Beginning my AI adventure!
 

Greetings GLO members, alumnae, PNAM's and AI's!!

I have been browsing the forum for several months now, and reading about Alumnae Initiation. I have also checked out many of the posts of current PNAM's , and have been so much enjoying reading their search stories as well. I have been considering pursuing a sorority organization since I began college. However, during college, because I went to a very small school, they only had one National Sorority that belonged to the NPC. The school also had other sororities that were local. I didn't feel as if any of those organizations really were for me. So, like other PNAM's, I just went through college, and had my own groups of friends. I was also very close to many of the sisters of one local sorority but never accepted the open bid.

Now that I am in graduate school, I am almost 24, and I am very involved in local volunteer groups. I also work with children who have behavioral disorders. I feel as if I would like to pursue an organization of women who have the same values and goals that I do, and a social group who I can contribute to.

I have contacted several organizations about their AI programs, and I am now in the process of learning about many organization and about thier programs, beliefs, philanthropy, goals, and values. I must tell you that with many organizations I LOVE WHAT I SEE and I am so very excited to begin this journey!! If you have any information I would be more than grateful for it! I'm in the first stages of my "Adventure" and my search, so I will need plenty of help and support along the way, and by reading posts from this forum, I am sure that I will find that!! So, THANK YOU!! AND GREETINGS TO EVERYONE!!

Welcome and congratulations on a very exciting decision!:D

I think it is great that you are examining many organizations right now. Find out everything you can about the groups. I realize that every person on this board is taking her own approach to AI, but I strongly encourage you to find one (or maybe two, if you must) organization(s) to focus on after you have investigated several. Remember, if your first choices fall through, you can always begin again. From what I've seen here, approaching several groups at once can be confusing and risky.

It sounds like our experiences are similar. I am 24 years old, and I'm in grad school. I also was friendly with one sorority on campus, but I declined my bid as well. The time just wasn't right then. Now, I'm ready, and I'm excited!

Best wishes for a successful journey!

LM

From one alumna initiate to a potential alumna initiate, I wanted to say WELCOME and GOOD LUCK! If there are any questions you have, feel free to PM me at any time.

Welcome! We will look forward to hearing your story as it unfolds!


Lizz (PNAM tinydancer)

Hi Celestia*Shine!


Welcome to the PNAM club! :D I wish you the best of success on your AI search! If there is anything you feel too silly asking on the public board, please feel free to send me a private message!


PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

Welcome to GC...I have added you to "the list".

Hey!! Welcome to GC!! I am so excited to have another PNAM's story to read!! Good luck on your journey-can't wait to hear about it!!

THANK YOU!!
 

Thank you very much for your welcome Louisa MAy, Sistermadly, tinydancer, and Navane! I must admit that I have been reading all of your posts and your own "adventures" for quite some time, and I so much enjoy reading your stories!! I was so happy to hear from all of you, because I know that you know what the process is like and will be able to give me lots of advice and tips! :)
I have checked out almost all of the PHC organization member websites, and looked at #1 of course some information on what they are "all about" what they stand for and value as an organization as well as the history, and updates on current community activities. Also , A.) if they offered Alumnae Initiation programs B.) If the organization had a alumnae Chapter close to where I am located.
It was a little disappointing when I came accross a wonderful organization--and they didn't have an alumnae chapter even CLOSE to where I live. Its kinda disappointing when that happens because it seems as though if there is not an alumnae or colligiate chapter near you, its obviously difficult to get involved. Do you know what I mean ?? Have you had any of these similar experiences??

Well, at any rate, I am still searching and browsing and reading and just enjoying this experience! THank you cutiepie2000 for posting the helpful and informative thread about the AI process and advice, I have found it EXTREMELY helpful and I often refer to it as I am in the process of searching. Thanks again!

WEll that's enough for today! Hope all is well! Looking so much forward to this experience with ya'll:)

You too JENNRN
 

Hey Jenn! Thanks for your welcome as well. I posted my reply and saw that you had posted while I was typing! Just didn't want to leave you out! Thanks again!:)

I was just initiated today and it was worth the wait! Welcome to the search and if you have any questions I will do what I can to answer them and to help!

New News!
 

Hey Everyone! Today is Monday, so, over the weekend, I contacted several organizations to learn more about what they are "all about". I have been going to websites, and checking out their links and info. I have recieved replies from 3 organizations, one organization did not offer an alumnae initiate program--only to those who are under VERY specific circumstances. The others had difficulty finding a chapter and even a collegiate chapter within 50 miles from where I live! How frustrating!! Has this happened to anyone else?
Continueing the search!....:)

hi....i used to live where you live now! my family is still in the area!

ok, now that i am done with that excitement, lol, i just wanted to wish you the best of luck finding a home.

Another option you might want to consider is initiation as a graduate student. I know that Alpha Xi does that...it's possible that other groups may do so as well. It's just a thought! ;)

Good Luck
 

Celestia*Shine


Good luck to you on being a PNAM. I have been browsing the forum and considering a few GLO's myself. Everything happens for a reason, and I hope that we both find a group that is right for the both of us. Have fun and enjoy. Good luck.

