Phi Delta Theta knows that to effectively attract, educate, and provide value to today’s college student it must also understand, communicate with, and engage the parents of its undergraduate members. Many of the Fraternity’s best chapters successfully involve the parents and families of its members throughout the year, and the Fraternity believes this regular and structured interaction between parents and their sons serves to improve and enhance the entire Greek experience.

Currently, the strategies that drive parent engagement at the chapter level are quite varied. As Phi Delta Theta embarks on its next ten-year strategic plan, Phi Delt 2030, it has committed to building a Parents Council. The council will consist of five to seven parents who will provide parent perspectives, experiences, expert advice, and best practices for developing a healthy and mutual relationship between General Headquarters, chapter leadership, universities, and the Fraternity’s parent base.

Phi Delt 2030 Goal Statement:

Create an environment that encourages parents to be well-informed and active participants in the success of Phi Delta Theta.

Phi Delt 2030 Objectives:

• Find committed Phi Delt parents and introduce an International Parents Council to help us understand parent perspectives and needs by 2021.
• Develop a focused collection of content to educate the parents of our members and potential new members about the Fraternity and the opportunities to be involved by 2021.
• Build parent advocacy by challenging the Parents Council and members of the Parents Clubs to develop strategic content by 2021.
• Understand structures of current Parents Clubs and create resources that facilitate the development of Parents Clubs at 75 percent of our chapters and colonies by 2030.
• Empower parents to serve on Chapter Advisory Boards and House Corporations so that they make up 20 percent of the Fraternity’s chapter-level volunteer corps by 2030.

Phi Delta Theta is searching for parent volunteers to serve on its Parents Council and guide the Fraternity’s parent engagement strategies. Desired expertise areas include advocacy, parent clubs, communications, education, and marketing. The initial meeting will take place in conjunction with the Fraternity’s Presidents Leadership Conference on Saturday, January 11, 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri. Further meetings will be executed quarterly by conference call.

Complete the Parents Council Application

Application deadline is November 30, 2019.

All questions surrounding the initiative can be directed to Editor of The Scroll and Engagement Coordinator Kelly Derickson at Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters.