From collection Archives Collection
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Search
results in pages
Metadata
Title:
Handbook for the Social Chairman, 2016
Date/Date Range:
00/00/2016
Handbook for the Social Chairman, 2016
FOREWORD
"The purpose of Sigma Kappa Sorority is to provide women lifelong opportunities and
support for social, intellectual, and spiritual development by bringing women together
to positively impact our communities."
Article II, Section 1
Sigma Kappa Sorority Constitution
This purpose builds on the values of our organization: friendship, loyalty, service and
personal growth, all bound by a promise. National council affirms that Sigma Kappa col-
lectively can only grow through the prosperity of each individual chapter. Such prosper- -
ity must begin with sound and lasting leadership.
Each chapter officer is provided a handbook designed to give her the information
needed to perform the duties of her office and assist the chapter in achieving the Sigma
Kappa Standards of Excellence. Serving as a collegiate chapter officer exemplifies Sigma
Kappa's purpose and values.
© 2014 Sigma Kappa Sorority
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Social Chairman
4
Resources
4
Advisor to the Social Chairman
5
Social Committee
5
Event Planning Guidelines
7
Planning for Snacks and Refreshments
7
Ensuring a Safe Environment Exists for Sponsored or Co-Sponsored Functions
8
Creating and Managing the Guest List
8
Planning and Executing Controlled BYOB Functions
9
Securing Advisory Board Representatives at Sigma Kappa Functions
9
Contracts and Tax Considerations
11
Reading Contracts Wisely
11
Tax Forms Related to Contracts that Chapter is Required to Prepare Locally 11
Completing the Social Function Review Form (SFRF)
12
Risk Management and Social Functions
13
Risk Management Considerations
13
Frequently Asked Questions on Risk Management and Harm Reduction
14
Fun Event Ideas
16
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 2
THE SOCIAL CHAIRMAN
The social chairman is elected or appointed by the chapter and is responsible for devel-
oping and implementing a social program for the chapter. The social chairman reports
to the executive vice president (EVP).
In light of these responsibilities, the social chairman must do the following:
Read, comprehend, and follow the Handbook for the Social Chairman.
Be knowledgeable about all policies and procedures established by the univer-
sity/college, Panhellenic, and Sigma Kappa regarding social activities and risk
management.
Plan and execute a well-rounded program of chapter social activities.
Submit complete and accurate Social Function Review Forms (SFRFs) for each so-
cial event at least three weeks in advance to the advisor to the social chairman,
advisory board supervisor (ABS) and risk management coordinator.
Supervise all social activities of the chapter.
Ensure that all SFRF plans are executed as submitted and approved.
Work with the chapter president and vice president of finance (VPF) to sign all
contracts.
Work with the executive vice president (EVP) and VPP to plan educational pro-
grams about risk management and appropriate behavior at social functions.
Help all members understand they will be expected to make responsible de-
cisions about alcohol and illegal substances.
Plan and execute non-alcoholic social functions with other sororities, fraternities,
student organizations, athletic teams, faculty, and alumnae.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 3
Re-evaluate social activities which encourage alcohol use or abuse. Look for al-
ternatives that keep the sense of tradition, but reduce/eliminate the risk.
Effectively manage a social committee to achieve the social goals of the chapter
through delegation.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the chapter social program and retain
recommendations for future events.
Retain SFRFs until the end of chairman term. Retain at least one example form for
the future chairman's reference.
Resources
The social chairman must have certain resources and materials to properly do the job.
Many of these resources are available in Live Sigma Kappa. They are as follows:
Annual supplies
National Policy Handbook
College or university risk management and/or alcohol policies
The chapter's current Code of Conduct
A list of goals for the office
Recommendations from the predecessor
Sigma Kappa budget for the office
Chapter calendar
College or university academic calendar
Fraternity/sorority community calendar of events
Names and contact information for:
Advisor to the social chairman or ABS
The social chairmen for other fraternities and sororities on campus
College or university officials and pertinent faculty and staff members
Sigma Kappa sister alumnae and/or collegiate chapter(s)
Risk management coordinator
Advisor to the Social Chairman
The advisor to the social chairman provides continuity in a chapter's social program. She
is a member of the advisory board. Review the module in SKILLab: Sigma Kappa's Inter-
active Learning Lab to learn more about developing a relationship with your advisor.
