Another AI Story
 

Once upon a time there was this cute perky little girl....Alright enough of that....I am finally taking the uneasy step into the vast vast open space to find a sisterhood. I am in contact with 3 alum chapters. I have a tea on the 24th of april and I have a y-me run/walk on mothers day with another chapter. And, Im waiting on word with another chapter, they are in the mix of changing exec. board. Keep you all posted as I go through this. If you have any ideas on sisterhoods to look at will gladly look at them. Just let me know.

MS

Good luck...I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. (Hey, we're neighbors, maybe! :D )

Good luck & keep and open mind during your search :D

Mich

Edited: p.s. Check your PM box.:)

Open Mind
 

So...like I have said, I have been keeping in contact with a few sororities that have caught my eye. Well, one of them has asked if I would like to participate in fundraiser in May. I accepted and cant wait for it.

I heard from another group and was told that they dont accept AI's and that I should find another sisterhood and best of luck with the whole process.

And, I got a phone call yesterday from another chapter (I so wish I could just say which ones, but like most I am not rocking the cradle before I have too) asking if I wanted to go to a get-to-gether at one of the ladies where they have more "AI's" coming and getting to know them. That's on Saturday night. Crossing the fingers.

Also, a side note I bought my very first car today....I feel so proud I named her (yes i even gave it a gender) Jackie. After, my friend who helped me find her earlier this week.

Keep you posted next week about this coming Saturday.

MS

sounds like things are moving in a positive direction for you.

congratulations to that.

I understand about being descret, I wish I could shout from the moutains about my group. But I will not until, I HAVE a date of inititiation and the badge order is complete.

please keep us posted on your progress.

Alright, mshoole!! Sounds great! It's wonderful that you will have the chance to meet other AIs. What a great opportunity!

LM

Good luck to you. :)

Update on ME
 

Saturday was intresting...I liked the sisters in the chapter but that was really it. The other girls there were all way to out of my league, (meaning they were more older, any had families)...Oh well...I did hear from the chapter though and I have a lunch date with a few of them today...Fingers are still crossed...and I also am doing a project with another chapter with a fellow GC AI in April...we will see

MS

Lunch
 

Lunch was great. I couldnt of been more pleased with everything and the way it went. I was sort of surprised though on how easily it was to talk to them when it was just me and I wasnt feeling like I was being put on a stool being observed. Just thought I would let you all know.

MS

Re: Lunch
 

Sounds great! I'm looking forward to continue hearing positive updates! :)

I'm glad the lunch date went well. :)

thanks~
I had fun like I said earlier...I actually got an email from one of the ladies to come to a "big-wig" meeting later this month..Not sure how Im going to do it since its smack dab in the middle of a business meeting of my own...If anyone has any thoughts would love to hear.

MS

An another update...
 

An alum of one of the sororities I am looking at sent me this today:

Our next meeting is April 21st at 7:00. It is in Glen Ellyn and is about Aromatherapy. The meeting after that is on May 19th and it is at Lou Malnattis in Naperville at 7:30. If I didn't mention, we like to eat in our group. We hope to see some new faces at that meeting since we are going to send out a notice this month about it to Alumni in the area. Let me know if either one works for you.

I will be anxious to hear about school and the rest of your family when I see you.

I would advise against skipping a business meeting in order to go to a sorority meeting. I understand sorority is important to potential members and sorority members, but you also have your real life to think about.

Re: An another update...
 

Lou Malnatti's?? Boy! I'd fly to Chicago right now for one of those deep dish pies!!!


.....Kelly :)

Agreed on that one. Keep your eye out and take advantage of any potential changes with said business meeting, but it's the unfortunate priority. While in college, we were always told 'school comes first.' I suppose that for alum, we should say 'Work Comes First!'

Re: Re: An another update...
 

How about I send you one...LOL...I cant wait for that meeting in May...mmm pizza...

MS

Y-ME
 

So as I am sitting here thinking about the chapters that I have been in contact with recently...I wonder if I am just trying to hard or what. The reason why I say this is because:

Sorority group A: Lots of emails, talking on the phone, meeting with them, and then nothing.
Sorority group B: 1 email, but messages on my cell phone every other day, and then nothing.
Sorority group C: No emails, 1 phone call, but 2 invitations to meet the chapter members.
Sorority group D: No emails still talking on the phone all the time with Headquarters but no chapter around, do I want to start one of my own?

I just dont know if I have the time for anything like that...I am thinking after the month of May I am going to take a summer and do nothing and start up in August or September. Sort of like a break. But, then my biggest question is what if one of the groups calls when I am on break and they want to get together? What do I do?

If anyone has any ideas on this I would love to hear..Mostly so I dont keep "worrying" about this....

Beleive it or not, schools while dont seem to be winding down they are, so are Greek Organizations. They really bust them selves to do things early in the school year and start winding down.

