Pledging after age 20
 

I am older than most of the people at my college, as I took an eight year hiatus from college to get married and have a child. I am really interesting in pledging a specific sorority, but I wonder if people will think I'm pathetic because I'm already 29.
My feeling is that when you want do something, you do it. No excuses. No whining about I'm older; too matured: too busy, but am I only justifying my case. Please help if you've been where I am currently.

If that's what you want to do...go for it! The only problems I can see you running into is the fact that you are married...some or all NPC sororities do not allow you to join if you are married (there have been posts on this previously). If this is the case, see about being a patron (not sure if all GLOs do this, mine does) or advisor or something.

Good luck!

Hey!

You could just go through the Alumni Intiation program...especially if there is a specific sorority that you want to join. Just contact that sorority or better yet, if you know someone who is affiliated with the sorority, they can gain assess and information on the whole process.

I love your enthusiasm and no-nonsense point of view! Please don't worry about what people think, you're not pathetic for wanting to be involved (and 29 is too young to be naming yourself Grandma!).

Let me tell you about one of my Chapter's founders. Like you, she took a hiatus from school (she did a stint in the military) and came back to school in her late 20s. She was (and still is) one of my Chapter's most active supporters; she is in fact sponsoring our newest Colony! She lives a full an active life, besides her job and a committed relationship.

So don't worry about what people think. If an greek organization truly values quality membership, then they will realize that you're there to be a truly active member. Best of luck, let us know how your experience goes! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
equeen
A Lioness has her Pride!
@>--;--
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies

It depends on the organization in question. Go to their National homepage and do some research. I can tell you its not terribly uncommon in the NPHC www.NPHC.com to have older interests pledge as collegiates. Do what is in your heart and if it does not work out, seek interest as an alumni member.


------------------
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

In the NPHC it does not matter as long as you are a full time student and have the time to commit to the sorority. Take it from me,I know because I was in your shoes. I am so glad I went through to become a member of my beloved sorority. Of course, NPHC has graduate membership also.

Actually, ADPi doesn't have an alum initiate program--I checked.

Some of the others (NPC) that do are:

Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta
Delta Phi Epsilon

ADPi does have an alumnae initiate program; here is an excerpt from an email which they sent me:
"Alpha Delta Pi does consider, in special instances, women for our Alumnae
Initiate program. According to our policy, potential members must, however
be recommended by an Alpha Delta Pi collegiate chapter, an alumnae
association, or three individual Alpha Delta Pi alumnae members in good
standing." http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

ADPi does indeed have an alumnae initiate program. Here is an excerpt from an email from ADPi: "Alpha Delta Pi does consider, in special instances, women for our Alumnae
Initiate program. According to our policy, potential members must, however
be recommended by an Alpha Delta Pi collegiate chapter, an alumnae
association, or three individual Alpha Delta Pi alumnae members in good
standing." http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

I stand corrected. My information was from the response that I got from their (ADPi) National office where they basically said they didn't have such a program.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SigKap:
You could just go through the Alumni Intiation program...especially if there is a specific sorority that you want to join. QUOTE]

I do not know of any GLOs that have this process. Which ones do you know of?

I do not know of any GLOs that have this process. Which ones do you know of?

For NPC sororities, many have alumnae initiate programs. such as:
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Sigma Tau
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Pi Beta Phi
Sigma Kappa
Zeta Tau Alpha

These are only the NPC ones that I KNOW OF. There are likely others as well. Check their websites out, some have info directly on them. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Dear Non-Grandma, http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

One of my sisters was 25 when she pledged. Go for it.....I would bet your commitment level will be above & beyond that of most of your pledge sisters.

Since you are still in school, you would join the regular way, not through alumnae initiation.

Alumnae Initiate programs

Delta Delta Delta has one too.

Beryana, I guess we are BOTH right! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif My response was also from Head Office, so they probably do it on a case by case basis, as opposed to having a full on program. I find that some websites give it more attention than others. Gamma Phi Beta has it directly on their website.

Grandma,

Age is nuthin but a number!!!! Do your thing. I am 28 and a leo http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif so I feel ya on the pride. But put it away and follow your heart. I see the age as an asset. We are older and perhaps a little more focused---DISCLAIMER---that was no disrespect to anyone younger http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif. Just listen to yourself and I think you will be just fine!!!

Grandma (though not quite)...
I think it's fantastic that you'd like to pursue membership in a sorority at our age. I'm 28 myself and I did the same thing. I think older women have a great deal to offer to sororities. We've learned much more about life outside of college and can pass that on! The very best of luck to you!

Grandma, If youreally want it go for it. I don't know if this is going to help at all but, I must tell you I recently crossed a line and the ages ranged from 19 to 34 years old. They did what they had to do and made it. being in a sorority is for life, does not matter when you join.
YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP!!!!!
Good Luck

I am planning on rushing at age 24 myself. At first I had doubts; would I fit in with the younger brothers, would I feel out of place, would they consider me for intiation...

After posting with other members of this board I am now confident about my decision to rush... I feel that my added years can contribute to whatever fraternity I may (lord willing) get into, and that I may prove to be a positive role model for my future younger brothers.

Keep the faith and go with your heart, I am!

Best of luck

------------------
Faced with the Divine, I was asked; "What one gift do you seek?"
I answered ever so meekly; "I seek Honor, Truth, Integrity, and Wisdom, yet those are four. How am I to choose?"
The answer came as a pounding whisper; "The four you seek are but one. I grant thee Compassion; for without it the four make none."
Author - me

Definitely do it!

One word of caution: I have seen new members come in that were older and more mature than some of the younger ones, and in effort to fit in actually seemed to act less mature. Or they would be silent instead of contributing their perspective and ideas to the organization. This is a tragic loss both to the person and the chapter.

So when you do it. Do it http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Sigma Sigma Sigma has just developed an Alumnae Initiate program.

My sorority has a sister that is 31 years old, and a sister that just had a baby. We have a pledge this semester that is older and had a school aged son. These women are people that I look up to, because they took the risk and pledged during their busy lives! I say go for it!

I'm 29 and I just went over. It's never too late to go after a dream.

Grandma (not!!),

I've heard that the most popular pledge in my daughter's huge pledge class is 23! Also, let us not forget all the men who came back from World War II and pledged--I hear that my husband's uncles had a fabulous time in Kappa Sig.

Please rush! Let us know how it goes!

hey, well I wish you much luck in going through rush, whether they take you or not, it's still an experience, and also try locals and other such groups, cause there guide lines are always so strict.
One and Much love DGP http://www.homestead.com/deltagammapi/index.html