My Momma and AI
 

My mom has been helping out my chapter since I was extended a bid. She bakes cookies, she donates flowers or money, she helps us find deals on things, etc.

Now, she has started to ask about joining a National Sorority. (She was in a local in college) The catch is, she's really only interested in joining Delta Zeta (She says that she loves what DZ has done for me, and what DZ stands for, etc.)

Now my question is...

What is DZ's stance on AI? What about her being initiated into my chapter (I'm a senior)?

I would LOVE for my mother to become part of Delta Zeta.

Any words of wisdom, or a direction to point me in? (*Paging KR!!*) :D

Thanks in advance! :)

I have lots to tell you! I'm currently sponsoring my best friend for AI. I'm about to make dinner, but I will definitely get back with you!!

that would be awesome!! :D

I'm still trying to get my best friend to join, but she only has 1 semester left at school, so I don't think she'll go for it.

Good luck! That'd be such a great bond to share with your mother! :-D Make sure to keep us posted! We'd all love to hear about her road to AI.

That's awesome that your mom is showing an interest in AI! I've sponsored some women for AI in the past, and come from a college chapter that did it frequently.

DZ's National Council is very encouraging of AI, but some alum chapters in various regions have been hesitant to do it-probably b/c they don't really understand the process.

One thing I do know, and i don't think it has changed, that mothers are wonderful candidates, but are not eligible for initiation while the daughter is an active collegian. I don't really know what the motivation behind that policy is, but as a result, your mom would become eligible to petition for AI after you graduate or otherwise become an alum yourself. You might want to ask your RCD or someone at National for more information-and double check if that policy is still in place. Also, your mom doesn't have to be a college graduate, but some college & commensurate life experience is required. The alum chapter will have to agree to sponsor her, and the collegiate chapter will have to agree to perform the initiation for her (the collegiate chapter has no say on whether she should be approved, just that they would be willing to initiate her).

Just encourage her to keep doing what she is doing-and if she can get an alum in the local alum chapter to sponsor her petition for AI, then maybe she can get initiated shortly after you graduate & you can become alums together!

Keep us posted!!!

I thought I had read that somewhere. I did mention this to her, and it did discourage her a bit.

Her and I are going to talk some more about this all tonight on our Dinner Date. I'm super excited, I really hopes she decided to take this journey.

I'll send an email to my RCC and to an Alumna of my chapter who I know really well.

We might have to start a "Ann Marie's Mom's Rush" thread ;) :p

Thanks for the words of wisdome and such ladies, I will be keeping you all posted!! :)

Ann Marie, that is really great that your mom is interested in AI. That would be a wonderful bond to share with her. Good luck to her in pursuing this. :)

Don't let her get discouraged. Your a senior, right? Will you go alum after this year or the next? If you are graduating next May, maybe you can just get the paperwork started.

Just tell her alum life is for a lot longer than your college life...you guys can still have lots of fun together!

Ann Marie! I'm so sorry I haven't responded to this thread; I just now read it for the first time.

I don't really have anything to add to what Andi said; she gives great advice and seems to have covered everything.

I think it is fantastic that your mom is interested in AI, and it is wonderful that you are planning to be active in helping her persue it!

Small update!

Mom and I talked about AI lastnight over dinner and a mall trip (woohoo for my new teal skirt! :D) and I have a sister (alum of my chapter) who I have in mind to sponser her, so I am in contact with her. But then, my mom asked a very touching question that I probably need to call HQ about..

Since I will be going on Alum. status Spring Semester (I'm student teaching), Mom turned to me and asked "Do you think there is any way YOU could sponser me?" Sooo.. I need to find out.

Mom also told me to thank all of you ladies for the words of wisdom, she appreciates it all! Also, she said she might have to start her own GC account.. (hahaha, I'm not holding my breath for that one :p)



PS: Tracy.. I didn't even think to let you know.. I was in Anne Arundel for 2 weeks (until this past Monday). I'm kicking myself in the rear now! :(

You could sponsor her, once you go alum, but that might delay getting her paperwork started. If you can get your friend to sponsor her & get the paperwork started, maybe they can review her petition before you go alum, so if she is approved, her initiation won't be too far off in the future after you go alum (does your chapter do Spring initiations?).

I think it would be terribly cool to be able to pin your mom at her initiation, though. My mom passed away before I ever pledged, but I've always thought that would have been an awesome experience. *sniff* Yeah, your mom needs to get on GC.

We do do Spring initiations! I'll make that point in our next conversation.

I'll still be active in the Spring, I'm staying in town to do my student teaching.. so it is only the "Alum" status. ;) God knows I'd die without DZ ;) :p

I would love to pin my Mom at initiation. That would be awesome. :D

I'm tyring to get her on to GC... until then, she'll be posting vicariously through me ;)