Salaams and welcome to board! This role is based off of building community relationships with one another and ensuring that the sisters get the resources, support, and sisterly love they deserve. That being said, while this role seems flexible and simple, it is definitely time consuming and a full time responsibility. However, with the will of Allah (swt) and sincere intentions, you can make it through the year and improve the growing sisterhood inshAllah!
One of the best practices that I would highly recommend would be to plan an outline of the socials before the semester starts (ex: plan all the fall socials in the summer and all the spring specials during winter break). In addition, all logistics of a social should be planned prior to posting the event/making it public. This would be in regards to all socials, but specifically has to do with socials that require food, travel, and reservations. Also, don’t be afraid to ask other board members for help and try your best to have all sisters on board present during events
Being a role model for the sisters is important. That being said, sisters in the community will look up to you and ask you random advice, share private and very personal information and seek your advice, counseling, and emotional support/shoulder to cry on. Since none of us are trained counselors and therapists, try your best to make them feel better, hear them out, and lead them to the right resource.
Resources: Tang Center, MMHI Counseling, Scholars (ex: Dr. Rania Awaad)
There are many things the sisters director can do to ensure that she is accessible. Being present in Muslim spaces is really important as sisters will get the chance to talk to you. Having a social media presence can be important since you can add sisters and personally send them invitations to events on fb. Also, saying salaams/being present at tabling is very important.
Be active in terms of continuously reaching out to sisters. For example, always introduce yourself, give sisters your contact info, regularly check the sisters’ page/sisters’ housing page. In terms of communication make sure that there is a sifters group chat which can be a place in which sisters can communicate with each other for any reason. (ex: Sisters can freely communicate about events/rides/gym seshs, etc). Also, regularly check your email/fb friend invites/ fb messenger requests. Lastly, sisters will reach out for help (esp freshmen) and sometimes you are their first look at MSA, so be friendly!
