Why are you NOT involved in an Alumni/ae Association?
 

Hey all,

I am interested in finding out (in general, not specific to your GLO) if you are involved as a member of an alumni/ae chapter and if not, are there any reasons specifically why not? (don't have time, not interested in XYZ)

I appreciate any information you can give me!!

Best wishes to all!

What is this research for?

I am staff and am trying to figure out ways to better engage our alumnae members throughout their lifetimes. Finding out why members DO NOT engage post-graduate is a way that we can start to look at how we can encourage them or provide benefits that would spark interest for them.

Does that make sense?

It might be a better idea to actually ask your sisters then ask GC members.

Staff for what, an alumnae chapter of a sorority?

I agree with Psi U.

Unless they are not involved because they can't be reached ;)

This is general for men's and women's groups:

I'd say having correct contact information will go a long way, and making sure members are invited to appropriate events. Nothing will turn people off more than being asked for money but never inviting them to events like initiation or when graduating seniors become alumnae/i. If you don't like someone get over it and be a good example for the collegiate members and if they are that disruptive and causing problems handle it appropriately.

Realize your alumni and alumnae members have different life situations and continue to invite them and ask them what they'd like as things change. People get married, have kids, care for elderly parents, go to graduate school, change jobs and someone may increase or decrease involvement based on life happening. Unless someone tells you to never contact them a gain, dies, or is no longer a member there is no need to not reach out to them and keep them in the loop.

Oh and some people don't do internet, so create a phone tree for those members and try to coordinate rides if they are unable to drive due to age or ability or a one or no car household.

The OP seems to be asking about graduate/alumni/alumnae chapters. Not about alum of collegiate chapters being able to be reached and contributing to the collegiate chapter. The difference matters.

Every graduate/alumni/alumnae chapter has active members or they would not have a chapter. So, the OP should ask the active members; the leadership should brainstorm about reclamation efforts and reaching the inactive sisters with hopes of finding out why they are inactive, and getting them to become "members." Greek sites should never be the start or end point for such information.

ETA: I was financial and active after I graduated and am in an alumnae chapter. I know why I continued to be active and financial and I also know why many Sorors did not/are not. Alumnae/alumni/graduate chapters that have done the research also know why. :) This is why I asked what kind of staff she/he is because a general answer is difficult to provide without context.

Ah, I had Alpha Gam mindset in that our alumnae chapters are often tied to the support of a collegiate chapter, and so the two are intertwined. We also have paid our alumnae fees when joining as a collegian so anything in the future is optional.

I still stand by if you can't reach people they can't tell you why they aren't involved.

Very true. There are many ways to get in contact with people and host events to get visiting brothers and sisters to consider reactivation. Afterall, if these people supposedly can't be reached to answer a question, it may not matter what GC says about the question.

I'm not invloved for two reasons- the first is time- with three kids (ages 2-7) plus working full time, I am pretty busy.

The second reason- I am a wimp. I HATE going places (to meetings, gatherings) where I don't know anyone. Especially when the meeting is at someone's house. So the idea of going to someone's home whom I don't know for a meeting full of people I don't know based off of a generic newsletter that was sent is enough to send me into a full blown anxiety attack.

Maybe if someone contacted me over the phone and I met them first, I would do it. But I don't exepct the alumnae chapter to do that. I do want to eventually get over this and join...

For you, it may be anxiety, but in general, I think meetings in people's homes is a bad idea. I don't know why exactly. But I only conduct alumni meetings (for APO) in neutral locations like a restaurant or on a campus with adequate space. (Or meetings are not too formal to have in a restaurant)

Meetings for my non-Greek fraternal group are mostly in public, though we decided to have two summer meetings at members' homes that have wonderful summer amenities. We have drawn many members from another group with similar aims but not limited by gender as we are so most people know each other or the facility we borrow from their other membership.

I'm big and bold so I'd go to the home of someone I've vetted because were both members of an organization but I can see how some people may not be comfortable with that and tuck that away for planning meetings. My sister is in a group that meets in public but select members who are closer have met in people's homes, which became drama when someone who wasn't invited found out, oooops.

I agree - I personally am not as focused when i meet at people's homes. Plus people are squeezed together on the couch, theres the "shoes on/shoes off" situation, never enough chairs, possibility of pets and children running around. Definitely enough to cause anxiety.

Sometimes Alumnae Chapters make it seem that if you cannot do the maximum, your work is not appreciated. My sister is a physician and she would love to participate more in her sorority's alumnae chapter. However, she feels like the one day a month she'd be able to donate would be unacceptable. Maybe if you make it known that even the smallest contribution is good, people will be more willing to dive in.

I've never attended a general membership alumnae meeting at a home. That sounds like a bad idea, especially since graduate/alumni/alumnae chapters range in size from about 30-400 people with about 5-10% of the membership attending the meetings.

