Ten Tips for Revitalizing Chapters

This document is designed to provide you with a few insights on how you and others might revitalize your chapter. Outlined are few tips, and pitfalls, that have been learned in working with other chapters that have faced the same problem and have solved it.

First, keep in mind that each chapter in Sigma Xi is different and those who want to revitalize a chapter must realize that a "cookie cutter" approach won't work; the basic ideas may work but in most cases they have to be adapted to the unique aspects of the chapter, most of which are due to the unique "corporate culture or cultures" in the institution or institutions, that host the chapter.

Nevertheless, some basic principles do seem to work.

1. It takes only a few interested individuals to revitalize a chapter. In fact, most active chapters operate with only a few individuals. Hopefully by surveying your chapter membership list you may find a few individuals like yourself who feel that an active chapter can contribute to the institution(s), the community, or the future of science and technology in your area. That is certainly a good start and a necessary first step; i.e., to find just a few individuals who would like to do something to revitalize the chapter. To obtain a copy of your chapter membership list, please e-mail chapters@sigmaxi.org
2. Think of a chapter for what others see it as - a unique cross-section of scientists and engineers within an institution, and particularly a community. There are a lot of groups that would love the opportunity to interact with a group of scientists and engineers that spans the scientific and engineering alphabet from Anthropology to Zoology. Some of these include teachers, college and university administrators, community groups, legislators, students, etc.
3. Find out what the chapter members, the science community, and others think would be meaningful activities for the chapter to undertake. This can be done by surveying the membership and scientists in the area, by asking other individuals what they think, etc. Often the results are surprising and they may outline a list of potential activities that others think are important and will attend or participate in.
4. Don't overlook the university or corporate administration. Oftentimes, just meeting with a representative of the administration can give you excellent ideas for programs in the institution(s), exposure to them that a chapter exists, and that the chapter may be able to assist them.
5. Think "outside the box", as is the current phrase. Just because lectures, for example may have worked in the past doesn't mean that they will work today! Talking with a variety of different people (including those not in science) may give you a whole new view of what a revitalized chapter may do.
6. "Don't reinvent the wheel." If another group has a successful activity don't try to do it also. The secret is to identify "niches" that have not been filled at the institution(s) or within the community and to fill that niche with something meaningful. Talking with a variety of people about the chapter may identify these niches.
7. Take your time. The chapter doesn't have to revitalize overnight, although some may think so. Taking your time in setting up good chapter activities will pay dividends in the long run with an active chapter.
8. Start small. Far too many well-meaning members have tried to revitalize a chapter by undertaking a lot of activities, none of which go over very well and the chapter is in worse trouble than before they started. Select only one or two activities, implement them, see how they work, and change them, or abandon them as necessary. You can always add additional activities to a good foundation of programs.
9. Don't be afraid to drop activities that don't seem to work.
10. Don't forget about membership. In planning program activities to revitalize a chapter, many people forget to include recognizing students and faculty for their achievements, by election to membership, as part of the revitalization. In fact, programs activities can be and have been organized around initiation of members to Sigma Xi.