Greeks strive for a closer community

Behind philanthropies, pair parties, brotherhoods and sisterhoods and friendly chapter rivalries, there are executive councils that help ensure the greek community behaves as just that: a community.

Councils like the IU Panhellenic Association, which represents all 19 sororities, and the Interfraternity Council that oversees IU’s 28 fraternities, focus on risk management and communication between the houses, campus and chapters.

“It’s beneficial,” said Tia Banayote, vice president of communication. “Basically, these councils oversee all the chapters and guide them and challenge them to improve, which makes each one of our members and each one of our chapters better.”

Each executive council is composed of seven different members, all of whom have different responsibilities. Slated by outgoing officers and elected by the chapters, the officers responsibilities began in January.

“Eighteen percent of the campus is Greek,” IFC President Ryan Duerring said. “So I think the main thing for IFC is to bring everyone together and get everyone on the same level. So even if there are rivalries, we have to look at from the standpoint we’re a community; we need to work together.”

While the officers said rivalries and competitions keep greek life exciting, they emphasize the importance of respecting each other for their successes.

Once-a-week gavel meetings, which are open to the community, allow an outlet for open communication, while Greek Awards are a more entertaining way to recognize chapters for their achievements.

“It’s one of the few opportunities when you’re completely running a self-governing organization,” Duerring said.

Though these officers took their positions at the beginning of this semester, none are alien to responsibility. All have been chapter presidents or chapter officers before. But they said they are excited about the year that awaits and are united by creating a sense of community.

“I’m looking forward to growing by leading and looking at the greek system through a bigger picture perspective,” Maggie Wittman, PHA President said. “And also helping individual chapter presidents grow and see that bigger picture as well.”