Committee and programming meetings at homes, sometimes if this is convenient for all attendees. I attended one this week.

ETA: OhMyCron: I hear that a lot and I think that's an excuse, and a poor one at that. Grown adults have figured out in their community service and religious institution experiences that even the smallest contribution can matter even if some people try to make them feel like it's not enough. I think people use this excuse because they themselves feel they aren't giving enough and are embarassed or they would rather pretend it's someone else's fault that they aren't contributing.

Yeah, the local alumnae group here would have 20-30 women tops but not all show up or are involved, and some do double duty as alumnae and collegiate chapter officers/advisors. The core group is less than 10 in town but overall is much larger. Since this is a rural area that makes sense but I can imagine in Boise or Seattle it is quite different. I can think of two metro areas where Gamma Phi Beta has more than one group (Seattle and Atlanta) because the members have mentioned it on GC. Granted Alpha Gam has alumnae chapters, alumnae clubs, and Junior Circle which operate differently and in the same areas, and women may be a member of all three. The Junior Circle has averaged about two to three women, but perhaps with the new programming we're rolling out the 5th years who are alumnae will be involved.

Also I need to clarify that when i said we paid alumna fees at Initiation these are alumnae fees related to the International organization to receive our magazine, and that local clubs, chapters, etc. are likely to have their own local dues for their own events and needs. These are paid separately and widely vary.

It's like being a member-at-large versus affiliating with an alumnae chapter.

Reasons I've heard over the years:

• As a collegian the only time I ever saw an alum was at Homecoming, so the thought never occurred to me.
• There isn't an active association where I live.
• I don't know how to contact them.
• I tried, but no one ever returned my calls/emails.
• They've all known each other for years. What if they don't like me or I don't like them?
• I'm intimidated to contact women I don't know.
• They're all older/younger than I am, so we have nothing in common.
• All they do is fund raise/community service work. It's no fun. Or vice versa, all they do is socialize and I want to do something for my community and/or GLO.
• In college I was active in everything. Once I graduated I just wanted to take a break. Then came my job, marriage, kids, etc. Now I don't have any free time.

^^ Zillini summed up everything I've heard. Plus dissatisfaction over expensive dues/financial commitment.

I wasn't active for 10 years in med school/residency. There wasn't an alum chapter anywhere near me. As soon as I moved, I joined two alum chapters until I decided which worked best for me, volunteered as a collegiate adviser and started taking on positions in one of my alum chapters. Sometimes not being active really is for a legitimate reason. I'm just glad I have so many opportunities to give back now.

AOII Angel took my answer!

I really wish I could be active, but with med school, it just isn't possible. I pay my alumna dues though, and try to make it to my chapter's philanthropy events since I am still in the area. I would love to serve on the House Board one day, but that's not going to happen for another 8-10 years.

Almost forgot the classic:

Too much drama, internal politics, cattiness, ...

[QUOTE=VandalSquirrel;1881843
Also I need to clarify that when i said we paid alumna fees at Initiation these are alumnae fees related to the International organization to receive our magazine, and that local clubs, chapters, etc. are likely to have their own local dues for their own events and needs. These are paid separately and widely vary.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I paid my alumna fees as an undergrad too, but then AOII changed to "Life Loyal"- and the company that runs it, and somehow those fees no longer matter.

Yes, I am bitter, and I think Life Loyal is partially a scam by the company that sold it to the different GLOs.

Another big one is having events that you can- and want to attend. Even if the group is historically primarily one age group or only has interests in XYZ, don't have events that exclude others. In 4+ years I have not been able to attend a single business meeting because they last 3-4 hours (including business, lunch, and chit chat) and are in the middle of the workday. That excludes anyone who works during the day, and thus excludes a major age group. Same for other types of events... be sure that you have a wide variety that will appeal to many people. Dinner club, book club, moms, bridge, walking, etc. Variety is a good thing for everyone.

I didn't realize it was a company and not an in house thing. I figured "Life Loyal" was making a donation and you get special perks at Convention or trinket items. I know when my life insurance was going to Alpha Gam as part of the Corinthian Society (I changed it to go to my aunt as her cancer medicine is something like $4,000 a month, ridiculous! and if I get hit by a tractor my family would want to help her out anyway) that there was a special designation as other donors have gone to a special meal at Convention and what not.

I'm somewhat torn as I like that I know I'll always receive The Quarterly even though we're going the electronic route, but I do realize we are businesses who need cash to operate. However I also believe that the money from my wealthier sisters who donate supports me and others in ways that will enable us to earn more money and we will be those bigger donors in the future.

I contacted a local alumnae chapter when I moved back home to go to a CC closer to my family and save money, but after the initial "We got your e-mail, we'll certainly let you know what we have happening!" message, I never heard back from them.

At this point though, 10 months later, I'm not really looking to try a second attempt at contacting that chapter and becoming involved since I could very well be moving out of state next summer.

