Staying Connected Through Virtual Sisterhood
As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact people around the world, Pi Beta Phi recognizes the effect on our sisterhood. With universities closing, events being cancelled and sisters everywhere practicing social distancing, staying connected is more important now than ever before. Below is a list of ways to engage your members and build your sisterhood virtually.
FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Skype
Coordinate a video call with your sisters during meals, breaks or in the evening. Spend time catching up and sharing what you’ve been doing to stay busy as you practice social distancing.
Engage with your sisters via Instagram Stories
Ask a question on your chapter or club Instagram account and highlight members’ answers. Some questions could include: “How are you taking mental breaks today?” “What has brought you joy today?” “What are you most thankful for during this time?”
Virtual study groups
Online classes can be difficult. Seek out other members in your classes and coordinate a virtual study group to help. Ask your Director Academics if you need assistance setting it up!
Celebrate members’ birthdays
Just because you can’t be with your sisters on their birthday doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate! Give them a shout-out on social media, send an e-card, or plan a group FaceTime to celebrate.
Get active
Ask a member interested in fitness to lead a virtual workout for your members. If you don’t have any interested members, work with a local business or fitness expert to provide a way to stay active.
Virtual Chapter Leadership Team meetings
If you have a gmail account, Google offers Hangouts where up to 10 people can meet via video. You can meet on demand, or schedule a meeting through your Google calendar by “adding conferencing.” Zoom also offers free video conferencing for up to 100 people. Calls are limited to 40 minutes with the free version.
Throw Back Thursday #TBT and Flashback Friday #FBF
Ask members to take a trip down memory lane and post a certain #TBT or #FBF to celebrate past events. Themes could include: Bid Day, Homecoming, a photo with their Big Sister, etc.
Coffee dates
Encourage big sisters and little sisters or Beta Buddies to take turns sending each other electronic gift cards for coffee. Remember, drive-thru only!
Share your seniors
Highlight your graduating seniors through social media! Chapters can share more about what their seniors will miss the most and where they’re headed next. Alumnae clubs can welcome seniors who have moved back to the area and celebrate their accomplishments.
Coordinate a virtual story time
If your chapter or club has an existing relationship with a school or reading club, coordinate a virtual story time through social media. Read a few books and share your videos with the teacher, school, or organization you work with.
Movie night
Nothing beats sitting down for a movie with friends! Schedule a movie night via Netflix Watch Party and select some of your favorite friendship movies. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Pi Phi Pages
Curl up with a good book thanks to our virtual book club! Search for the Pi Phi Pages Facebook group to join and visit our website for the 2020 book list.
Game night
Meet your friends online through Nintendo Switch and Playstation or video call with your sisters and play games like Scattergories, Pictionary and charades.
Virtual Cookie Shine
Send a cookie recipe to your sisters and encourage them to bake and prepare their own Cookie Shine. Choose a time to video call and show off your decorating skills and Cookie Shine set-up. If you can’t find a time that works for everyone, encourage members to share their final product on social media!
How are you staying connected with your sisters while practicing social distancing?
Published March 24, 2020