Keep looking into it is all one can do.:) It doesnt happen over night as you have seen on site.:(

>>>If anyone has any ideas on this I would love to hear..Mostly so I dont keep "worrying" about this....<<<



You don't say how long you have been "at" the AI thing, but my impression is that it has not been long. Forgive me if that is not correct. If you take a look at the list of potential AI's that has been posted, many of them have been in the process for a year or more. It takes time and some groups move faster than others. As for starting your own group, I don't really think that is an option for an AI. I am fairly sure you would have to be initiated member of an NPC group to start an alum chapter.
I am not an AI and there are posters who know a lot more about it than me, but my initial reaction would be to tell you to go to any events that you are invited to and refrain from contacting any more groups unless you have been turned down by some of the ones you are already working with. It seems to be unusual in the AI process to be trying it with several groups at once although some AI's will be in contact with two at the same time. Just my .02 cents.

mshoole So as I am sitting here thinking about the chapters that I have been in contact with recently...I wonder if I am just trying to hard or what. The reason why I say this is because:

Sorority group A: Lots of emails, talking on the phone, meeting with them, and then nothing.
Sorority group B: 1 email, but messages on my cell phone every other day, and then nothing.
Sorority group C: No emails, 1 phone call, but 2 invitations to meet the chapter members.
Sorority group D: No emails still talking on the phone all the time with Headquarters but no chapter around, do I want to start one of my own?

I just dont know if I have the time for anything like that...I am thinking after the month of May I am going to take a summer and do nothing and start up in August or September. Sort of like a break. But, then my biggest question is what if one of the groups calls when I am on break and they want to get together? What do I do?

If anyone has any ideas on this I would love to hear..Mostly so I dont keep "worrying" about this....


-----------
Sorority group D is not an alum/collegiate chapter...It is a service only sorority...Does that make since? I have been off and on looking at sororites nearly since 2001. Which I know makes me young if you know anything about me, but I have been real hesintate about joining anything, until know.

I am glad to know that even if I dont receive any notices or phone calls in the next few months, that it may not be becuase they dont like me, they just are "greek-break"...Thanks

I am curious, since you mentioned that you are a member of Beta Sigma Phi, why you are seeking another sisterhood? You may not want to say - but BSP seems to have very active chapters with committed members just about everywhere (and I notice from your profile that you live in a large city).

She's not the first PNAM to be a Beta Sigma Phi - so are Jill and bsp-mich-24. :)

I certainly was not implying that BSP members shouldn't pursue NPC membership and I know from Mich and Jill's posts that they are loyal and active members of both of their organizations.

It's all good! Yup I love both orgs an am upset I missed my Beta meeting tonight due something happening in my family back East

Jill sorry to hear that you missed your meeting.

To answer aopinthesky question. The reason why I am looking for a National Sorority besides BSP is the main fact that, my BSP chapter is heading in a new direction (I am starting a Freindly Venture, and it takes time for the FV Chapters to get on its way, especially in my town.) Also, I was intrested in NPS when I was in college and I always have been directly or indirectly involved with BSP. I think I just totally dodged your question, sorry.

I guess a reason is I like meetings, I like meeting new people, and I can only do so much of that at work and with BSP.

Good Question.

I hope all of the Service Organizational Members rember that they can also be members of Greek Social Organizations.:)

While Greek Letter Service Organizations are there to do Service, so are Social Greek Organizations. Yes, in many instanstancious, there is a difference! Small as it may seem at the Time!

I am a Proud Member of APO, I am a LXA and have many responsiblities to them for what I am doing.

Never forget your herietage!:)

Just Look at Jill, And Michell, that is your answer!:cool:



Jillybean, PM me, need a phone #! DA!:)

Will never get on a Rollor Coaster with this Crazy Lady!:o

Long story Sports Fans!;)

innocent question
 

I'm not looking to be tackled for asking this question, but I feel it is legitimate---

Why the interest in joining a sorority post-college? The alumnae don't have the same kind of structured programming and activities as you'd find in a college chapter. Why not join the Junior League, Sandpipers, etc.-- a women's volunteer organization that also involves socialization, leadership training, etc.

Just curious on what the big deal is-- sisterhood is just a fancy word for "friendship" and you can have a similiar experience in a civic organization or volunteer society.

Re: innocent question
 

You are correct in your assumption that this is a loaded question. It is a very heartfelt subject for many women. I can't give you a personal answer because I am a collegiate initiate, but there are probably as many reasons for wanting this particular experience as there are AI's. Perhaps the opportunity for collegiate membership never presented itself, perhaps someone joined a sorority as a new member and for some reason was not initiated, perhaps a mother wants to share the experience with her daughter when her daughter joins a sorority - there are lots of reasons. No, it is not the same as being initiated in college and the experiences are different, but it is no less special. Many alumnae chapters are very active and do provide the same kinds of activities as the social clubs you mentioned. I am a member of one of those organizations, and I love it, but I do not agree that it is the same as taking an oath with women who you have sought out to bond with.
You don't mention your affiliation and many sororities (NPC or not) don't have an AI program. I think that if your sorority does it then it is a bit easier to grasp. Mine has always done this - even back in the dark ages when I was a collegiate - so I don't find anything unusual about it. I have seen other threads on GC where the sorority members had no point of reference for AI and found it hard to understand.
I think it is a lovely thing and I can think of several women in my life with whom I would love to share this bond. Hope that is at least some help.

