This year's sorority officer elections are more sentimental for me than they have been the past three years. As the end of my final term on my executive council draws near, I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. Serving in three sorority officer positions has been the highlight of my sorority journey. It doesn’t seem real to me that once election season comes to a close I will no longer serve in the capacity that I did throughout my entire college career thus far. After many conversations with past leaders who've been in my shoes of preparing to step down and also reflecting on stepping down from one sorority position into another, I've received a lot of advice. Keep reading for the most valuable tips I've received that are equipping me for this transition that I hope will help you if you're in the same position. You are not alone sister, I’m right there with you!
The first piece of advice that I needed to hear was to embrace acceptance. Regardless of who will be elected, your sorority will elect a new executive council for the year and it is not a promise that you will be brought back on, placed in the position you had in mind, or the person you had in mind will be elected. Accepting this reality before the slate is passed will help you enjoy the process. After the new board is announced, join them in celebration and uplift them in support. Remember how excited you were when you got the position and shared the excitement with the woman you passed it down to. Speaking high praises and sharing your excitement for the board will lead your chapter to a positive start with a new board of members to find trust in.
I held an executive position before my role of presidency and I had a hard time navigating how to support the new officer without doing the job for her. I had the opportunity to ask the new university president on my campus how the past president has helped transition him into the role and I gained helpful insight. I was told that the best you can do is offer an extended hand and show up when your name is called. You may have stepped down from holding the position title and the task of the role may not be your responsibility anymore but you should still make an effort to continue pouring into the chapter. As I transition into the role of an active member, I plan to check in with the officer who fulfills my old position and advise her on what I would do when asked, without doing the work for her despite my desire to do so!
The last piece of advice that I was given that I see great benefits to is to continue sharing ideas, attending meetings, meeting new members, and meeting membership expectations. As president, I implemented standards and policies to elevate my chapter and a helpful way to sustain their impact is to participate in them myself! It is now my job to lead by example as a member who is no longer holding a title. Not only would I be supporting the new board by continuing to show up, but this intentionality & motivation will create a trend of membership interest to stay engaged throughout their sorority journey. Stepping off of the board will allow me to see chapter operations from a different perspective and I can bring these things to the attention of the office board. Not to mention with more time on my hands I can use it to help committees when needed.Â
While I only have a month left in the role that I’ve poured my everything into, I understand now more than ever the importance of transitions. Change is good and change is healthy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. Sister, you are not alone. Whether you are burnt out and ready to hand it over or you are feeling indifferent and not ready, I hope these pieces of advice support you as they did me. You are a leader in your chapter and will continue to be as you step down and step up in your new role as a member who supports her chapter through it all.
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