I feel very fortunate after reading some responses here. I took time off from being a part of my alum group as I have an intense career coupled with three very small children close in age. I still paid dues, but I just could not make it work for a while.

Sure, when I went back the first time it was a bit awkward for 30 minutes, but I was welcomed with open arms. I was the youngest one there and they couldn't have been more happy to have me there. It is tough to walk into a new group when you do not know anyone, but if you are open and have a desire to build new relationships it will happen. I can't tell you how many times each sister told me to keep coming and be patient. They really made me feel like a part of the group immediately.

We have one outdoor kick off each year in which we bring our hubands, boyfriends or a good friend and then the first meeting is also a kick off once again in the president's home (so I guess you could say we have a double kick off!). She does a super job and it is all about fun and friendships. This year involved an amazing dinner in which each of us helped prepare parts of it while she explained to all what we were doing. I could go on and on about what an amazing job she did, but I won't.

We meet the next few times at various restaurants chosen by all members in a vote. Then, we move back to a home meeting. We just vary it a bit and really have a lot of fun. I do encourage everyone to give their group a try!

I just don't really see a reason to be active in the local alum chapter. I see all of my friends from the sorority anyway, so why pay additional money to socialize with them?

Do you and your buddies do community service, programs and initiatives, assist collegiates, and attend conventions together, too?

Most alumnae/alumni/graduate chapters are much more than ways to socialize with your friends. I know that some alum chapters only get together to hang out but people can change that if they want their alum chapters to actually do something significant.

Well, my point is that the local chapter isn't offering those things, so it doesn't appeal to me much.

Do you and your buddies offer those things? Is the alum chapter receptive to offering those things (are you sure they don't offer those things?)? Have you all tried to join and see what happens?

The local alum chapter is most likely offering the things that the chapter members want. They won't offer things that nonmembers want.

There are so many women's organizations out here and community based sororities that don't even have collegiates and do great things (not just socialize) so I just don't get the whole, "I don't see a reason to be active in my sorority after college" or "What reason is there to do AI?" thing. Sure, you can join one of those other women's organizations to do community service and make a difference but why not do it with your sorority sisters and keep the committment you made in college? And as far as being too busy, I have seen women in the alumnae chapters of my org and other orgs go to school, take care of a family, work, and still find time to contribute something to their organization year after year, so I think people make time for what they choose to make time for. I think what some are not admitting here is that some/many only see their sorority as a college thing; hence, the popular "I used to be a _______ in college." Let's be real.

Depending on the area of the country you are in, it may be that those other women's orgs carry more weight as far as professional or social associations than being in a sorority alumnae chapter does.

What does this mean?

That's the point. And why doesn't their sorority carry as much weight? That's the question. It's nothing to be ashamed of if that's indeed the case but let's not lie about things. If it's true that after college, your sorority experience is over and the committment is not in fact lifetime as many claim, than people need to own up to that.

You misunderstood what I meant. Sorry I wasn't clear. I meant that even though you may want to be involved with XYZ alumnae, it will help you get much farther in your career or where you want to be socially to be an active member of the Women's Professional Alliance, or Junior League, or whatever. Some women have time and family constraints and need to make a choice. (I'm speaking completely hypothetically, not personally.) In other words, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

I know someone said farther down the thread that they felt like if they weren't involved in EVERY meeting, EVERY activity, their involvement was not welcome. IMO this occurs because chartering an alum chapter is too easy and requires too few members, so those members have to do everything or the chapter will flop. From what I can see, the NPHC is smart and doesn't have this problem. If chartering an NPC alum chapter was as hard as chartering a collegiate chapter is, I think more women would value it more and want to do it more.

Sorry but I consider this to be a horrible excuse. The spirit isn't willing if this is the case. People need to not only claim they don't have time, they need to admit that they honestly don't want to do it because they have already ranked the organizations in their life.

Plus, it is a little anti-sisterhood/brotherhood and a bit condescending. But, I can only speak for the NPHC. In many areas with NPHC alumnae/alumni/graduate chapters, even the smallest of chapters, one of the best ways to find "who's who" and get access to some professional and social outlets is to be a member of the chapter/get to know the members of the chapter.

I know people who wanted to climb to the highest of professional and social ranks in an area and didn't realize that their sorors and frat were already in those ranks waiting to lend them a hand and lift them up. Then some of them get asked by their sorors and frat in these nonGLO organizations "are you financial and active in the sorority/fraternity?"

Actually our alumnae chapters can range from having just 10 people to over 100 but you're right that the process to charter is quite similar for undergrad and grad. It's a serious committment and if you are chartering with a small group of people, you already know that you will have to be involved in everything and should have the time for this.

My main reasons:
1. School & Time
2. $$
After I graduate, one of the first things I will do is reactivate.

I was inactive before due to finances so I understand. The difference is that you plan to reactivate as I always did.:)