Tom - It's not affiliated with any national conference. It's a national service org. So I'd be allowed to rush. It even says in our constitution that members and nonmembers of social Greek orgs are eligible for membership.

Here's the thing - if the girls really need my help, I'm considering staying
until the end of the semester. (They are paying my dues, so won't have to worry about that.) Some major things need to be changed, and if they're actually willing to work on it, it is possible. I kind of feel like if I leave now that I know their problems and their willingness to fix them, I'd be deserting my friends. Confusion!

I think that it is very honorable for you to stay and help the chapter with their problems (if you choose to do so). In one sense it is the essence of service to others. However, you have to be careful and set boundaries for yourself. Consider yourself a consultant who is being paid by this group for your help (they are paying your dues, aren't they?). Point out the problem, and lead them in discovering the solutions and enacting them. BUT DONT TRY TO DO IT ALL YOURSELF!! If you do that, the chapter will not learn anything, and will fall back into the same problems as soon as you aren't around. In order to make this semester successful, the first thing everyone has to do is prioritize what is most important. They may have to cut back on mixers/socials, and increase sisterhoods/chapter meetings to work on "first things first".

You can also think about it like this: You are an officer who is handing your office over to your successor. You can guide and advise, but you can't continue to do the job; she has to do it. When she asks you to do part of her job, you must refuse, and explain why.

I wish you luck in your decision, and also with NPC recruitment!! If you need anything from me, please let me know!!

PsychTau

Well, I decided to stay for the semester. We finished up our first week of rush tonight, and when I met the girls that were coming, I just loved them. I was very impressed with 2 in particular. The sorority is taking care of my dues, and the other problems have been addressed and partially remedied already. I'll be going alum at the end of the semester instead of just leaving. We pulled enough girls in tonight to keep the chapter open, and we've still got another week to go. We've completely changed leadership. That was the BIGGEST issue. They've got our first mixer planned with a fraternity, and the president told me tonight of things that we'll be doing to build up the chapter. I feel really good about this decision, but I don't plan on staying past this semester - I still think I want to rush in the fall. Thanks for the support ya'll!:)

Thank you for the clarificvation of your status!

I am a Proud Member of APO, but a prouder member of LXA!

Something to think about also?

If you have enuff time, why not look at a NPC Soroity?

Jusat a question.

That's wonderful that things are going well for you now! It's so sweet of you to help them out, and I'm glad you all got some great new girls. A lot of times it seems the new members in any sorority can really help get old members excited again about being involved. I'm sure the new girls will have some great ideas and help pull your chapter together again. Keep in mind what PsychTau said, though. Don't put too much responsibility on yourself, because a sorority is a group of girls supporting one another, not one girl keeping all the others from falling. :)