My AI Beginning!
 

Hi everyone!
I came here to hopefully get some motivation/kind words/advice on the AI process. I graduated college a few years, and have always wondered (ie: kicked myself!) if greek life would have been a good choice for me. Many of my friends were greek, and I always admired them for their professionalism, kindness, community involvement, plus lots more!
I was involved in many groups throughout school, but because of a severe illness of a close family member (which definitely constricted time and money for me), I was never able to pursue it.
Well I've decided I've put it off for too long, and I contacted three local alumnae groups to get more information. I'm nervous, but I'm excited to see where it goes!
If anyone has any advice on this process (besides the neverending helpful threads already here!), I would be forever grateful. Thanks!! :)

Search this thread.

There are many advices, heart rendering storys and success storys.

This Thread will give You a better understanding of what, who, how long it may take.

Good Luck in your quest!

:)

Good Luck from one hopeful to another!

Good luck to you on your search!

Good luck as you start your AI process. Be discreet and take your time.

Good luck and keep us updated ! :)

It's a very, very. long and difficult process. Be prepared for big highs and lows.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

Not for everyone. I know some who took only a matter of months. Depends on any number of things.......

Smart Blonde... Don't you think that they were the exception, rather than the rule?

Maybe that's another good thread-- how long did the AI process take from start to finish? Technically, for me, it was over 20 years, since I was a pledge in college! :)

But, from the date AI was discussed for me (my district president brought it up, I didn't even know there was such a thing!) to my actual initiation... it was nearly three years.

You speak the truth. My experience was different than most women on GC, which is why I don't give any advice or comment much for other people asking about AI. I think there is maybe one woman I can think of who had a similar process, and she's my sister.

I am one of the exception also. I met Melanie in August (I think) and was initiated in April the next year. I had a really easy process but I think a lot of that was because I had people helping me who were familiar with the process and knew how to get it done.
I think that AI is definately harder than collegiate level but is attainable if the PNAM has what is desired and is willing to do the work required. It is not an easy process by any means. You do have to seek it out yourself and be willing to meet with many members. You also have to be willing to step up to the plate after being initated and not just dissapear. I have not been around my alum chapter much since our fouders day due to other commitments but I am meeting with two other alums on monday to get me invloved with advising my local chapter and I do go to house Corp board meetings locally.
Good luck to you in your search but I would advise you to do some reflection first. Make sure you are aware of what you are getting into and are willing to make the commitments needed.

Self reflection is a very good thing.....

I was in denial about Tri Sigma for a very long time...I would have been very happy with the other group that I seriously pursued and very active, but to brutally honest, they would have been in my heart, but not like Tri Sigma is in my heart....

It took a lot of tears and self realization to make that conclusion and I'm sure that people thought I was just "looking" for letters as they read the progression of my journey. These were steps that had to be taken for me to come to my realization.

That was VERY well said. And for our alumnae chapter, the length of time was pretty normal.

And waht are you going to get involved with?????? :D (yes, the chapter in question is also my chapter).

No, I don't. If the chapter and the PNAM click, then it shouldn't take long at all. If the PNAM is going after something that isn't attainable, then it will be much more difficult. If a PNAM has been to 4 or 5 events and the chapter still can't make a decision on her, well that to me is as good as a no. As my sister said, commitment on the part of the PNAM is VERY important. "Actions speak louder than words" as they say......

Show me that you're committed to my group and I will do everything I can to help you join. Lead me to believe that you aren't committed, and I will do the opposite.

Scholarship. Lynette, Christie and I are going to dinner tommorrow to gossip :D I'll fill you in more when I know more :D

I held that position for 6-8 months. The chapter never wanted my help on it.

I think you're making sweeping assumptions. Just because you say it is quick to get into your GLO, does not mean that it is that easy in others.

You are also making the assumption that the length of time a PNAM has to wait has to do with whether the sorority is or is not able to make a decision on her. The waiting time also does not necessarily depend on whether she has proven she wants to be a committed member.

Many GLO's have a very long and complicated process which only BEGINS once it is decided that the chapter wants the PNAM. Very often, Executive Council must vote on her-- but they may only meet once or twice a year. Then, the PNAM may have to wait another six months for the collegiate chapter to hold initiation. There may also be a required waiting period. It varies with each GLO.

In ZTA, for example, AIs are extremely rare. There are fewer than ten special initiations for the entire fraternity per year. Because it is so infrequent, and is only done under certain circumstances, it takes a very, very long time. It is further complicated by the fact that because it is so rare, many of the local chapters don't know what paperwork to submit. Once they finally obtain it and submit it, they may not have filled it out correctly. That can be a further hold-up.

Again, I speak for me.. but in my case... I contacted Zeta more than three years ago not even knowing there was such a thing as AI. I had been a pledge in college, and absolutely loved it! But due to my judo training, I was unable to devote the time to the fraternity. All these years, I had thought of Zeta and missed it so much, and wanted to reconnect in some way.. never dreaming that there was a possibility I could ever be initiated.

I contacted the local chapter president to see if I might be able to mentor a Zeta in broadcasting, maybe teach the collegiates self defense, or help out with the philanthropy. The District President called me to say that, yes, I could reconnect.. but she knocked me for a loop when she suggested I could even be initiated. I remember nearly dropping the phone in total shock. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be initiated! I had never heard of someone my age getting initiated! I thought that once you were out of college, that was it. So, you see.. they knew I was committed to Zeta from the start.

If you read the stories of others here, you will find that it took many AIs one, two, three, and four years... and even longer. Off the top of my head, I can name Trojangel for KD, and Lake for TriDelta who waited a long time. Gwen is still waiting for TriSigma-- they want her... they know how committed she is... but it is taking a long time.

I disagree that AI is normally a quick process. Yes, there are exceptions... but in most cases, it takes a long time. I think it is only fair for those thinking of AI, to know that once they get on the PNAM road, they better buckle up for what will probably be a bumpy and very long ride.

They NEED help on it now according to Lynette.
Christie will be moving in a year or so. This is a way to get to know the way things work so Lynette is not all alone when Christie moves.

I'd like to second what you have written here.

It took me three years to complete my process, and that certianly wasn't due to the chapter and I not "clicking", or me not putting forth an effort. Believe me, I let these ladies know from Day 1 that I was in it for the long haul, and wanted to give back to DG as much as I could. My alum group is very young and had just formed at the time I found them-I think this definately contributed to the long length of time.
And, to be honest, I'm glad it took so long. I got to know the girls better, find my role in the group, find areas that I could contribute to the fraternity, etc.
I wouldn't change my AI journey one bit if I could.