week in March, and the members work to uphold the values of their sorority.

Small numbers don't inhibit what we try to portray ourselves as" Gerald said. Even though there are only two of us at the moment" we still portray what we see as what a Christian woman should be on campus.""



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.