Put Your Money Where Your Membership Is
Ask any Phi Theta Kappa leader about the most stressful part of running a chapter, and chances are you will hear the word "budget" somewhere in their answer.
Every chapter faces unique challenges in the management of chapter funds, depending on the chapter's resources, income, expenses and college regulations. But one question arises in every chapter, whether it has limited funds or an above average bank account: "How can we effectively allocate our money to best help the chapter?"
Many chapters have determined that they can best help the chapter by investing in their members - and the reason is simple. If a student does not accept membership in Phi Theta Kappa, or worse yet, does not continue to attend college, he or she cannot contribute to chapter activities. For the chapter to be successful, volunteers must plan, implement and participate in events. To ensure that students can accept Phi Theta Kappa membership even if faced with financial obstacles, these chapters have made membership fee and tuition assistance programs a staple of their chapter budgets.
Membership fee assistance and tuition assistance are investments that can lead to substantial returns for both the chapter and the members involved. These investments allow students to experience Phi Theta Kappa or even continue their education, a chance that they may not have had otherwise. Chapters throughout Phi Theta Kappa are realizing the benefits of these programs, and every day more chapters start reaping the rewards when they put their money where their membership is.
The chapter at Hinds Community College-Raymond in Mississippi offers an $850 scholarship to each chapter officer. The purpose of the scholarship is two-fold: to reward officers for hard work and to allow officers to devote more time to the chapter, rather than an outside job. According to chapter advisor Kristi Sather-Smith, "The officers give 150% to the chapter, because the scholarship gives them the freedom to do so." The chapter receives most funding for the program through the college.
For some chapters, however, relying on the college budget or the Student Government Association is not a feasible option, so they must get their funds elsewhere. Fundraisers are key to almost all campus organizations' budgets, and can prove effective in maintaining funds to help potential and current members.
For example, the chapter at Hagerstown Community College in Maryland sponsored a campus jail to raise money for the chapter. The campus jail came complete with a courtroom where "Judge Trudy" sentenced the accused to wearing a sign soliciting bail money. Proceeds totaling $1600 went to the chapter budget, and a large portion has been earmarked for membership fee and tuition assistance. "Since the proceeds from the jail exceeded our expectations, we were able to set aside a considerable amount for students who can not afford to pay membership fees to join the chapter," said chapter president Tony Campello.
Member assistance programs are even finding their way to the Society's faraway chapters. This past spring, the chapter at Northern Marianas College in Saipan implemented an internal scholarship program for Phi Theta Kappa members. The program was designed by chapter members and is supported by campus fundraisers. This scholarship opportunity is critical for students at the college, since many are not United States citizens and cannot apply for U.S. scholarships, according to chapter advisor Dr. Angelyn Sills. Scholarships already dispersed have aided students who otherwise would not have assistance in paying for school.
These chapters, and many others, have implemented membership fee and tuition assistance programs to support their members, and have found along the way that they are also supporting their chapter and college. Take a look around your campus and talk to your advisor to find out if there is a similar need that your chapter can meet. Investing in your members can provide the greatest returns in the form of long-term success for your chapter.
