Contact: Michelle Snyder, Executive Director
(410) 799-1224 x21

Phi Sigma Sigma Organizational Structure Task Force Completes Review

Elkridge, Maryland (November 18, 2005)—As announced in July 2005, Phi Sigma Sigma created an Organizational Structure Task Force to “examine our current structure and recommend any changes that may be needed in order to achieve the mission and vision of Phi Sigma Sigma.” The task force worked in partnership with our organizational structure consultants, Dream Dare Do (d3).

Under the leadership of Task Force Chairman Melanie Boone, the nine member task force continued its work after LTS. The task force was expanded to include Mary Schurgot, archon of Delta Zeta Chapter at Stevens Institute of Technology. The task force members thought it was important to have a collegiate representative, and Mary has been an invaluable resource. The task force held meetings at Fraternity Headquarters on September 17 and October 15, 2005, as well as numerous teleconferences. During these meetings, information from a broad cross-section of Phi Sigma Sigma members and considerable research from leaders on best practices in non-profit management was reviewed.

Specifically, 579 Fraternity members provided direct input into this project. This included 415 alumnae and 96 collegians who completed an online survey that was e-mailed to over 11,000 members. This overall response rate exceeded any other rate the Fraternity has been able to accomplish previously. In addition, d3 conducted focus groups during LTS 2005 with 37 alumnae and 17 collegians. Finally, 14 alumnae with varying levels of Phi Sigma Sigma experience and perspective were interviewed by d3 via telephone.

The most frequent theme from the data is that Phi Sigma Sigma must find more accessible opportunities for alumnae to reconnect with the Fraternity. Alumnae want to get involved (most wishing to spend two to four hours per week or less), but are unclear on ways in which this might be possible.

A second significant theme is that communication within the Fraternity is effective in electronic forms, but not satisfactory in face-to-face or personal ways. Training, setting expectations, meeting deadlines and coordinating support are all directly impacted by unsatisfactory person-to-person communication.

Survey responses were nearly evenly split when answering whether Phi Sigma Sigma was currently organized to deliver on its purpose, mission and strategic priorities.

Based on these findings and their work to date, d3 will present their final report to Supreme Council for consideration this month. More information will be made available to our membership once Supreme Council has reviewed the report in late November. At that time, Supreme Council will create an action plan for how to proceed further.

Any changes to Phi Sigma Sigma’s current structure must be approved by voting delegates at our international conclave.

Questions or comments for the task force may be sent to organizationalstructure@phisigmasigma.org.

Phi Sigma Sigma is an international women's fraternity founded in 1913 at Hunter College in New York City. Currently, Phi Sigma Sigma has over 55,000 initiated members worldwide, with 110 collegiate chapters and colonies and 40 alumnae groups across North America. More information on the organization can be found at www.phisigmasigma.org.

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