Though COVID-19 has interrupted normal chapter operations, Delta Tau Delta encourages chapters to consider finding opportunities for member engagement while campus operations are being suspended and opportunities to be together in person are difficult or impossible. As such, we have put together information to help our chapters find ways of being together without being in the same room/location.

Chapter Officer Position Enhancements for Online Learning & Engagement:

Recruitment - Workshops will still be needed to prepare newest members for recruitment and give everyone the additional skills to succeed. Host an e-learning series through webinars with engaging polls and live chats. Invite your chapter leadership and members to participate in Phired Up webinars and use their free resources for collegiate members. Consider using some extra downtime to plan recruitment activities for the summer.

PR/Social Media - Now more than ever this position will be needed to keep members and potential members engaged. Partner with the director of recruitment to increase your social media presence and catch the attention of students from your campus, have methods for men to reach out through messenger or host online group chats to meet potential members. Partner with other officers or chairs to engage members using our online media platforms.

Director of Academics- Moving to online learning may mean new ways of learning for brothers. Connect with your campus’s academic support center for tips for best methods for online learning and studying and share these with members through newsletter, video message, articles, online workshop, etc. Consider hosting virtual study sessions throughout the day where brothers can log in at a set time to study together. Encourage chapter members to be in close contact with professors when unsure about assignments or classes.

Philanthropy - Educate brothers about our philanthropy by sharing the national website, videos and links to articles from Delt Monthly. Fundraising online has been successful for many non-profits. Upload a video about your cause and create teams to see which members/orgs can get the most donors. Photo contests, video challenges, etc. have been popular in getting the attention of donors. The use of Instagram donation boards could be a fun competition between brothers used to raise funds.

Risk Management/Wellness - Health and safety of our members is of utmost importance. Continue to share resources from online websites and campus online resources for counseling, alcohol and drug risk prevention, anxiety, and keep members updated on how to stay safe with COVID-19. In addition, check in to see how they are doing through this shut down.

Sergeant at Arms/Honor Board –Review all relevant bylaws and make any recommendations for updates or continued training that would benefit the chapter. Use a virtual chapter meeting to review the procedures with the chapter.

Elections: If your chapter needs to conduct elections consider the following:

  • Distribute executive board application or nominations via Google Form or Word Document
  • Submit speeches electronically for members to review in advance
  • Host a Zoom meeting or google hangout for questions and discussions
  • Vote via google form or another online program
  • You may also consider postponing your elections to fall if that will better serve your chapter.
Do you have funds that you won’t be spending or reassigning from a canceled event?

Remember that members want their membership dues to be worth something of value to them. Some of these ideas to increase engagement and return on investment may help.

You can mail surprise merch orders to members. Create a form to get their current address and size if needed. Then order merchandise. Some sites will even mail each item to its own address. Check out the Delt store or FindGreek.com. You can also utilize e-gift cards online. (Shipping from the Delt Store is currently on hold due to the need for employees to shelter-in-place, but will resume as soon as possible).

New Member Education: Continue the online portions of New Member Education (The Good Delt and DTAA)

  • • Brotherhood:
    • Assign buddies for ‘virtual’ meets
    • Schedule virtual chats with younger members and older ones via FaceTime/video chat
    • NMs can write ‘a letter to their senior selves’, email to NME to share in 4 years
  • Alumni:
    • Host an Alumni panel via video conference platform like Zoom
    • Have NMs write letters to alumni about ‘the legacy they wish to leave’ and ask alumni about ‘where they wish to see the chapter’
  • Philanthropy:
    • Consider asking a representative from JDRF to join a virtual meeting.
    • Ask the Philanthropy Chair to do an online workshop or webinar about our philanthropy - post images on social media
  • Recruitment: Host a quick webinar on the recruitment process for your chapter and recruitment best practices for your new members
  • Big/Little Reveal:
    • Consider mailing a letter! This could be a hint or a reveal letter.
    • Have the NME set up Zoom calls for each pair so the NM doesn’t recognize the phone number. Set a time for the pair to call in, and the brother can reveal via video chat.
  • National New Member Ed. Exam: Take it online!

Programming Ideas for Chapter Engagement:

  • Create a chapter Discord, and let your members connect on their favorite FPS or MMORPG
    • Create a Madden, FIFA, or other sports game tournament
  • Social Media challenges (e.g. IG, Twitter, TikTok, etc.)- be mindful of your music choice! Remember you are still representing yourself, your chapter, your campus and the Fraternity!
  • Watch parties and chat live with each other while watching the same show on your favorite streaming site
  • “Podcast Style” Road Events
    • Cooking Show (via zoom) for members to follow along with you
  • Trivia
  • Brain Games
  • Online Fact Searches
  • Whose Line is it Anyway?
  • Jeopardy!
  • Family Feud
  • Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Technology Resources: Consider these options/resources for meetings, communication, virtual engagement, and workshops:

Links and Resources for Online Engagement:

Adapted with permission from Sigma Delta Tau Sorority