What If You Don't Have an Advisor?
If you don't have an advisor, there are several other resources to look to for assistance:
Advisory board supervisor (ABS)
Risk management coordinator
Programming coordinator
Collegiate coordinator
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 4
Contact information for these volunteers is located in Live Sigma Kappa.
Social Committee
Effective event planning and management includes the use of a committee to work
closely in executing the chapter's social program. Chapter sizes and needs determine
the size and responsibilities of the committee. Committee members are selected or ap-
pointed by the VPP or executive council.
The purpose of the social committee is to work with the social chairman in:
Executing the duties of the social chairman (planning a balanced calendar of so-
cial activities, completing appropriate paperwork, organizing and staffing social
activities).
Setting goals for the chapter's social program each term.
Planning and implementing the social program each term.
Working with the EVP and VPP to educate members and new members about risk
management and displaying behavior in accordance with our values during social
events.
Assisting in the enforcement of risk management policies in social settings.
Evaluating the chapter social program each term.
Meetings are chaired by the social chairman and should be held bi-weekly. Meetings are
open to any member of the chapter, and should include all committee members and the
advisor to the social chairman.
Delegation of Responsibilities
Each committee member or pairs of members should take responsibility for a different
aspect of the social program. For example, the following areas might be delegated:
Planning non-alcoholic social events with other sororities, fraternities, athletic
teams, and student organizations.
Planning non-alcoholic social events with alumnae.
Planning non-alcoholic social events with faculty/staff.
Planning the formal social event.
Purchasing supplies.
Setting up decorations.
Contacting vendors (although the chapter president or VPF must review and sign
any contracts).
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 5
EVENT PLANNING GUIDELINES
Begin each term by evaluating past social events with the social committee. Feedback
from the entire chapter could be collected via surveys to help the social committee best
evaluate the events. Brainstorm future events and create goals for the term. Work with
the VPP to add social events to the calendar for the term. Be aware of all deadlines.
Sigma Kappa Sorority . Social Chairman Handbook page 6
Events should be added to the calendar as it is developed, not after it has already been
approved by the chapter.
Ensure your chapter has a balanced social program which includes ample opportunities
for non-alcoholic social functions with members, other sororities, fraternities, athletic
teams, student organizations, alumnae and faculty/staff.
Developing a comprehensive social program requires time, creativity and energy. Follow
the guidelines below for more information on successful social event planning:
Plan events well ahead of the proposed date.
Submit SFRFs at least three weeks in advance and be sure the paperwork is com-
plete with all attachments included. This form is required.
Be sure to review and set guidelines for limiting your guest list. Per National
Policy Handbook, open parties are prohibited.
Remember: DO NOT SIGN contracts. These must be reviewed by an advisor and
signed by the president or VPF only. Caution: the venue paperwork may not look
like a contract. Be careful to read anything supplied by a vendor carefully.
Review and follow all laws and policies, both local (college/university, city, state)
and national, in addition to the policies of any co-sponsoring organizations.
Chapter funds shall not be used to purchase alcohol.
Have activities, such as icebreakers and games, which give people a chance to get
to know one another.
The ABS and risk management coordinator must review and approve all themes,
t-shirts and/or favors in advance.
Ensure you have adequate food and non-alcoholic beverages at every social
event. See the next section for tips on quantity of food/non-alcoholic beverages
to supply at events.
Refer to the Fun Event Ideas section for theme and activity ideas
Utilize your campus student activities or involvement office, if applicable, as a re-
source for ideas on creative social event planning.
