Gamma Iota Sigma
Grand Chapter

Administrative Guide

Chapters

A Word About Committees

Committees generally are utilized after the goals and objectives for the upcoming year are well defined.  For example, if raising a $500 scholarship fund is one of your chapter goals for this year, the first step is to assign the project to a committee.  The committee should be encouraged to proceed with the project on its own, but the chairman would give a progress report at each officers' meeting.  The project committee's report should be placed on each of the agendas for discussion until the project is finally completed.  This will give those not serving on the committee a chance to ask questions at the officers' meeting and perhaps provide some suggestions on how to better accomplish a certain aspect of the project.

Once a committee is formed to approach a specific goal, it is appropriate to assign individual tasks to committee members.  A committee chairperson, who will be assigned to report to one of your chapter's officers, should be appointed to guide the committee toward its goal.

Committees are, in the true sense, a delegation of responsibilities.  They encourage decision-making by a small group, as opposed to a larger, unmanageable group.  The smaller committee group (three to four members) is easier to manage because it is more feasible for everyone to get together at the same time, and members are more likely to want to, and to be able to, participate.

Committees are definitely the backbone of a larger group.  Be sure to use general fraternity members on the committees, as opposed to officers, whenever possible.  Generally, each officer should be assigned to work with different committees in an advisory-type capacity.   Consider awarding Certificates of Appreciation to committee members at the end of the school year in recognition of their contributions.

The same structure that is used for your regular meetings (i.e., agendas and meeting minutes) should also be used for committees.  Your chapter, at a minimum should have standing committees for fund-raising, public relations, and membership.

Ingredients for a successful committee:

1.          A clearly defined purpose.

2.          An understanding of the committee's function.

3.          Gearing committee plans strictly to desired results

4.          All members participating fully.

5.          Setting target dates for accomplishing objectives.

6.         Keeping personal politics and disagreements to a minimum.