Something like that.

Maybe the whole chapter and even some of the alum should go talk to her. This sounds like she wanted to bring down the sorority that just started. The President is the the only person one can go to. Go one step above her and talk to the CA or the AF.

Well G. Balling (sp) came and she loves us so she didn't see anythign wrong with what was happening and it may not have been happening when she came to visit. Also our old ELC Brynne came and said some things but and tried to straighten out some thigns for recruitment that no one told us. hehe. But on the outside it looks like we are ok.

Even for well-established chapters...
 

... it's a struggle to keep any level of focus on alumnae relations and outreach. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a young alumna (and not only of our sorority, BTW) complain that once she graduated, she never heard about anything, I'd have enough to endow a Foundation scholarship!

Collegians are focused on their own very busy lives, including their studies, their jobs, their loves, and the details of their chapter events. When they do remember to tell alums about upcoming events, it's often about 3 days before the event itself (which works less and less, schedule-wise, the older you get). This is one of the things I have simply learned to accept over time as the reality of being an alumna. It will not change.

If you want to be involved (and it's clear that you still feel lots of love for the chapter), then I encourage you to either (A) be sure that the Chapter Advisor and/or AF knows that you are willing and available to be an advisor or (B) join forces with the other alumnae around you, and come up with events and activities that, by definition, will involve the chapter. You sort of have to insert yourself into their calendar and lives -- serve things up ready-made, such as "dinner with the alums on X Date" -- or call the CP or other officer to request the chapter calendar, explaining that you want to be sure the alums are prepared to support the chapter the way the members need and deserve to be supported. (But then be sure you're involving yourselves to a level appropriate to alumnae -- that can obviously turn into a whole different issue.) As with almost anything in a volunteer organization, you really need to take the bull by the horns and steel yourself with the mantra that Alpha Xi Delta is your sorority and, come Hell or High Water, you're going to continue to work to make it the best it can be. Successful chapters are not made and maintained by passive collegians or alums, so don't feel obligated to sit on any sidelines! :)

Re: Even for well-established chapters...
 

Well as a new chapter (according to the chapter not me) one there is no chapter calendar. I personally tried to get everyone to use one but that didn't work. And because nobody communicates with eachother this weekend the sorority is stuck (for lack of better words) with big philanthropy project Saturday all day leaving campus for retreat and pre initiation ceremony and then coming back Sunday for initiation and chapter. Which most of the girls can't make the retreat because it is one for the frats formal. And they don't think they have a problem.

I also found out from a member that alumn can't get involved with their initiating chapter until three years after you graduate. THat is another reason why they have left me out.

I love you alum dinner idea. I think I can pull that off. I wish I thought of it soon enough I would have put it on b4 formal.

Re: Re: Even for well-established chapters...
 

I don't think this is true - one of the girls from my chapter graduated in August 2005 and is now president of the chapter's housing corporation board.

Re: Re: Even for well-established chapters...
 

They might have misunderstood - rules like this are usually that you can't be an ADVISOR until how ever many years after graduating. I've never heard of a prohibition in any sorority against recent alums helping w/ rush or being on a house corp board.

Re: Re: Re: Even for well-established chapters...
 

that's correct. You can't be an advisor to your chapter for 3 years after you graduate, but you can help with recruitment, be on the corporation board, join or start an alumnae association, be a mentor to an active member, help with a chapter other than your own, or volunteer on a regional or national level. Lots of things to stay involved.

All you wonderful ladies are what make sisterhood so wonderful. You have been really great for me this week. Thank you all so much.