Planning for Snacks and Refreshments
When planning a party where alcohol will be consumed, it is important to have plenty of
food and non-alcoholic beverages. A good rule of thumb is to plan for/supply about
one-half pound of food per person in attendance at the event. Purchase deli trays, ve-
getable platters, sandwiches, pasta, etc., or arrange catering at the venue. You may also
prepare snacks with your committee, if desired. Consider special dietary needs and al-
lergies ahead of time so that all members and guests may enjoy the snacks.
Avoid highly salty, sweet or spicy foods, as they may stimulate thirst and encourage
drinking. Consider the following foods:
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 7
Pizza
Sandwich platter
Chicken wings
Vegetable trays
Pasta
Bread (bagels, rolls, breadsticks, salt-free pretzels, low salt crackers, etc.)
Bean dip, spinach artichoke dip, bruschetta, etc.
Cheese trays
For a three-hour function, you will need at least two eight-ounce non-alcoholic bever-
ages for each person. Use this chart for a quick reference when planning your events:
Number of
Quantity of non-alco-
people attend-
holic beverages re-
ing
quired:
30
6 gallons
40
7 gallons
50
8 gallons
60
9 gallons
70
10 gallons
80
12 gallons
90
14 gallons
100
16 gallons
110
18 gallons
120
20 gallons
If you chapter has more than 120 people, please increase the amount of non-alcoholic
beverages available (including water) by two gallons for every additional 10 people in
attendance.
Ensuring a Safe Environment for Sponsored or Co-Sponsored
Events
The following questions should be asked about each facility that will be utilized for a so-
cial function. The social chairman and her committee should review the site prior to the
event to determine the answer to these questions:
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 8
Do the smoke detectors work?
Are the exits clearly marked and unobstructed?
Are the interior and exterior lights conducive to safety?
It is very important to consider the safety and well-being of members and guests when
making arrangements for social functions.
Creating and Managing the Guest List
A guest list with specific names and birthdays of all members and non-members who
plan to attend the event should be generated at least 24 hours in advance of each func-
tion.
When co-sponsoring an event with another organization, obtain a list of that or-
ganization's members who plan to attend from the social chairman or event plan-
ner you are working with. Events that are co-sponsored with another organization
may only include members and new members of the co-sponsoring organiza-
tions.
When planning events where guests/dates are invited, event invitations must be
addressed to specific individuals only. Each member may invite a maximum of
two guests. Guests/dates may NOT be invited to events that are co-sponsored
with another organization.
Social events (with alcohol) open to the entire fraternity/sorority community or student
population are strictly prohibited. Mass event invitations delivered to fraternities, dorms,
etc., are strictly prohibited.
Managing the Guest List during the Event
There is to be only one entrance, controlled and monitored by security and ad-
visory board representatives. Several exits must be available due to fire codes;
however, these exits should not be used as additional entrances.
Monitors must check to see if those entering are chapter members or are on the
guest list.
All members and guests are required to present a picture ID with a birth date.
Their birth date should be compared to the birth date provided on the guest list.
Members and guests who have shown proof of legal drinking age should receive
a non-adjustable, event specific wristband. If the venue prefers to utilize other
methods (outside of wristbands,) the methods must be approved by the ABS and
risk management coordinator.
Individuals' names are checked off the guest list after ID has been checked and
wristband distributed to those who are of age and legally able to consume alco-
hol.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 9
Planning and Executing Controlled BYOB Events
In the event a cash bar policy contradicts the published college or university or Panhel-
lenic regulations for a co-sponsored event, a controlled BYOB function may be reques-
ted by petition and reviewed by the risk management coordinator. The criteria required,
in addition to compliance with all other stated policies regarding alcoholic beverages,
are:
A bartender shall be hired to take custody of all alcohol and transport it to the
event. The bartender shall not be a member or new member of the sponsoring or
co-sponsoring organizations.
The bartender shall have absolute custody and discretion over dispensing alcohol
and shall dispense the alcoholic beverages only to the individual who brought it
to the event. Unused alcoholic beverages will be disposed of by the bartender
and not returned to those who brought them.
