Even though SWE is a professional organization, we all enjoy socializing with other members of the club. Despite the rumors, engineers are social creatures! Socials give us time to bond and relax with other members of SWE, which helps strengthen the club. It is always more enjoyable to work with someone that you know on a personal level.
But how do you get people to go to social events? As engineering and technical students, we have lots to do, and often don’t feel that we have time to have fun.
Organization
Thoroughly plan the event and make it organized. Be prepared with all necessary material before people arrive. Nothing is more frustrating than to show up at an event and have to wait around for it to begin, even though it was scheduled to start 30 minutes ago. Members will not show up to socials (or other events) if they feel their time is being wasted. If it is too overwhelming for one officer to plan and prepare the social activities, then ask another member to spearhead the effort, or form a social committee for the officer.
Theme
Social events are always more fun when there is a theme. However, dressing towards a theme can get tricky. For example, Halloween is just around the corner, so a fun social might be to carve pumpkins. It brings back good childhood memories, especially for freshmen who are craving for Thanksgiving break to come so they can visit home. Having a costume contest might be a little tricky. It creates more competition than bonding, and many students will not want to walk around in their costume all day, or carry it with them.
Other themes during the year could be
- Winter: Cookie decorating
- Valentines Day: Watch a romantic comedy and drink Shirley Temples (red colored drink)
- Spring: Decorate clay pots and plant seeds in them
- End of the year: Photo frame decorating (got to have a place to put a photo of you and your new SWEsters!)
Whatever your section decides to do, make sure to involve creativity and keep it simple! We have probably spent most of the day doing complicated things, and need an activity that allows our brain to unwind. Also, don’t forget to have ice breakers so everyone gets a chance to introduce themselves.
Has your section done a fun social that you would like to share? Please comment or email rcce-b@swe.org to get it posted on the blog!
Great post. I love the ideas!