Re: innocent question
 

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I felt compeled to answer this question.

There is one simple word that comes to mind for me tradition. To be a part of something that was started over/close too 100 years ago and have thousands of women go through the same thing as you did and anticipate future generations to experience the same thing is mind blowing and something that I want to be a part of. Yes there is the community and philantropic aspects but its bigger than that. THIS IS A SISTERHOOD THAT YOU ARE JOING FOR A LIFETIME, not just in college. Some of us, like me almost went "all the way", by that I mean being initiated, other had other life circumstances that happened to be more important and this is an outlet to finish what we've started.

I have something to add to a sisterhood and I know that I would be a great asset and also I can learn things to better myself. These are some of the reasons of why we are doing this.

Ok I think I'm done.

I hope I answered some of your questions.

ms. gwyn

Okay so today was a meeting that I had to miss. I def. didnt want to miss it, but with the weather that we had on tuesday here in the chicago area, I had to go and work. Okay to better explain. I work for a paramedic/firefighting group in a county one over from where I live. Lots of tornadoes came through while I was out chasing one F4 in particular, well...since I was already out I have been out doing that all day Wednesday and The rest of Tuesday night. I am actually off to go and finish helping iwth cleaning up and everything else. But yeah anyway I had to miss a meeting and I guess they were okay with it and would like me to come to next months meeting. Hmmm, I wonder what....Hopeing all are safe where ever you may be.

MS

Chasing an F4?????
I hope all are well. Tornadoes are terrible scary tings!
Silver

tornadoes are figured into 5 categories...F1 is considered a small not that damaging kind of tornadoe. where as F5 is what you mostly see in Oklahoma and Texas. F5's can also be classified (if near the water) as the beginning of a tropical depression/storm. So an F4 is just a little lighter than that, but still quite dangerous. We lost 8 people as of last count and we had 9 surviors, with 22 people missing. Not a great number count, but still we belive it could of been worse. I had fun till it got real hairy with the touch and go of where peoples saftey's were in our (people rescuing and chasing) hands.

mshoole,

This is just a slight hijack but I want to give you a round of applause for what you do with the paramedic/firefighting group you work with. You see, I just got back from a short, sad visit to Wheaton IL near where you are (my father in law is very very sick...dying of pancreatic cancer) and while we were having dinner Tuesday night, the tornado siren/alert in my in-laws' home went off. We saw that the tornado was on the ground and possibly heading for us...we talked about how to get my father in law to the basement (he can't walk except with a walker and only for a few steps) "just in case." But thankfully the tornado did not hit us...the next morning we were so sad and shocked to see what had happened in Utica...we could have been in that same situation, needing help from you and your colleagues. I feel so bad for what happened in Utica and the families of those who died. :( :( :(

That being said, I applaud what you do to help those in need! Very admirable work.

And I wish you good luck in your search for an AI home. I hope the groups you are in contact with come thru for you.

By the way, our Gamma Phi Beta convention is in your area (Chicago - Lincolnshire) in June.

GPhiBLtColonel~
Thank you. I appreciate it very much. I hoep to find a home soon as well. I am very sorry to hear about your father in law, that must be very upsetting in your family righ tnow. I am glad to hear that you did not need to come up wtih a backup emergency plan. Utica was horrible scene, and I am acutally on my way in a few to go back down and help some more. I am so gald to hear that your convention is near me. I hope you have a great time. And, please hijack this thread anytime you want.

In my thoughts and prayers

MS

UPDATED!!!!!!!
 

I had a meeting that I had to miss last week. they were real understanding. My other group I am looking at is meeting this thursday but I have a prior engagement that wont let me ditch it for so I am meeting with a couple of the woman in next wednesday for dinner in the city. The other group (which is a non-pnam) is underway, it is a cross between online and land. Which means if you want to join it as an online group you can but if you want to join it as a land chapter you can. I have a total of 14 members in it, 6 are through online and 6 are through the land part of the chapter and 2 of us are going in between both. Its working out real well right now.

Anyway thats my update for you all now.

Check you later this week

MS

By the way any guesses on where I am going?

I'd guess but I'm not allowed to. :D

Good luck next Wed! Where in the city are you going?

Sister Havana~
You can guess I guess. They might need the help...:p I am going somewhere near "Bar Row"...I just go the directions today. Should be fun.

MS

Update Time...
 

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there.

Today I go to meet about 10 wonderful ladies, in dowtown Chicago. We did a Charity Event. I had so much fun. It seemed that they were all excited to meet me as I was to meet them.

I actually stayed in Downtown Chicago last night and ran to the meeting point early this morning. Then I walked roughly 3 miles today in the race. I had a great time. We had lots of pictures and lots of moms came to support us. I actually met three woman who live literally right down the street.

Lots of pictures were taken of the group and the walk. I also found out that they are meeting later this month as well as next month. They talked about emailing me when they are going to be getting together next. I had the best time in the world. I'll let you know what happens.

MS

Sounds like things are going wonderfully! Best of luck with your continued AI journey! :)