Advisory Board Representatives at Sigma Kappa Functions
Advisory board approved representatives must be present at every Sigma Kappa social
function. They can be advisory board members, other qualified alumnae or collegiate
chapter members who are willing to assume the responsibilities.
The women serving as advisory board representatives should be selected and trained for
each event. As the name implies, these women are to be approved by the advisory
board as a whole. If a member of this group does not fulfill her responsibilities, she may
not be re-appointed at the discretion of the advisory board and/or risk management co-
ordinator. Duties of this group include:
Obtain copies of the guest list and the SFRF before the event begins.
Arrive at the event before it is scheduled to begin, or ride to and from the func-
tion on the common carrier with the chapter, if applicable. There must be at least
one advisory board representative per common carrier. Alcohol is not allowed
during transportation to the event. Anyone who appears intoxicated prior to the
event should not be allowed to get on the common carrier. Upon arrival, walk
through the facility noting any previous damage and confirming details of the
event.
Ensure that the event corresponds with what is written on the SFRF and is in com-
pliance with all national policies according to the National Policy Handbook, Sec-
tion VII. Risk Management for Collegiate Chapters.
Oversee those checking photo identification at the door to ensure that only those
on the guest list are admitted to the event. Anyone who did not arrive via com-
mon carrier (if provided) should not be admitted. Deny admission to anyone who
appears to have consumed too much alcohol prior to the event. Explain to any-
one who is not eligible to attend why he or she is being denied admission to the
event. Seek assistance from the security guard(s) if necessary.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 10
Follow the procedure written on the SFRF to ensure that no member, new mem-
ber, or guest consumes excessive amounts of alcohol.
Make sure that no one leaves the event to go to another area, such as the private
part of a fraternity house, another part of the facility or outside the building.
Remain at the event until the ending time. The advisory board representatives are
to be the last ones out of the facility following a walk-through of the premises
with the social/event chairman, president, and a representative of the facility.
Check private areas and bathrooms, if applicable. Ride back on common carrier, if
applicable.
Confirm with the social/event chairman that a safe ride via common carrier or
designated driver program has been secured for anyone who has consumed too
much alcohol. Escort member/guest to safe ride to send them home.
Know the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency (see attached pro-
cedure). Ensure that the phone numbers on the form are listed and accurate. If a
serious problem arises, work with the social/event chairman and/or president to
cancel the event.
Advisory board representatives are not to consume alcoholic beverages before,
during or after the event they are supervising.
Each advisory board representative must sign the appropriate form found on Live Sigma
Kappa, which must be submitted with the completed SFRF.
CONTRACTS & TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Reading Contracts Wisely
Contracts can come in many forms. The document may not say "contract" at the top of
the page. It may be labeled "agreement," "order," or some other term, but if it obligates
the chapter to do something, it is considered a contract. Only the chapter president or
VPF is authorized to sign this kind of document, after review by an ABS or a risk man-
agement coordinator. Use of a facility, purchase of favors, food or supplies, or rental of
equipment are all examples of agreements that might not be labeled as contracts.
It is the social chairman's responsibility to inform the chapter president or VPF of any in-
formation about the document since in most cases the social chairman will be the mem-
ber in contact with the vendor. Any document requiring a signature must be forwarded
to the chapter president or VPF.
Review the Contract Checklist on Live Sigma Kappa to help you and the chapter presid-
ent or VPF when reviewing contracts. If the chapter has any questions about a contract,
please contact Sigma Kappa's legal counsel at national headquarters (NHQ).
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 11
Tax Forms Related to Contracts that Chapters are Required to
Prepare Locally
W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
Prior to providing services, the W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number form is
to be completed by ANY vendor (DJ, bartender, photographer, etc.) that will be paid
$600 or more from the chapter this calendar year (January 1 - December 31). The form
can be found in Live Sigma Kappa. This completed form is to be kept with all VPF ma-
terials and not submitted to the IRS or NHQ. If a vendor refuses to supply a W-9, contact
the director of finance at NHQ for guidance on how to withhold and submit tax pay-
ment.
