Excellent. Can we also agree that AI was basically intended as a way the organization could extend membership to a non-initiate that had become involved with the organization?

Those ties don't come out of nowhere for most women, though, and I think forming the ties is the hardest part of the AI pursuit.

If you've got a close friend or family member that is part of the org you're looking to join, the ties are likely there and the pieces will fall into place relatively quickly, I'd guess.

If you don't, you have to start somewhere, make the contacts, and ride it out. That's the hard part, that's the part where you really have to shine, and that's the part that also (IMO) makes or breaks you as an AI candidate.

Is it easy? Well, let's see--took me almost fourteen years. Tell me if THAT's easy! ;)

Liz

I would say yes.

Re: Oh hell no!
 

That is absolutely NOT what James said. Were any of the people you mentioned longtime chapter advisors, mothers of undergrads, graduated colony members, or local sorority alums of new chapters?

If they were not, you have no reason whatsoever to be offended, which you would know if you had read past the first two lines of his #2 point.

His point is that AI IS difficult when you don't have previous ties to the sorority, because when it was originally created as an option those (longtime chapter advisors etc etc) were the only people who did it in large numbers. So now the process will of course be difficult for people not in those groups.

DGMarie gets it, please tell me some other people do too.

Re: Re: Oh hell no!
 

I got it. I didn't see anything wrong with what James originally said. Sure, he posted it in his usual charming style ;) , but the message was crystal clear to me. Generally speaking, if you go into the process with some experience with the organization, you should have an easier go of it. When you don't know someone and are coming in cold, be prepared for a difficult process.

My AI experience was far easier than most, and I know it wasn't typical. There are exceptions to every rule, and if I could give one piece of advice for anyone who is considering it, is to STOP READING GC THREADS about the process. Anecdotal evidence is nice, and it's always interesting, but no one should ever take those threads as the how-to manual for pursuing alumna initiation.

I agree with James too. My AOII experience was smooth sailing all the way. It is typical of other AIs that I have met in RL.

I have a friend who is an AOII and she invited me to Panhellenic and AOII functions all the time. I had advised a local and really missed my chapter. She was keeping me involved in Greek Life and introducing me to her other friends. One day, she asked me to join AOII because I worked with them and fit in with the AC. I was flattered because it wasn't something that I expected. I was just helping out. My 4-year anniversary is coming up soon and it is one of the best things that I have done.

Trust me I get it and have gotten it for a long while
 

I think it was the "charming way" (cough cough) it came across.

I do agree if you are in the right place at the right time and know/get in touch with the right people it is much easier. Sometimes it is sheer LUCK

Still ya gotta wait. Let me tell you if you got the "G-d gimme patience and I want it NOW" attitude, it is difficult as hell. But ya get over it and wait

Going in cold. HARD as hell. Kinda like you are 16 and looking for your first job and all you see is "experience required". How in the hell can you get a job or the experience if no one helps you get your foot in the door? So in that aspect it is tough

However if you don't do your homework (research the orgs, etc) beforehand and if you don't use DISCRETION, then you have no one to blame but yourself if it is difficult

I think we can all agree on that

My sister is wise.

Are you saying that the AI's that agree with me also don't know jack shit?

I am still not sure what logical basis people are using to argue with me. It seems like an emotional reaction happened over a non-emotional observation.

Edited for sense.

Where is an AI who agrees with your first post?

See 5 posts up.

I agreed with what James said. For me and my circumstances, his interpretation was accurate. Everyone is getting so fired up! :(

People are fired up because James (I like you dude, I really do, but......) there's a time to pop off at the mouth, and a time to cork it and some people think he got those confused this time.

I blew off this thread for a while because I wasn't going to let some usual GC shit-stirring ruin my day on Saturday.

While we're on the subject of "respectful disagreement" I'm throwing this into the mix.

Wrong.

My input on similarities between NPHC graduate intake and NPC AI came after several discussions w/ colleagues IRL who are active NPHC alumni/ae. They didn't feel insulted. Therefore, you, James, do not need to be a final arbiter on what is appropriate, or insulting, or whatever. You're not involved. Hence the negative reaction to your "respectful" comments.

Similarities I've noticed and discussed with the RIGHT people:

--NPC orgs often are more open to post-college women who can show (in some way) that their heart is set on THAT org and no other. NPHC approaches intake the same way. (Reference several threads on the topic right on GC.)
--As stated by Jill (hey, buddy!) numerous times in this thread alone, discretion is key. That is, you keep your preference under your hat while the org is deciding that you are a match for them. Blabbing any sooner is often considered distasteful.
--W/ NPC AI, prospective alum members are expected to document a history of community service and good character and the ability to be active in the fraternity. Ditto the NPHC orgs, at all levels.

Since the first steps in either process are most important, they are not "superficial".

I'm not going to offer any degree of agreement on anything else because of the turn the thread took: you started off with a bull-in-a-china-shop approach to this topic, knowing full well what kind of heated response you would get, then negotiated down to something more palatable. I'm not going for that today.

--add

bump

Co-sign ….

I have a lot of respect and esteem for those that are going through the AI process. From the stories I have read here on GC, it can be very difficult and time consuming. I feel bad for those people that have so much to contribute and are just waiting for the chance to become involved in a sisterhood. In my opinion, we should offer membership to ALL of those that want to be involved and that help us drive the vision of our organization.

Jennifer