Choosing an Alum/Grad Chapter
 

When there is more than one chapter in your area for college graduates, what criteria did you use to decide which one to join? For instance, distance, dues, etc. Do you think that your criteria held up in the end? What do you suggest a member keep in mind when visiting chapters?

huh?

I can't decide if this is someone looking into Alumni Initiation or Alumni chapters?

I am a glad chapter member... ;)

As am I! :D

I am so happy that you are glad... LOL :)

AKA Monet, you are killing me.
I was going to tell her to base her decision completely on the dues.

Yeah, I tried to correct it but it still comes up as "glad" instead of "grad". In any case, no this is not about alumni initiation, but about alumni chapters for current members.
When the core values of your orginization are being demonstrated positively by the chapters in your area, what do you use to make the final decsion? Yes, people have suggested that dues play a part, but in the grand scheme of things I can't say I feel its the most important part. You can also say go where you "click" but hey you are talking about your sorority/fraternity so you can "click" at all the chapters.
You have already decided which organization to join, and now you are a member. Then you graduate, relocated, etc. So now, how do you decide which chapter to join?

Which organization are you a part of? :confused:

I am purposely being vague. I am a frequent lurker and infrequent poster here on GC. I started a new account so I would not give out my organization's info. In case you haven't guessed by now, it is a part of the NPHC. I have already spoken to members of my own sorority as well as other NPHC members in person, but decided to get additional input. Since a search did not reveal any threads on the topic, I decided to start one. There are numerous threads on how to choose the "right" sorority for you, but none that I could find on how to choose the "right" chapter.
So, you are a sorority member who graduates, relocates, etc and now there is more than one chapter in the area you can join. How do you make your decision?

I think the NPC may handle their alumnae groups a bit differently, but I am open to all comments.

Generally, you are invited to attend an event, then a meeting. You can write a letter to the chapter and/or the chapter president for that invitation.

These protocols could be in your organization's internal documents.

If you feel you have synergy with the chapter and the members, then you can make that decision when you get to that bridge.

Cost is a factor--not just dues, but also travel time, ability to make all the meetings--committee and chapter meetings and your desire to increase your knowledge and extend your understanding about your organization.

Thanks for the reply. I have had the opportunity to interact with women in the various chapters, so right now the "synergy" is even just in different ways. In some ways it’s easier to relate to someone your own age, but there is something to be said about gaining wisdom from your older sorors or enthusiasm from younger members.
Ability to make the meetings is also high on the list, especially committee meetings. Once again, thanks for the input and keep it coming.

Living in an area of multiple grad chapters, I can attest to that. I currently live and hour (plus) from where my chapter meets/serves. Do I live in closer proximity to other chapters? Yes, but I'm comfortable where I am.

Anyway, I don't drive (anymore), and as it gets colder, distance can definitely be a deterrent in being active. It shouldn't, if you are really about your membership, but understanding that life can get in the way, I make the effort to be there. Not just meetings, but for service and other events.

P.s. Like AKAMonet mentioned, you should check with your org's protocol as to what restrictions exist over your grad affiliation. your HQ may require you to join based on your residency. Who knows best but you.

I would say to make a list of the priorities for you, decide which chapter meets more of those priorities then go from there. I have lived in two cities where there were multiple chapters and I had to decide. My priorities were my comfort level in the chapter meetings (sorors I knew, whether they followed proper protocols and procedures, etc.), location of activities (not just chapter meetings but outreach as well), and the program activities (chapters may execute national programs differently and also have local programs). Some organizations allow member-at-large categories and also do not require a member to stay in the same chapter (dues and membership can be transferred) so there may not be as much pressure as you think to select an alumnae chapter right now.

Did you visit the other chapters that were closer to you? Or was the original chapter such a good fit you decided it was worth the travel?