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NPC Launches Initiative to Focus on Cost of Sorority Membership

By January 26, 2021September 28th, 2022News Release

A Year-Long Examination Will Identify Ways to Reduce or Eliminate Cost-Related Barriers to Membership

INDIANAPOLIS – The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) announced today the launch of a new year-long initiative aimed at reducing or eliminating costs associated with Panhellenic recruitment and sorority membership. This announcement builds on other NPC efforts aimed at creating a more inclusive sorority experience, including the creation of its Access and Equity Advisory Committee.

“The sorority community can contribute immensely to the sense of belonging felt by collegiate women,” said Dani Weatherford, J.D., NPC chief executive officer. “But we know that the cost of recruitment and the cost of membership can be a barrier to entry and create a systemic hurdle based on socioeconomic status. NPC and our member organizations have an opportunity and an obligation to take a close look at how we can minimize financial barriers while continuing to deliver a rewarding, transformational sorority membership experience.”

“This initiative ensures we have a conference-wide dialogue and engagement on an issue that is an increasing priority for the leadership of our member organizations,” added Carole Jones, NPC chairman. “I’m grateful for the leadership our member organizations have already shown, and I am optimistic about what can be accomplished on behalf of women who want to join our organizations.”

NPC’s efforts will include an examination of the costs associated with Panhellenic recruitment and the identification of ways to reduce or eliminate expenses for potential new members. As a first step, NPC is surveying College Panhellenic Associations regarding recruitment registration costs and budgets.

With the support of designated representatives from each NPC member organization, the NPC initiative will also review the costs associated with membership, including housing costs, national dues and chapter-specific fees. This review will seek to identify best practices and opportunities for greater uniformity in reporting and disclosing membership costs to potential new members.

NPC officials indicate they expect to present core recommendations at the NPC Annual Educational Conference in September.

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About the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)
NPC, one of the largest organizations advocating for women, is the umbrella group for 26 national and international sororities. NPC sororities are located on more than 670 campuses with more than 375,000 undergraduate members in more than 3,350 chapters. Alumnae are represented in nearly 3,500 associations throughout the world. For more information, including a complete list of NPC sororities, visit npcwomen.org or find NPC on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

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