Safety First
Writer: Carly N. / Editor: Ariana W. / Photographer: Abby W.
From philanthropy events to date functions, chapters’ social events are a major part of the Panhellenic experience. These events are an amazing opportunity to socialize and have fun for all types of people. These extravagant events rely on an immense amount of planning that takes place behind the scenes. Without proper preparation, these events would be unorganized, potentially unsafe, and arguably impossible in the first place.
Grace R. currently serves as Alpha Delta Pi’s Vice President of Event and Risk Management. Grace describes her role as two jobs in one, event planning and risk management. “The event planning part of my job is super fast-paced and always changing,” Grace states. The event planning aspect of Event and Risk Management is what originally sparked Grace’s interest in the role. With this position, Grace exercises her creativity to help plan fun and unique events for Alpha Delta Pi. Grace works hard to ensure that date functions and other events are enjoyable for all of her sisters, which allows for a social environment that continues to grow sisterhood bonds.
Grace describes the Risk Management aspect of her role as “The brains of the operation.” In order to make sure that events are safe and risk-free, Grace has to anticipate all of the potential risks that could have a negative effect on the event before the event takes place. With this knowledge, Grace must think through these potential risk factors and create innovative ways to prevent them from occurring. Taking on this position has allowed Grace the opportunity to develop Alpha Delta Pi’s Risk Management curriculum and committee. The Risk Management Committee oversees all events including date functions, sisterhood events, and more. Additionally, Grace has implemented new systems to prioritize safety, one of these systems being a numbered wristband system for date functions to make sure all people attending the event are accounted for. Though the task of creating an entire Risk Management Program from scratch may seem daunting to many, Grace has embraced the experience and is enjoying the process.
Throughout Grace’s time in her position, she has received an abundance of support from her sorority sisters. Grace describes her sisters as being incredibly patient as she worked to create the new Risk Management program. “They have been so supportive and encouraging,” Grace explains, “That support is so helpful especially when you’re creating something new.” Grace is thankful for her sisters' constant assurance as she charters through new territory. Her sisters express how proud they are of Grace’s new program in addition to expressing their gratitude for all of the hard work Grace has put into her position. This encouragement from her sisters has driven Grace to continue to improve the safety and planning of events.
Holding the position of Vice President of Event and Risk Management has taught Grace countless lessons. “The position has taught me to be understanding and patient.” Grace says, “I've learned that not everything will be perfect on the first try, but it's important to keep trying. Messing up is good because it means you're learning.” This position has also brought Grace to recognize her passion and talent for event planning. As of now, Grace hopes to eventually work for a major sports team and to continue creating new and innovative ways of keeping events fun and safe. Grace’s positive outlook on mistakes and love of event planning will undoubtedly take her far as she continues on the path of event planning in the future.
During her time as Vice President of Event and Risk management Grace has provided her chapter with priceless opportunities to bond and enjoy each other's company. Grace’s creation of the Risk Management Committee and curriculum has positively impacted Alpha Delta Pi’s event safety and will continue to do so for many years to come. Grace’s passion and talent will without question leave its mark on the way Risk Management is accounted for in the Panhellenic community.