Finally!!!!!!!!
 

Hey gals! I've waited for what feels like MONTHS AND MONTHS, and it's finally happening - I've been invited and will be attending a meeting tomorrow night! I'm excited, but of course nervous. The question now is, What do I wear? I thought about wearing a long khaki skirt and a nice sweater. Is this ok, or should I dress up more? A skirt at all is a change for me... ;)

Wish me luck, and any advice you could give would be awesome.

For those of you involved in other sororities - what did you tell your sisters about pursuing Beta Sigma Phi? I'm a little wary of how my chapter will take it.

I'm SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Crystal

CONGRATS!!!!!!! I wish you the best of luck!!!

I am in two orgs right now, Phi Sigma Sigma, which I am alumna of due to financial reasons (500 bucks a year, I cant afford it!)

And Tau Beta Sigma, honrary sorority for the college bands (yes, we are in DRUMLINE! granted you have to look for us... but...)

One of my Phi Sig sisters (Lisa) is pledging BSP with us, my little knows about it, as well as a few others. We had asked my little to join, but shes pres of Phi Sig now... The ones that know give full support. The ones that dont are the ones that would have a prob ("You left us, how can you afford another?!" they said that even when I stayed in TBS... hmm lets see... 500 bucks, 48 bucks?)

Well, lets see out of 10 active members of TBS we have: Me, Emily, Sara and Jess (my TBS little!!!) pledging BSP, and Lisa (yes, the Phi Sig) is inactive in TBS (she couldnt be in a band, which you ahve to to stay active) So all are cool basically...

If anyone has a problem, remind them that BSP is truely FOR LIFE! You can be ACTIVE for the rest of your life, unlike a college linked sorority in which you are active for the years in school... and then alum - which in that case you choose your level of activeness.(is that a word?!) And even if you are active, its not as much fun!

BSP encourages you to grow intellectually and culturally, and to make new friends and new connections! BSP allows you to reach out to your community and meet new people, not just students! BSP keeps you learning about the org by progressing into new degrees as you grow within the organization...

Can I gush anymore?! I have TRUELY fallen in LOVE with BSP!!!!

tee hee...

*mwah* and MIZPAH!
Alison

Stay tough. You know what I've been through with the girls in my sorority. I'm taking a leave this semester to pledge BSP and no one knows that yet. I'm nervous about them finding out too. But all I have to say is that if they're you sister they'll support you decision. Maybe they'll even join with you.

I joined Beta after I became an alum, so it didn't directly conflict with being in 2 orgs at once. Of course its probably a moot point since KZPi has closed, but only 2 of my KZPi sisters know that I am also a Beta, but I don't think the others would have minded.

Re: Finally!!!!!!!!
 

Your outfit sounds fine. Good luck!

Well, I went to the meeting last night, and although the ladies were very nice, I don't know how well I'd fit in with them. They seemed, for lack of a better term, a little on the wild side. (There was talk of table dancing, male strippers at parties, etc.) They have wonderful service projects, though, which I really like. I know there are a couple of other chapters close by - should I contact international and ask about them? I like these ladies, but really don't have much in common with them. They've invited me to their Valentine's Dance and to their next meeting. Advice?

Man, I wish we could swap potential chapters... I would LOVE those girls, it sounds like :) I haven't done a darn thing since I talked to the lady from Milwaukee's local chapter... :(

:D Guess I'm with Ginger on that one. I'd love to have a local chapter with those girls. LOL. At least you these's a chapter near you with younger girls in it. all the ones in my area are over 40.

They are ALL over 40 except for 1 lady - she's in her early 30's. Most have children my age or in high school. They're really nice, though, and have some great service projects. By the way - I was WAY overdressed. Better than underdressed!!! ;)

LOL...that is kinda wierd then... when you said that about the table dancing etc. I was thinking of 20-somethings... my friends and I have been known to do such things..... but I might get wierded out by it if they are my parents' age :)

A girl contacted me about starting a new chapter here in the area. I'm so excited! She's my age, and so are the other girls she's talking to. we'll see how it goes! We're going to try to have our first meeting in a couple of weeks.

MTSU-

I saw in your greek life thread that you disaffiliated with your other sorority.... I'm so sorry to hear that :( I can't remember... were you in a local, or where were you affiliated?

I'm excited for you that you are going to go through NPC rush... are you still going to try Beta too?

*hugs* from one almost-Beta to another :)

Ginger - I was in a national service sorority. I will definitely be helping with the new chapter of Beta. I'm SO excited!! I haven't decided about NPC rush. I would LOVE to, but at the same time, I'm almost a senior. Granted, I've still got a couple years due to transferring and a change of mahor, but it's hard to get into a sorority here. It's near impossible (I've heard) if you're not a freshman.

Thanks for the encouragement! Everything I've seen and heard about Beta Sigma Phi has already shown me that expereinces like in my (former) sorority are not the norm.

How exciting! I hope things turn out well for you.