Because the social chairman has more opportunities to need this form, it is recommen-
ded that the VPF and the social chairman review the requirements for the use of this
form. It may be more convenient for the social chairman to be responsible for the stor-
age of blank forms and the completion of the form by the vendor since she may be in
closer contact with these individuals.
Please contact your ABS, risk management coordinator or a member of the finance team
at national headquarters (317) 872-3275, if you have any questions on these items.
COMPLETING THE SOCIAL FUNCTION
REVIEW FORM (SFRF)
The purpose of a SFRF is to provide guidance in planning a social event ensuring that
the risk management policies of Sigma Kappa are being adhered to. Refer to the Risk
Management Section of the National Policy Handbook for a complete listing of
guidelines for social events and functions.
A SFRF must be completed by the event planner/social chairman for the following social
events and functions:
Any event where alcohol will be present.
Any event that requires signing a contract of any kind.
Any Sigma Kappa-sponsored philanthropy event involving sports.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 12
Follow the procedure outlined in the National Policy Handbook when completing the
SFRF. The SFRF must be completely and accurately filled out and sent to the advisor to
the event planner/social chairman, ABS and/or risk management coordinator at least
three weeks prior to the event to allow adequate time for revisions, if necessary. The
SFRFs must be kept on file by the event planner/social chairman until the end of her
term, then discarded.
Be sure to review the SFRF well in advance of any social function to ensure you under-
stand the paperwork involved. This can help you save time when working with vendors,
advisors and members, as several signatures are required. Contact your advisor, ABS and
risk management coordinator if you have any questions about the SFRF or the addi-
tional forms or agreements that need to be attached to the SFRF.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL
FUNCTIONS
Risk Management Considerations
The social chairman must plan all events in accordance with national policy. When plan-
ning events, check the current National Policy Handbook for all applicable policies. An
updated National Policy Handbook is posted in Live Sigma Kappa each year. Discard all
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 13
previous versions.
Since the social chairman is the chapter officer who often deals with situations that have
high potential for risk management violations, it is important for this position to have
a
full understanding of risk management policy, the risk incident procedure, and the im-
pact of policy violations to the chapter and the individual members.
The social chairman is encouraged to work with the EVP and VPP each year to help
present an educational program to the chapter which explains state, college/university,
local and national policies regarding social functions and the repercussions to the
chapter and the individual members if there are any violations. Ensure the risk manage-
ment policies from the National Policy Handbook are reviewed and understood by all
chapter members.
Sanctions for risk management policy violations not appropriately handled by the
chapter's standards council may include any or all of the following:
A letter of reprimand or letter of challenge to the chapter from national council.
The submission of regular reports of chapter and new members activities with the
national vice president for collegiate chapters, director of risk management, col-
legiate district director, collegiate coordinator, risk management coordinator, na-
tional headquarters and advisory board supervisor.
National council probation of level one, two or three for a period to be determ-
ined.
Ineligibility for national awards.
A required workshop facilitated by a member of the risk management team with
all travel and expenses paid by the chapter.
Removal of chapter officers and election of new officers.
Members involved in the incident disciplined as appropriate.
Withdrawal of charter by national council.
A thorough analysis of the chapter's risk management education program by a
committee of not less than five (5) chapter members appointed by the executive
council, with the approval of the advisory board and risk management coordin-
ator, meeting every two weeks and no less than four (4) times. A report of the
committee's findings with recommendations for improving the program and
bringing it into compliance with national expectations is due to the collegiate co-
ordinator, risk management coordinator, collegiate district director, national vice
president for collegiate chapters, and legal counsel no later than two weeks after
the delivery of the letter. The findings of these reports and its recommendations
are to be presented in informal chapter meetings and noted in the chapter
minutes.
Any other action which may be deemed necessary
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 14
Frequently Asked Questions on Risk Management and Harm
Reduction
The following frequently asked questions can help you understand and educate the
chapter about risk management.
