So I'm Thinking About AI!
 

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Welcome to the group!
 

I think that you should first do a little research. Is there a particular group that you are interested in? Alumnae association links can most likely be found on their national website or by doing a Google search. There is a great thread in the AI section of Greekchat that shows what groups are open to AI. Find a group you are interested in, not just because they are open to AI or just because of a reputation you may have heard about, but because you feel you would really gel with that group and beleive in their ideals, philanthropy and their sisterhood.

I think is it the policy or most sororities that AI is initally started via contact with their main offices at their headquarters and they will refer you to a specific alumane contact who would contact you...I know some other ladies on the board could offer advice on how to start the process...

Good Luck!

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My two cents...
 

I think the best way to go would be to do some research on all the NPC groups, regardless of whether or not they may have a strong or active presence in your area, and try to find out which groups values align the closest to yours.

Even if one particular group doesn't have an active presence in your region now, doesn't mean that there aren't alums of that group who would be interested in someone taking the initiative and organizing functions. That organizing person could be you!!

Just my two cents...

I will speak only for my own group.

I can understand your feelings on activity level but that is really something that changes a lot. A group may not be very active right now, but all they need is one or two new women to get them re-energized. With an alumnae chapter, it's more than 4 years and it's a constant struggle to keep the energy level up and get new blood every year to help out.

My alumnae chapter has had 3 AI's in the six years we have been in existence and two of those contacted members of our chapter directly and not our IH to get the ball rolling. I think it all depends on wheher you know someone in the local area or you introduce yourself to someone in the local area (through something like GC) and she is willing to start the ball rolling. KunjaPrincess's AI trip was exactly that.

I would hope that the headquarters of the groups would be able to give you a bit of information on the activity level of the various alumnae chapters. We turn in reports annually that detail what we did over the prior year and that should give SOMEONE an idea of how active we are.

Not to mention, SF is an area where there are a number of alumane chapters (I know we have tons) depending on exactly where in "SF" you live. I'm guessing we aren't alone in this. If one chapter in the area is not very active then try another to see how active they. That's what we as members do......

Good luck in your AI search!

Hi, SFHopeful.
I was only two years out of college when I began my AI journey. I'm still on the journey, so I would recommend starting right away. The process can take a while, so it's not too soon to start.

Good luck!
LM

Re: Welcome to the group!
 

Don't base your search on how active the Alum group is. Take a look at how interesting their activities are... Also look at the average age of the members. A 25 ish yr old is not going to have a whole lot in common with a 75 yr old LOL. You also want to look at a lot more than just the membership locally, you may move and your sorority will always be around. With that in mind look at the (inter)national sorority and see what ideals they uphold that mesh with your personal beliefs.
Be prepared for a lot of downtime. My AI was very short in comparisson to many. I met Melanie (Smartblonde) in August and was initiated in April. Some have been waiting years...
Good luck to you in your search

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Just a few thoughts...

AI can be a very, very long process filled with ups and downs. Get ready for a wild emotional roller coaster. You'll experience a lot of "hurry up and waits." You'll think all is fine, and then not hear anything for months, and think all is lost, only to hear something again-- or not. It's an extremely difficult process.

Don't go in expecting to recreate your college years. The whole sorority experience is completely different on the alumnae level.

And... it's difficult to judge a sorority by one geographical area. I know that the most sought after sororities where I went to college are not necessarily the most sought after elsewhere, and vice versa.

Lake gave excellent advice when she suggested you look up the national web sites and see if your values, philosophies, etc agree with those you read about. There might be a philanthropy that you might prefer in one sorority, or something in the open motto in another that hits home.

And no, it doesn't matter how long you've been out of college for AI. For me, it was more than 20 years after graduation before I AI'd-- for others, it's been just a few years. A sorority is forever... a lifetime decision. Don't rush the decision.

Mr. Postman, bring me a letter...
 

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Good luck with your search. Don't be discouraged if things seem slow during the summer. This is usually a down time for most sororities. It will pick up again during the fall.:)

Ditto what TinyDancer said.

While it is down time for many GLOs, it might be easier to do now.

Also, Remember that Not all Female GLOs are open for AI or are very selective.

But, also Remember, that there can be a place for someone who is very, very Interested in doing this.:)

AI was unheard of several Years ago, but it is becoming a larger part of Greek Life.

I asked My Fraternity if they have a Position Statement and got, Ah No We dont. They do now.:cool:

Oh, I Love S F. !!!!!!

Is the Boars Head Inn Still there? Very Quaint!

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Sending the letter of inquiry as a formal, business-like letter is absolutely the correct way to go. While some groups may be transitioning to paperless internal reporting and communication, I think it is still considered informal. Keep in mind that your audience at the various HQ are most likely not recent graduates (who grew up using email/ IM) and consider formal, official comunication to be in writing on letterhead. An email might get forwarded to the appropriate person but a letter will get more respect.