Amanda

good luck :D

How exactly does that work and do you know if its very common? I would think if they join through a collegiate chapter it would be violating NPC rules. Just curious.

Hi! I've been wondering about the same question. In another thread under "greek life" in the general forums, another poster had this question and had many replies, check it out.
http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...threadid=42304

Unfortunatly, I don't have to worry about that because my university doesn't have greek organizations because its a catholic institution:( I wish there were though!

Just curious....
 

HI! As most of you know, I am currently pursuing the Alumnae Initiation process. I have many questions that have I have encountered throughout my search and have compiled a partial list here ( I hope that I didn't leave any out, but I'm sure that I have). Answer one or all or none!
Any opinions would be wonderful! These are intended to be a brainstorm of ideas that I have been pondering throughout my process,and I definately do not intend to offend anyone. Let me know if I should add any more! Any reply would be wonderful--thanks again:)

?'s for PNAM's:
1.) How did you find out about the AI process?

2.) WHat was your motivation to pursue Alumnae Initiation with a greek letter organization? Why were you unable to join as an collegiate ( if that was a factor)?

3.) During your search, what were a few of the most important aspects that you were looking for in an organization? Why did certain organizations stand out more than others?

4.) When first contacting an organization, which approach(s) did you use ( i.e. email, phone, word of mouth, ect.) and how did you introduce yourself or your inquiry about AI?

5.) Do you think that the organizations that you have been in contact with responded to you in a positive manner?

6.) How have your family, friends, co-workers responded to the process of AI? Are they supportive, or do they shun the idea?

7.) What is your overall opinion of the process of AI? What would you change? What are some of the positive aspects? Negative Aspects? Do you have any advice for organizations to improve their program?

8.) How has the process of AI impacted your life?

9.) Ultimately, what do you expect to gain from the experience of AI? What do you expect to contribute to your organization?

10.) What are some important attributes that you have that would contribute to your organization of choice? How would you make a significant impact on the service that your organizatoin supports?

As you and I talked via PM, I did not know that you have posted Previously.

I think that you can find the supprot that you Need Right Here!

If you would like to post questions on the Alum Thread, do, but please keep the AI to this thread!

You will get plenty of advice from others who have gone through it and will give you support.

There are more here that know about AI than anyother Thread.:cool:

ITs my Birthday!:)
 

Hey Everyone!

Today, I'm 24! Where does the time go? It feels like I just graduated from college yesterday! Time goes so quickly after you turn 21, its really crazy! I'm spending the day working, which isnt' too bad because I usually really enjoy Saturdays at my job ( I work with Kids). I love birthdays! Just thought I would share!:)

Happy Birthday! Have a great day!

Woo woo! Happy Birthday!!!!

:) :D :cool:


PNAM,


.....Kelly :)

C*S--
Welcome to the AI process! I wish you the best of luck in finding your home.

You mentioned in one of your posts that some of the groups didn't have local alumnae chapters or even collegiate chapters near you and you wondered how you would get involved without those groups near by. I would like to offer that there are many ways to get involved and be a part of a national sorority beyond local alumnae associations or chapters. When I joined Delta Phi Epsilon I immediately became an international volunteer working with all the chapters in a particular region. I have since taken on other positions in the organization overseeing teams of people who serve our chapters as volunteers.

I recently moved to an area of the country where we have one chapter, a new colony and now a new group that will colonize in the Spring. There is no alumnae association but I have gotten in touch with other DPhiEs from my area. I will advise the chapter beginning in the Spring and I am working with the interest group during their colony process. I also am involved with the local alumnae panhellenic. As you can see--I am VERY involved in my organization without an alumnae association nearby. I do have intentions of starting one before I leave though-- :)

Again, I wish you the best of luck on your search. If you really want to find a group with a local alumnae association nearby, it might help to determine which of the organizations are concentrated in the NE and start there. :) And belated Happy Birthday!!!

Heather

Heather, thank you for you post!:)

This is an insight that can be of help to a lot of PNAIM.:)

As iam sure you have noticed, there a heck of alot Alms on GC. We are here for the same reason:

We Love Our Greek Organizations and what the Greek Organizations were able to make and let us do!:cool:

i'm back!
 

Thank you all for your well wishes! They are greatly appreciated:). During the holidays, things were a little crazy with me. My grandmother (who I adore) was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, and within 2 weeks of the diagnosis had surgury to remove the tumor (which was this past Wednesday , Jan. 7th). I also started a new job working with Autistic children. So, needless to say that I unfortunately haven't been "on the ball" so to speak with my search. With things settling down a little, I am definatley planning on starting where I left off in December. How exciting reading all of the posts from the other PNAM's and I now want to continue my search full force! Hope everyone had a nice holiday!

Re: i'm back!
 

Drama happens at the WORST times! I understand how you feel. I had family issues and illness coming out my ears at the end of the first leg of my AI search. It's life, it happens. You get things under control as you're able and then keep on truckin'. ;)

I've gotten my second wind as well and it's time for my search to resume. Don't worry, you're still par for the course.

Adrienne
:D

Just checking up on you!