How do I present risk management information so that members will pay attention and
not feel that these are "rules to end our fun?"
The best education is often seeing the policies in action. Instead of emphasizing
what members cannot do, plan a social event following all risk management
policies to show them what your chapter can do. This can be a fun and effective
way to demonstrate proper procedure to the chapter. Before, during, or after the
event, point out all of the important steps you took to ensure safety and harm re-
duction.
What is the worst case scenario if risk management guidelines are not followed?
The financial cost of a major lawsuit could deplete the Sigma Kappa treasury and
could result in personal financial and legal responsibility for claims for any mem-
ber involved who failed to follow our policies.
Only if we follow our policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws, will our
insurance cover the costs of legal defense and any judgment which may be awar-
ded.
An inappropriate party theme or disorderly conduct could produce faculty, com-
munity, or national public attention. Regardless of whether or not a lawsuit res-
ults, substantial damage may be done to the reputation of Sigma Kappa and to
the entire fraternity/sorority community.
What should be our major emphasis when educating about risk management?
Taking care of each other and our property and following federal, state, local,
campus and chapter rules and regulations are our main priorities. To protect and
care for one another is the foundation of risk management and harm reduction.
Do we not have liability insurance that protects us from lawsuits?
Having insurance does not protect Sigma Kappa from a lawsuit. Our insurance in-
demnifies (protects from damages or loss) chapter officers, advisors, and national
officers only if their actions have not voided insurance coverage. Intentional or il-
legal acts will result in denial of coverage.
For example, chapter officers may be legally liable if they engage in or have
knowledge that the chapter is engaging in the following situations:
Having a social activity without properly completing the Sigma Kappa
SFRF.
Sigma
Kappa
Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 15
Allowing an underage member or guest to consume alcohol at a Sigma
Kappa function or with fake identification.
Allowing a drinking or intoxicated member or guest to drive.
Allowing the mental or physical abuse (hazing) of any member or new
member by another.
What percentage of a chapter must be present at an event before it is considered a
"Sigma Kappa event?"
The number of chapter members and new members attending an event is not as
important as the general perception surrounding the event. If Sigma Kappa (an
individual chapter or the national organization) were sued for damages or injuries
resulting from an event that had not been approved through the normal Sigma
Kappa channels, it would have to be proven that Sigma Kappa did not have
enough knowledge or control to be liable for a claim of negligence. This is where
perception comes into play. Questions asked could include: did chapter members
or officers help plan and/or publicize the event? Was an invitation issued to the
Sigma Kappa chapter alone? Were the Sigma Kappa members in attendance in-
vited because they are members of Sigma Kappa? The answers to these types of
questions will determine whether or not Sigma Kappa is judged as liable. If the
attendees at an event believe they are there because of their affiliation with the
Sigma Kappa chapter, the chapter may find that it is held liable for damages or
injuries resulting from the event.
Is it the responsibility of the EVP or the event/social chairman to enforce the risk man-
agement procedures at functions?
The EVP is responsible for educating chapter members about risk management. It
is certainly the responsibility of the event/social chairman to use common sense
in planning and to ensure that all event plans are in compliance with established
policy and laws, be they federal, state, local, university, or Sigma Kappa. The pres-
ident reviews the SFRF and is responsible for double checking all plans before she
signs it. The ABS and risk management coordinator also are responsible for being
sure that plans are appropriate.
There is a purpose for every question asked on the SFRF. It assists the event/so-
cial chairman in complete planning and helps the ABS and national officers assess
whether or not a chapter is exposing itself to a potentially dangerous situation.
Actual enforcement of policy, however, is a separate issue. It is the responsibility
of every chapter member and new member to ensure that her own actions are
appropriate and within established guidelines and that the behavior of her
guest(s) is within Sigma Kappa, college/university, local and state policies. It is
also her responsibility to support decisions and/or requests made by the advisory
board representatives. Each chapter member and new member is responsible for
reporting policy violations to the advisory board representatives. Ultimately, the
Sigma
Kappa
Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 16
advisory board representatives working with the social chairman, EVP, and pres-
ident are responsible for immediate risk management enforcement during an
event. Any necessary follow-up is to be handled by the standards council.
