Phi Alpha Delta chapters may hold initiations and events in-person as long as they are following local/university guidelines and the latest CDC recommendations.
However, chapters may choose to continue virtual events or have hybrid events. Check out our virtual event ideas below. If you need additional assistance, contact the Executive Office at info@pad.org or 410-347-3118.
Consider scheduling regular check-ins with members, such as a simple email or social media message. Consistent communication can go a long way in keeping your chapter members engaged.
If your chapter had in-person events scheduled that are now cancelled, consider how those events could be moved online. For example, if your chapter had a speaker scheduled to come speak to your chapter, see if that person can still speak
to the chapter virtually.
Here are some communications tips as you plan for, promote, and host events:
- Conduct your initiation ceremony virtually through a conference call or video conference.
- Make sure you have the correct contact information of your members. If you need a chapter roster, email membership@pad.org.
- Video chat/meeting hosts should use one of P.A.D.’s zoom wallpapers to maintain professional branding.
- Send fun reminders that boost excitement.
- Be patient! Members may show up a few minutes late. Make sure the host shows up early. Consider having an icebreaker planned or music playing.
- Thank those that took the time to attend and participate.
- Assign someone to record meeting minutes.
- Follow up. Ask attendees about their experience and what they might like discussed next time you meet.
- Conduct your initiation ceremony virtually using the guides below, which include an amended version of the Initiation Ritual more suitable for the virtual format. Please use these materials in conjunction with the Ritual Handbook when
planning your ceremony.
- Pre-Law Chapter Virtual Ceremonies
- Law or Alumni Chapter Virtual Ceremonies
- Official Images for Virtual Ceremonies
- During your ceremony, take a screenshot to share with the P.A.D. network and for chapter records.
- Use one of P.A.D.'s Zoom wallpapers (or create your own!)
- Create a new leadership role for a member to serve as your chapter's social media ambassador or influencer. You might already have a public relations chair. Their duties can include creating and sharing attractive social media posts and
reminding members about upcoming virtual events. This role should work closely with the rest of your Executive Board officers.
- Contact your school to find out if they plan on holding a virtual recruitment or involvement fair. If they’re not, offer your services to help create one for to serve all the student organizations on your campus.
- Virtually check in with potential new members to find out how they’re feeling, For example, create a poll with responses such as “I’m Fantastic!”, “I’m Alright”, “I’m Not Doing So Good”, “I Need Help”. Follow up with members who may not
be feeling great.
- Send some snail mail. Send invitations to join to any student that has shown an interest in Phi Alpha Delta.
- Share memories of past events on social media so potential new members know what to expect once in person events are safe to resume. Ask your seniors to participate and share their favorite memories.
- Host a recruitment skills video conference. Practice answering FAQs about membership, explaining the membership process and benefits, rehearse talking points, roleplay asking members to join, Use the responses to create a sample script.
- Take this time to review your chapter's website and social media presence. Create a website if you don’t already have one. Make a post to your social media pages if it's been awhile. Send any new or updated links to the Executive Office
at info@pad.org
- Schedule a weekly “officer hours,” or “happy hour,” or “café time,” phone call/video chat. Set up an open chapter chat time – sort of like an open forum – to encourage communication between members.
- Host an online book club. While this can be a legal-themed book, it doesn’t have to be!
- Start a chapter newsletter to keep everyone connected. Share information from members, advice, official information from your schools, or even birthday messages.
- Host watch-parties or online movie club. Again, this can be legal-themed, but it doesn’t have to be.
- Attend an online event as a chapter. Many in-person events have been moved to virtual platforms. Choose and “attend” an event together. Visit the P.A.D. calendar for
the latest information on upcoming P.A.D. event and webinars.
- Go live while creating arts & crafts with Phi Alpha Delta's Greek letters or colors. (Examples: Banners, t-shirts and apparel, hair bows or headbands, painted coolers, decorated cookies, serving tray, gavel, shadow box displaying pins or graduation regalia)
- Participate in an online yoga or workout class as a group. Host a chapter fitness challenge and post about it on the P.A.D. Health Initiative Facebook Group.
- Visit the P.A.D. Career Center and utilize job boards, resume review, career coaching, and more.
- Schedule a speaker to present to virtually on any professional topic. Use your P.A.D. network to recruit speakers from across the country. Email info@pad.org to be connected with speakers and alumni practicing
various areas of law.
- Attend a free CLE online workshop or webinar.
- Exchange resumes with your chapter members for peer review and advice.
- Encourage students to join the Phi Alpha Delta Society of Scholars. Those that are accepted can be honored during your next virtual meeting.
- Ask graduating members to share their best study tips and share during a “graduate sendoff” party.
- Enlist a professor or faculty member to give a virtual talk/webinar to about a specific class.
- Develop a weekly virtual “study hall” group for your chapter.
- Offer tutoring or an academic help program where members can ask for help with specific classes.
- If you don’t already have one, set up an online outline bank.
- Create a mask-making initiative and donate masks to those in need.
- Pick up trash during your neighborhood walks and post 'before and after' pictures.
- Host a 'story time' for children. Create a video of reading books that promote positivity.
- Organize a grocery shopping and delivery service for those in need.
- Make a donation on behalf of your chapter to a local charity (Examples: food bank, local emergency funds, etc.).
- Volunteer virtually to programs like Meals on Wheels' Telephone Reassurance Program; check your local Meals on Wheels for the program’s service availability in your area.
- Organize virtual wellness checks on the elderly or shut-in friends, neighbors, and P.A.D. members.
- Volunteer for the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers Program at https://www.abafreelegalanswers.org/.
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