Bid day can be extremely awkward day for new members. On one hand, the new members are beyond excited to be joining their new home and to start this new chapter of their lives. But, on the other hand, they are nervous about throwing themselves into a foreign organization. 

With bid day just around the corner, here are some tips to make bid day less awkward, although I’m convinced it will always be a little bit awkward.

First, talk to your bid day buddy. This might seem a bit obvious, but it needs to be said. On her first day with your chapter, your new member might know one or two other girls in the sorority, but that’s it. She’s suddenly thrust into a new sisterhood, and is excited, nervous, and anxious. A bid day buddy is supposed to be someone that this girl can talk to about the new sorority, ask any questions she might have, and bond with on her first day, post-recruitment.

Next, introduce her to everyone. Leaving the horseshoe means that girls will be taken with their biddDay buddies to (hopefully) get food or hang out in an apartment before the party begins. When you’re walking to the car, introduce your buddy to her older sisters, and then to their buddies, as well. That way, the new members can start to build relationships with each other as well as with older members, and know someone to boogie with on the dance floor.

Explain things to her. Once the party is over, this new member is taken back to the house to receive information about the sorority she joined. This info session can supply her with packets about new member sessions, have her take oaths and write checks, or make a poster about her interests. Always be aware of what is going on, and make your new member aware, too. Chances are, this girl is overwhelmed with the amount of information she’s receiving all at once after an already exhausting day meeting new people. 

Don’t leave her. Another obvious point, but you would be surprised at how many new members sit alone to eat, or stand alone on the dance floor. Like I said earlier, your buddy probably knows almost no one and is totally overwhelmed with her new sorority. If you leave her to make friends on her own, she’ll feel like you don’t really like her or want her in your sorority. I know it’s a time to bond even more with girls you already know, but this day is also about your new members and making them feel like they’ve made the right choice by joining your sorority. 

Lastly, be yourself. If you love to dance, then dance! If you love Sonic, take your bid day buddy to Sonic! Yes, this day is about making your new members feel at home, but it’s also a time to be yourself. Many sororities use their buddies as options for big sisters, so your buddy could be your potential little. That means that there’s no point in masking your personality to impress your new member.

Happy bid day, and may the new members be ever in your favor!