Now I have a dilemma
 

The chapter that I visited last month is really sweet. I went to another meeting tonight. They're a good deal older than me, but they're awesome. The thing is, a girl my age has gotten in contact with me about starting a Friendly Venture. I know that I will be asked to join at the next function I attend. They love me to death and are so excited that they could have a "baby sister" as they call me. I really want to be with people closer to my age, but I don't want to hurt their feelings AT ALL! I know I want to be a Beta, but the dilemma is this - do I join the older chapter, or do I start the FV with the other girl? It's nice to think of joining a chapter that is not only established, but a chapter that sincerely loves each other. (If you've read some of my other threads, you know I've had problems with the group I'm in now that doesn't even like each other.) Then again, it's also an awesome thought to think that I could help bring about a new, youngest in the area chapter. Advice, pep talks, stories, etc. all welcome and appreciated!

hmmmm....that's a tough one!
 

Well, of course, I think you should go with your gut instinct. If you feel that by joining the established chapter you will always regret having not helped to bring about a new group of Beta Sigma Phis or if you will regret not having sisters your own age, go with the Friendly Venture. On the other hand, if you feel confident that you could join the established chapter and throw your whole heart and soul into embracing and developing the sisterhood that is already there, accept the invitation. However...if it were that easy, you wouldn't be in this situation;)


My experience has been similar to yours. I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega, but as an undergrad, I really felt that I had missed out on the loving sisterhood I saw in the GLOs around me. I discovered Beta kind of by accident, and I waited and waited to be invited to a function. I was finally asked to visit a nearby chapter of middle-aged women. By that time, I had already talked to a few people about starting a Friendly Venture, so I felt torn! I didn't want the local Betas to think that I didn't like them or that they weren't good enough, but I knew that with a Friendly Venture, I could create the sorority experience I had always craved.

At our last chapter meeting, each member wrote a note to every other member on an index card. Then, each sister made a book of the notes that were written to her. After reading the messages from my sisters, I knew I had made the right choice. Most of them thanked me for helping them to meet these great women who they probably would never have come to know without Beta Sigma Phi. I thought I might explode with pride and happiness. I finally found my home, and I helped others to do the same.

I don't want to push you into doing the Friendly Venture, but I do encourage you to think about what you want to get out of your sorority experience. Can the existing chapter meet your needs or are you up to the challenge of creating what you desire?

Good luck! Either way, you will soon be welcomed into a world-wide family. I can't wait to call you my sister.

Beta Love as Always!

Erica

Erica thank you so much! If not for you, I wouldn't even be interested or know anything about Beta. Your post gave me some things to think about, and although I'm still not 100% sure on what I'll do, it is helping me to clarify some things. I told everyone last night about you posting about Beta and hearing about it through you, and they were terribly impressed that one girl's enthusiam sparked so much interest. I thought what I'd do if I decided on the FV is send the other chapter a thank you letter and tell them what I've decided. I have talked to one sister about it, and she said that if I decided to do the FV, that they would be willing to help. I'll let you gals know what I decide!

Thanks!
Crystal

I met with Delaney today to get some fliers and talk about our first meeting, which is March 2nd. I'm so excited! I'm talking to some other girls later tonight about coming! It's finally underway!!!

Crystal

I'm so excited for you, Crystal! You have been patiently hanging on here, and you SO deserve to be a Beta Sigma Phi. I can't wait to hear about your Friendly Venture experience! Keep us updated.

Erica:)

Hope all goes well today!

I feel like I'm on a freaking teeter totter
 

Well, after getting to know the girl that wants to start the new chapter, I decided to join the chapter that is already established if I'm invited at the next meeting. She's been very negative, and let us know that "she's in charge and will be deciding who gets in". She is anti-party to the point of she wants to do ONLY service projects. I do volunteer work on my own - I would like some of the funs stuff too, thanks! The other chapter is somewhat older than me, but they've been so sweet and there are several new women joining. They really go out of their way to help people, and t's obvious how much fun they have and how much they sincerely care about each other. Thanks for all the encouragement and listening to me go back and forth!

Crystal

Joining a chapter as the youngest sister...
 

MSTUGURL,

I am in the same situation that you are in. I am 24, and the sisters of Gamma Mu chapter range in age from 35 to mid-60s, with the majority in their 40s and 50s. It does feel a bit odd to be the "baby", but my sisters are so open and caring and fun that the age difference hasn't made a bit of difference. Yes, I do wish that there were more sisters my age in the chapter, but I know that we are always recruiting, so it will happen sooner or later. All I know is that the love that my sisters show is greater that our age span.

Beta love,

Nicole

Crystal,
At least you don't have to worry about how you will make a decision! I am so happy that you have finally found a chapter that fits you well. Nicole is right. As long as you feel supported and loved and you're having fun, the age won't matter so much.

Of course, I am glad that someone is trying to start a new chapter, but the negativity you described sounds a little scary. And...I really hope that this girl doesn't take the "selection" of members TOO seriously. I just hate the idea of deciding who "gets in." Beta Sigma Phi is about forming friendships not creating enemies.