I sent my letter to national headquarters by snail mail. I also sent a letter to the alumnae chapter, but didn't have a snail mail address, so I had to send it by e-mail.

I absolutely feel snail mail is the way to go. Nothing makes the impact of a hand-written letter.

As a first move, I think that the more formal, "real" letter was a smart choice. And don't feel bad about writing to a group that you don't seem to qualify for. The worst they can do is confirm that you do not meet the criteria. No big deal.

I'm really pulling for you!

LM

I sent all of my inquiries via email... :( It never occurred to me that this may be rude. I simply am accustomed to emailing... I hope that won't hurt my chances!

Don't worry. I sent my inquiries by email as well.

I don't think e-mail is "rude"-- but I do believe you make a bigger impact and better impression with a hand-written letter.

Compare it to the job scene. I'm now in the position where I hire people. I get a lot of resumes and inquiries via e-mail. However, it is the snail mail resumes I pay the most attention to. It shows the person made a special effort to print it, get an envelope, address it, lick a stamp, and put it in a mail box. The person shows me he or she will "go the extra mile."

The person who writes me a hand-written thank you note after the interview also has a leg up on everyone else. You'd be surprised how few people take that very basic step in courtesy.

Maybe another good comparison would be a birthday card. I HATE getting e-cards. But, I do enjoy the old Hallmark in the mail.

This is what I did, if anyone cares: I sent my first "introductory" and/or "inquiry" letters to various Tri Delta Executive Officers as a two-page, type-written (on the computer), and personally signed letter. I included my address, phone number, and e-mail address for them to use. I usually heard back from them via e-mail and occasionally the telephone, and responded in kind depending on which method they seemed more comfortable using.

I followed up all contacts with the representatives with handwritten thank you letters.

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CO-SIGN!

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Email would not necessarily have gotten a quicker response (and is no more reliable than snail mail-- I can't tell you how many things get lost in the pi phi email system). Don't be discouraged if you don't hear anything until fall. One thing to consider is that most colleges are now, or are about to be on summer break. Most alum groups don't meet in the summer or if they do, may have one informal get-together. If the groups you sent inquiries to have conventions this summer, their HQ staff is swamped in preparations. (you can find out by going to their website) and volunteer officers may be tying up loose ends prior to transitioning to a new position. If you haven't heard anything by mid-August, you might want to send a followup to make sure you get on agendas at those crucial early fall meetings.

That arrow means that there are new posts in the thread. Click on it and you go right to the new posts.

This being said, would it be rude of me to follow up an email with a handwritten letter now just in case the email got lost? Would this make me look "too pushy" or just really serious about the organization?

Others may disagree, but a handwritten letter is always appreciated and like blueangel said, it shows that you're serious about it, especially if your letter comments upon something different from the email. If you address it to someone specific, that would be even better. Yes, snail mail can get lost too but if you've done both, one will get where it needs to go and hopefully you'll get an answer sooner rather than later.... but don't get discouraged if it's July or August. Things may happen behind the scenes that you aren't aware of :)

Tomorrow after church, I am going to buy some nice stationary and try getting in touch with the groups I've decided I'd be interested in... I'd agree that its a classier touch.

I consider a letter requesting membership information a business letter, and it would be better typed rather than handwritten. Any thank you notes after attending events hosted by alumnae chapters, however, would ideally be handwritten.

I am editing this post...
 

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Not to sound to cliche', but you never know what is around the corner for you. I know it might be a hard time for you, but you just have to have faith in the fact that there is a"master plan" for you and you will find that happiness you deserve. Before I met my husband I was dating this guy who I was totally in love with. Needless to say things didn't work out as planned and when the relationship ended, I was devestated. I was so disenchanted with my life in general that I packed up my bags, left the city I was living in and moved to a new state and town (to the town where my mom lived). I wound up finding a great job and met my husband 8 months later. We have been married almost 3 years now and have a BEAUTIFUL daughter.

Things have a way of working out and I encourge you to just put your trust in a higher power (god, Allah, etc..) and help to make your new destiny come true...

:( I'm so sorry that you are feeling sad. I know this kind of thing hurts more than can be described.

Oh sweetie...

I am so sorry to hear this.

Check your PM box.

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We can all be absent minded! I am glad that you are feeling better!

Stiff upper lip. Concerning the situation, it is understandable for a fupah!:)

Just resend!

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You really do need to have some patience.

This is a VERY busy time of the year for NPC orgs and they're either approaching convention or whatever off-convention year event they hold (usually some sort of leadership program for their undergrads). These are HUGE events, so that's what most of them are taking care of right now