I'm bumping this thread up. Please see http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...threadid=48762 about discretion regarding expansion. Feel free to chime in.

I posted in this thread recently. I said that Alpha Xi Delta had a strong chapter at a nearby university and that they're great girls. I also said that I didn't know much about Phi Sig's represenation in Central Florida. I also said that the existing chapters at FIT are under-represented in Central Florida, as there weren't many chapters in that area.

Ironically, the above thread about discretion revealed that some were offended by the FIT thread, this thread. I then realized that my comments must have appeared that I was biased toward Alpha Xi. I deleted my original post in this thread.

I didn't receive any PM's or comments asking me about my post. But you know what: I'm sorry. I'd really like to apologize to people for hurt feelings, whether intentional or no, if they feel hurt, for posting my opinions on Greek Life in Central Florida.

Apparently, I have just learned that the moderators thought I was very out of line with the aforementioned post that I deleted on my own, without anyone asking, and posted about my comments in their mod forum. Moderators, I don't know exactly what you wrote or said about my comments, but please, can someone please let me know if you're upset before you go around debating my writings?

So, I'd like to ask all fellow Greek Chatters, if you don't like what I post, here or in future, please PM me and let me make amends. I'm not a bully. I am a fellow Greek and I care about your opinions and your feelings. I would hope you also care about mine.

Thanks.

My Pleasure to answer you POST!:D

I give a A ++ for it!:cool:

While the Previous Poster made comments that were to the best of her knowledge, there is really not a reason to get in such a snit over it!:eek:

I am sure, that all she was doing was sharing her knlowdege from what she might know!

Having gone back and reread all posts of the Threads, I saw nothing so bad for a person to get condemnd!

Everyone has opinions and that is just hers from knowledge she has!:D

I really don't think anyone was THAT upset about your previous posts... I think that the other thread was just started so that it DOESN'T get completely out of hand in the future.
I can say when I read your post, as a Phi Sig, I was thinking to myself... "does she know how many alum we have in the area ?... because honestly, I can tell you where we have chapters in that area and Florida in general.... but I can't tell you how many would come to support a new chapter there and I AM a Phi Sig... but I wasnt mad or anything... not a super big thing... but I do thank you for your post it is very Panhellenic of you :D

Nobody got condemned. Read an entire thread before you assume.

Maybe it was just trading Spit?:D

Denounce someone/something then lets throw the gauntlet down!:D

There was a poor Horse who carried a Fair Naked Maiden who had a cause, It was Killed!:o

The Fair Maiden Who Rode The Horse was spared! Why?

Oh, Her Name Was Not Marian!:p

I would have to agree with that statement as well (since our alumnae support was also brought into question).

However, I got thinking about my own chapter (at a small school) and really have to question why alumnae support is as important as people make it sound. And no, I am NOT referring to a lagre school (so don't bring it up).

My chapter didn't have alumnae support for god knows how many years (if ever really) until a few years and there is still only a handful af alumnae and yet we are one of the top groups on campus. And even now, they would prefer to do it all themselves.

I'm not disagreeing that alumnae support is important, just that a chapter can be successful without it. I think alumnae support is good for building future members who value the lifetime commitment.

Well at this point, after some pissy replies, I'm wondering if this thread should die. So far all I've really seen are a bunch of misunderstandings about existing chapters and possible future chapters.

I know that Gamma Phi Beta has an existing alumnae chapter, and that they definitely love their alumnae. I see girls who have graduated come back to visit, and girls who stay local sometimes come out to events. But their alumnae aren't a huge, overwhelming presence, just like ours aren't. I would say, however, that because of their alumnae chapter, their alumnae are a little more organized than ours. But hopefully with next year, we will have a more organized local alumnae base as well.

Gamma Phi Beta was installed at Florida Tech in 1981, and Alpha Phi was installed in 1990. (Sigma Kappa was also here from some time after 1981 to 1997, in case anyone was wondering.) Combine that with a very small female population until the last 6 years or so (and even then, it's 5:2 in the guys's favor), and you'll see that we couldn't possibly have the enormous alumnae base that large universities have. Total has been 40 since at least 1990, and like I mentioned, 2003 was the first time anyone has hit it.

However, I do know that Alpha Phi has some sweet older alumnae from FSU that live in Brevard county. :) I'm not sure if there were any other chapters in Florida, but I know we have several alumnae chapters in Florida, just none within about an hour's drive of here.

ETA: I think that's where the snowbird thing ties in. There's a lot of alumnae chapters clustered near big cities such as Orlando or Tampa, but Melbourne and Brevard county simply isn't that big.

I agree... alum support isn't all its cracked up to be IMO.... it's not like all 100 (or however many million) alum in the area are needed anyway... only a handful... who are dedicated.
I'm sure greeklawgirl can tell us exactly how much support is needed as she was one of those "alum supporters" of a new AGD colony I think last year (maybe two ?) that just got chartered.

Hmmm...well, the answer to Glitter650's question is yes and no. You don't need hundreds of alumnae to make a colony a success, but it certainly doesn't hurt. And I do believe that it takes more than a handful of alumnae, because only having a handful is a guaranteed way to burn those women out.

Alpha Gamma Delta's newest chapter is located in an area where we didn't have any active chapters nearby, so to some people that might have been interpreted as a sign of "weakness." However, what an third party wouldn't know is that Alpha Gam does have over 2,000 alumnae in the area. We also had two members of our International Council and two members of our Volunteer Service Team nearby. Alpha Gam also committed a Leadership Consultant to the colony throughout their entire colony period and for some time after. While we obviously did not have a need for all 2,000 alumnae in the area to pitch in, we had MANY alumnae volunteering to help in one way or another. Alumnae support is not the end-all-be-all to successfully launching a colony, but it definitely helps.

BTW, the chapter is now at total and very successful. They are the alumnae's pride and joy! :)

Especially at night... :) Delta IIs and IIIs put out a decent light show, but none compare to the Shuttle's SRBs! :)

I think it's very important to expand in areas where you're not strong. After all, how are you ever going to gain any strength in that area unless someone sticks their neck out?

I think that with 10-20 local alumnae (and I feel like I'm overestimating for possible burnout), a new chapter would be just fine. Also, the local will have some girls graduating at the end of the year who will be staying in the area (or trying to) that I know would help out. I'm a fellow bridesmaid with one of their alumnae. :D

http://www.digitalend.com/pics/girlscout1%20copy.jpg

Just to kinda finish off this thread... for those who may be curious I'm proud to say that Phi Sigma Sigma will be colonizing at Florida Tech.

awesome news!!!!!

Congratulations to Phi Sigma Sigma!