Regional Conclaves return

Conclaves are back! To continue building a path of development for Pilam leaders, the IHQ has reintroduced conclaves to the annual educational curriculum. 

Though temporarily derailed by the pandemic, Executive Director Ian Lowe said, “We’re thrilled to bring conclaves back. Students really seem to appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and learn from the class sessions and experiences of other chapters.”

What the undergrads took back to their chapters

This year 107 brothers from 25 chapters attended four regional conclaves. The sessions were hosted at West Virginia, Lehigh, East Carolina, and Wisconsin. 

Here is what brothers had to say about their experience:

“A lot of chapters have similar issues and have been in situations that my chapter has been a part of or have experienced. It was very refreshing.”

“I learned some good ways to get alienated followers back into being active by reaching out for their opinions and their advice.”

“It was interesting to see that different types of brothers have varying degrees of engagement with the fraternity. I learned ways I could motivate those brothers.”

“I learned that my chapter is a couple very small tweaks from being where we want to be, and that other chapters have had success making these tweaks themselves.”

“I learned a lot about how other chapters Rush and what we can do to become better about recruiting.”

Sessions focused on practical chapter building skills 

Lead by professional staff, the curriculum focused on the nuts and bolts of running and building a chapter.

“A perfect party.” Crisis management

The facilitators created a “a perfect party” simulation. They presented scenarios where a “crisis team” of undergrads had to react to various challenges played out by undergrad “actors” who are given cues. Common party red flags were covered including: students with no ID, fights, and overindulgence.

Ian Lowe said, “The brothers really enjoyed this exercise. It was very interactive and the students laughed at some of the role play because it hit home with their own experiences. Some mistakes were made and evaluated, but we also found that brothers would come up with unique ways to effectively manage challenges that we hadn’t thought about.”

“There’s no I in TEAM.” Fostering a successful team

• How do leaders create conditions to compel brothers to act?
• Identifying personality types of brothers, their level of engagement, and how to motivate them.
• What is the role of effective senior?

“Coffee is for closers.” Recruiting 

• Prepare for a prospect with the right “F” questions: fun, firsts, from, family, future, friends, feeling? FYEAH!
• Educating prospects of benefits and expectations.
• How to be a closer! 

Alumni added their wisdom

At the Wisconsin session, Vice President of the IEC Paul Griffin (NC State), and the President of the UW Madison House Corp, Dale Mitchell, spoke to the attendees and provided their advice and guidance. 

Our alumni are invaluable resources who can offer their exprience and perspectives that are transferable to life for the next generation of brothers. If you’re interested in volunteering to speak at a regional conclave in your area, please contact the IHQ.