This is truly the most delicate of our Golden Threads. Sorority Sister musters-up in my mind all those wonderful feelings we associate with a lovely quilt ... warm, cozy, comfortable, colorful, beautiful in its own way. Each Sister, just like every quilt, has her own style and pattern to her life; and conveys her own, unique message.

I believe that if the close, good spirit of SISTERHOOD and camaraderie is present in a chapter, everything else will fall into place. In addition, I offer these suggestions:

1] REVIEW YOUR SECRET SISTER PLAN...

• To one member in all the world of Beta Sigma Phi, you must carry the message of our Sisterhood in its fullest and most beautiful significance
• Is it costing too much? The fun lies in the 'secret' and thoughtful part of the plan. Focus more on that. Make her a special charge in your daily living. Send her a loving thought every day; remember her in your prayers. Try to know and understand her better. If she is in need or sorrow, bear that with her as if it were your own. Share in her good fortune .. let her know you're happy for her when something good comes her way! Put this program of Friendship we have where it rightly belongs. Not in shops; rather in your hearts and lives where the rich spiritual gifts are to be had for the taking. Give of yourself .. and the gift will mean more!

2] Everyone wants to be in the chapter that is loving - caring - giving - sharing - understanding - friendly!

• Members may find more absorbing interests if these qualities are not present. It is our responsibility, collectively and individually, to make Beta Sigma Phi the most interesting organization it can be.
• Building close sisterly relationships is an essential ingredient! MAKE TIME - TAKE TIME - DO LUNCH - STAY-IN-TOUCH! ENJOY THE INTERPLAY OF PERSONALITIES & EXCHANGE OF IDEAS!!!
• Minor disagreements occur from time to time, but that is all part of being human. Because we are Sisters, we are to work them out in a caring, sisterly fashion!

3] Chapters will be successful if these 3 things exist: There are STRONG FRIENDSHIP TIES Each member is given an opportunity to EXPRESS HER IDEAS Each member is given RESPONSIBILITIES in the chapter

4] Eliminate transportation problems to meetings and various activities.
Encourage car-pooling.

5] When you welcome a new member (transferee, pledge, one who progresses] do you consider similar interests and make allowances for differences? How boring it would be if we were all alike!!! Do you practice tolerance? `...more tolerance for our fellow beings through a better understanding of them."

6] How about your programs? It's important you make them as interesting as you possibly can!

7] Do you have small, satisfied groups not interested in looking ahead? Doesyour chapter tend to be clique-ish? Cliques can do a lot of harm, so we need to stay away from those. Always remember that WE ARE BOUND IN A UNION OF UNBROKEN STRENGTH ... which makes our Golden Circles the special, safe place we love. It is important that all of us within our chapter circles work TOGETHER IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP --- FOR THE GOOD OF ALL!

Did you hear about the prospective member who was invited to a Christmas Party? It was her first Beta Sigma Phi activity. As she came into the room there was a table filled with holiday favors and she was invited to take one.
*wreath - had a crooked bow
*snowman - the broom was upside down
*stocking - - had a knick in the heel
*tree - the star was off center
She looked, searching for a PERFECT FAVOR and found a candy cane, without a flaw. Later that evening, prizes were awarded to all those whose favors had slight imperfections. This member said she learned right then and there that in Beta Sigma Phi we look beyond the imperfections and find the prize of a new friend!

This is a basic lesson for us in Beta Sigma Phi ... to look beyond the imperfections. Sometimes we need to look harder and longer than at other times, but we can find the Friendships if we but LOOK!

What can you do in your chapter to build strong ties of Sisterhood?
1] Have Happy Talk/pass Blessings Bag
- Share something good that has happened since you were last all together

2] Any kind of exercise in getting-to-know you
questions that give insight into your chapter sisters
share unusual experiences .. we've all had them!
embarrassing moments .. we've all had those, too!!
share the glory and wonder of YOU!

3] Whenever a member is sick, make sure everyone knows. This insures a better feeling than coming to a meeting after having been sick and finding that nobody even knew!

4] When you have guests, do you make them feel welcome?
Do you make contact with them after the meeting or activity?
When they join, do you make them feel like you are really glad they are in your chapter?

5] Do you make an effort to talk to each member at each meeting, even if only briefly?

6] Do you visit with new members in-between meetings to become better acquainted?

7] When members are absent, for whatever reason, do you follow-up with a phone call, note, email to let them know you missed them being there?

I have a devotional book that was given to me by Minerva, a very special friend and sorority sister. Inscribed inside the cover she wrote, "because I care" How could the feelings of Beta Sigma Phi's s be expressed more beautifully?

8] Do your chapter sisters really know how much YOU care about them?

If friendship is taken for granted, it cannot be expected to grow and strengthen. All of us at one time or another, have expected our sisters to know what we are feeling and why. We are not mind readers.

Friendship grows and produces that close, sisterly feeling when together we share with and care for each other.