Starting from scratch
 

Hellllloooooo! I am fairly new here, so if this has been discussed, please forgive me. I am getting ready to start an alum group in my area for my NPC sorority. I have spoken with numerous women who belong to well-established alumnae groups to get ideas, and I thought I'd ask the alums on this network as well. I know of a handful of alum in my area, we are all from different chapters, and different ages. I am trying to think of some creative ways to break the ice, some fun get-to-know-you things to do for our initial meeting. Also, is it too early to discuss and set goals for that first meeting? I am looking forward to your responses.

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Phi Love,
AEPhiSteph

Steph,
Have you contacted AEPhi headquarters for their Alumnae Chapter Development kit? I'm sure they have one and can point you to your regional/area alumnae advisor that can assist you with the formation of a local alumnae chapter.

Barbara
ZTA Alumna
Tallahassee Alumnae of ZTA

Well, I think to start with your HQ is a great idea!I am also doing the same thing here in NC and working with my Alumnae Province President, she is a great resource!
We actually have an agenda for our first meeting May 2nd. I have sent out 100 letters with surveys about begining an Alumnae Association, the questions include things like when is a good time to meet, would you like to be on a planning board...and so on. This will let me know, before we meet, what type of group this is. We also have a range of age, I guess you have to figure out everyone's intrests and how willing they are to do what activities.
I don't think setting goals at your first meeting is too crazy, you have to figure you will not meet like a college chapter does, so when you are together you might as well make some decisions.
We are meeting at an Italian place to have a quick meeting and then a meet and greet/eat to make everyone feel a little more at ease!
Good Luck!

I got the local Alum Group started in the Kansas City area and it is growing. I really started out getting a base of E-M for Alums all over the country and now have around 180. I had this base to work from and by talking on the phone to Brothers in the area.
I reinstituted the Alum Golf Outing 3 years aga and it is growing. We have a social gathering every 2 nd Tues. each month at a local pub.
I guess what I am saying is that personal contact means a lot!!!!
As I have said on other threads about the active chapter complaining about Alum activity applies here also.
From this tough start, we are planning to build a new house,a mentoring group to work with the active chapter,extending Alum chapters to other parts of the country and other things.

Basically it takes a lot of work on the few to get it rolling. You must be the one to make up you mind to get the ball going. It is like everything else tho it is the 20% who do the work.
If nothing else, when it gets done and you look back, DAMN, it is a Great feeling!!!!!
Good luck in you endevor!!!!!

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Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)

Wow, you guys are fast AND informative! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gifThank you so much! Barbara, I just joined my local Alumnae Panhellenic (Orlando), and met many wonderful women. They were so helpful, particularly since I just moved here, and was feeling a little lost. And Tom, my husband started the Jacksonville alumnae board for DU-Z of LXA a few years ago-of course, his experience was a little different because the chapter was only a few years old at the time, and most of the alum remained in the area. He agrees that his project was a little easier! Thanks again for all the support!

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Phi Love,
AEPhiSteph

Steph,

If you wish, I can put you in touch with the ZTA Alumnae chapter there - they are going through a renewal right now and would probably have lots of good ideas for you. I'm also president of the Tallahassee Alumnae Panhellenic and I'm excited to hear you've become a part of the Orlando PH!

Barbara

Thank you again, Barbara. I met some ZTA's at the last APH function. I had a great conversation with them about "rounding up the troops"! I'm sure you already know, but the ZTA chapter here is very successful. The APH members I've met here have been a great resource-talk about Panhellenic spririt! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Phi Love,
AEPhiSteph