Anyway, I am really looking forward to hearing more about your journey. Good luck.

Erica

Please bear with me I'm still learning this "Greekchat thing".

I was a just re-visiting the “Finally” posting from Crysal, Nicole and Erica.
Quotes:
Originally posted by MTSUGURL
“Most have children my age or in high school.”
“...this chapter is somewhat older than me, but they've been so sweet and there are several new women joining.”

And

Originally posted by Nicole
“I am in the same situation that you are in. I am 24, and the sisters of Gamma Mu chapter range in age from 35 to mid-60s, with the majority in there 40s and 50s. It does feel a bit odd to be the "baby", but my sisters are so open and caring and fun that the age difference hasn't made a bit of difference. Yes, I do wish that there were more sisters my age in the chapter, but I know that we are always recruiting, so it will happen sooner or later. All I know is that the love that my sisters show is greater that our age span.”

Its good to know I'm in good company with just about all of you “young’ns” (like I can talk – 36 isn’t too old) to be in the same situation as Crystal & Nicole. At 1st when I started reading through the posts we did not seem to have much in common other than being new Beta Sig’s. I thought I was the only one in this forum at first until I re-visited the posts again. The Age Factor is all relative; I view 55+ years old as being older – you know the age one start getting or qualifying for the senior discounts (so I’ve got about 19 yrs to go) lol. In Xi Gamma Tau, out 16 members there are approx. 3 in there 40’s, the majority in their 50’s and 2 in there 60’s.

I also agree with Crystal, Nicole and Erica replies – its nice to be with peers closer to your age but in BSP age doesn’t matter UNLESS you are talking about 25th, 50th years of service, etc. When it comes to service projects, its good to have some experienced members so your not re-inventing the wheel so to speak.

bump

UPDATE!!
 

I'm revisiting Zeta Chi starting next month. Whoo hoo for me! :D :D :D (I'm currently on a caffeine high.) They vote on me after I've been to 3 events, which is 2 monthly meetings and a social, so I've got 2 - 3 months to go. You gals are awesome to be so supportive! Hope everyone is had a great weekend!

Crystal

I honestly have no idea. Email membership and go to www.betasigmaphi.org. You should be able to find something out there. Good luck!!!

:D
Crystal

"congayo"
 

Hi! Welcome to the Beta Sigma Phi Forum. I am so glad that you are interested in learning more about Beta. Many of the ladies on this board are new to the sisterhood. We have several women who are searching for chapters, starting chapters, or simply enjoying the chapter they now call HOME! I officially became a sister in November, and the experience has been wonderful. I spent all of last summer looking for a chapter, and then in the fall, I began building a new chapter of my own. It was hard work, but in the process, I've made great friends and treasured memories.

Crystal gave you good advice. Go to the Beta Sigma Phi website (that she listed). Take a look at www.betajournal.com as well. Then, e-mail the Membership Department (membership@betasigmaphi.org). They will be able to tell you about nearby chapters, and they will even send out your name to the chapters if you decide that you do want to rush Beta.

Most importantly, come back to GreekChat!!! We love a new "face."

Good luck!
Erica :D

The older chapter can be advisors to the new chapter
 

You could have the best of both worlds and ask the existing chapter to be advisors for the new chapter and do joint socials etc. That way you have their support and friendship, they have you, and you have a young chapter your age and the area has a new Ritual chatper to help build Beta Sigma Phi in the area. It's a win, win situation. Good luck.

Congratulations!
 

I'm so glad to hear it! New sisters are the best news we can have. If you need help with anything, please let us know. International is always glad to hear from you and we are here to help you. Most of us are sisters as well, so we have a personal interest in your success!

Congratulations, congayo! You'll love the pledge ritual. It's something you won't soon forget.

Lots of Beta Love,
Erica

Dress for Ritual
 

We used to require formals for Rituals but nowadays it's usually just a nice dress or even a nice pants suit. I've never had a Ritual where we required the pledge to wear a certain color. That might be a tradition of your new chapter but if so, it's a rare one. Church dress is usually the correct choice. Wear something you feel special in since this is your special time to shine! If you are in doubt feel free to call the chapter Vice President or President if you have their phone numbers, that's what they are there for. They'll be glad to know that you care enough to want to get it right. We tease the new pledges in our chapter and warn them to wear two pairs of clean underwear to the Ritual but we make it obvious we are joking, but most of us don't require anything special just that you come dressed in something that makes you proud and feel special and that you enjoy your special moment.

I had my pledge ritual in May! Congrats sistah! I saw your webpage....very nice! :)

Mine was in jeans! I didn't even realize I was having pledge ritual until Trish (the chapter president) picked me up. :)

I forgot to put my shoes back on before pledge ritual and didn't realise until it was halfway through! I was so embarrased :)

Congratulations!
 

Congrats even though this probably happened already. Are you a member yet? Good luck!


;)