On campuses located in small towns, what are the options if there appear to be no cam-
pus or community facilities available with third party vendors?
Brainstorm with your committee to seek solutions and create options that may
not, on the surface, appear to be there. Think of every space available in the
town, even if you are presently denied access. Go to the proper individuals and
plead your case, emphasizing that there will be very strict policies in effect. Ask
for their trust on a trial basis. Begin with the university and elicit the help of the
administration to find spaces on the campus for use by fraternities and sororities.
What happens if Sigma Kappa co-sponsors a function with a fraternity and/or sorority
with a stricter policy?
Sigma Kappa members will observe, abide by, and respect their policies when
Sigma Kappa co-sponsors an event with another organization.
FUN EVENT IDEAS
The following ideas can be used for non-alcoholic social events. Each chapter should
plan and execute several non-alcoholic events each term to strengthen chapter sister-
hood, get to know members of other organizations, and be inclusive of those members
who choose not to drink alcohol or are underage. Consider using these events as
presented, or as a springboard to new ideas of your own. Brainstorm additional events
with your committee!
Rent a bowling alley for the night and make it a team competition, or turn it into
a 1950s or Grease theme.
Invite another organization for an ice cream sundae bar, cupcake bar, baked
potato bar, or other interactive food item.
Party Gras: Plan a "Party Gras" party on or near Mardi Gras, where members can
decorate masks, string beads, and enjoy jazz music. Cajun foods can be served to
enhance the theme. Purchase streamers, noisemakers, gold-wrapped chocolate
coins, confetti, etc., to create a fun atmosphere.
Head to a golf course or mini-golf course and split into teams for a golf scramble.
Name That Tune: Play short segments of a song, and see who can guess it. Con-
tinue until there is one winner.
Organize a picnic or visit an apple or berry orchard. Then, have a cooking/baking
contest with the picked fruit.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 17
Carve pumpkins and then distribute them to the other fraternities and sororities.
Consider pairing with another fraternity or sorority for this event!
Rent out the recreation center and spend a few hours playing basketball, volley-
ball, swimming, etc.
Fish bowl: Every member puts a fun fact about themselves on a slip of paper, fol-
ded up and placed in a bowl. Then, each member draws one slip of paper out of
the bowl. They must mingle with each other until they figure out whose fun fact
they have. At the end, have everyone read their fun fact and to whom it belongs.
Play childhood games, such as tag, red rover, four-square, kickball, etc.
Play old movies or TV shows. Serve popcorn and other snacks.
Bring your own (B)
:
Pick a word that starts with "B" and plan an event
around it! Bring your own banana, and set up a banana split bar, bring your own
blanket, and watch movies on the floor, etc.
Create an event centered around a decade, such as the 90s, 80s, 70s, or 60s. Have
everyone dress according to the theme and get appropriate snacks. Research
activities and games that were common at the time.
Contact a local movie theater to rent out the theater after hours, or buy all the
tickets to the last showing of a movie.
Set up a projector screen or hang up a white sheet to make a "drive in movie
theater."
Work with the vice president of philanthropic service (VPPS) to organize a service
project. Afterwards, go out to dinner together.
Rent a karaoke machine and have a karaoke night.
Have a dance instructor teach the chapter (and their dates or members of an-
other organization) to salsa dance or ballroom dance.
Visit an ice-skating rink and provide hot cocoa or apple cider.
DVR episodes of a favorite show and watch them together.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook page 18
SIGMA KAPPA
Voices Strong Hearts United.
695 PRO-MED LANE, SUITE 300
CARMEL, IN 46032
317-872-3275
f: 317-872-0716
e: INFO@SIGMAKAPPA.ORG
WWW.SIGMAKAPPA.ORG
Sigma Kappa Sorority Social Chairman Handbook . page 19