Inactive?
 

I would like to know your opinions on something. Because my grandfather is sick and my health is a little rocky right now I am going to be going inactive in the fall. I am worried because some of my sisters think I won't be around, but I will. I will only be inactive during the one semester. I plan on going to all meet the chapters, formal meetings, etc, and I will help out as needed with fundraisers, ushering or any thing else. I want to be able to go home to be with my family on the weekends and not have to worry about being back in time for meetings. I got really sick at the end of last semester and part of that was caused by stress, which SAI contributed to.

l am worried that my sisters will not think SAI is a priority for me. It is, but with things as crazy as they are right now I don't think I can dedicate the necessary time to being an active sister. Do sisters go inactive for such things at other chapters? I guess I just want to know if others thing I am doing the right thing.

Re: Inactive?
 

I would just tell them what you are posting here. I don't know why anyone wouldn't be understanding of these things. When I was in undergrad we were able to take one semester to be inactive and another to be semi-active. Inactive meant basically that we didn't have to go to anything; semi-active there were a certain # of meetings and events we could attend. Good luck and don't worry. You need to take care of yourself first and that should be your #1 priority, as should it also be your sisters priority.

Re: Inactive?
 

Hey girl. :) I think you have quite a lot on your plate, and I know this can't be an easy decision for you. But remember, you're not LEAVING the sisterhood; you're just "taking a break" to take care of other things in your life that are very important.

Have you considered marginal membership? Because then, all you would be required to attend would be formal meetings and rituals. Or, are your chapter's meetings during the weekend? If so, or whatever, then yes, I think going inactive is the best decision.

I know you love SAI, and your chapter surely knows this. :) Tell them exactly what's going on, how you feel, and make sure they know it's only for one semester and even during your inactivity you want to participate in what you can. Tell them exactly what you said in your post, and I think everything will be fine. :) In short: yes, you are doing the right thing, and yes, this happens in other chapters as well. :)

Please keep us updated on whatever you decide to do! And take care of yourself!

Love and roses,
Allie

Our chapter doesn't have marginal membership, at least it isn't mentioned anywhere...do all other chapters? Our meetings are sunday nights so that involves rushing back to school to make sure I am on time, which isn't fun.

Well since it is listed in the Chapter Proceedures Manual, I thought it was for all chapters. But maybe your chapter bylaws says something about it.

Either way, you'd still have to rush back for formal meetings, so you're probably right that inactive membership is probably best for you.

I went inactive due to a lot of factors last spring and have been somewhat inactive since then. I plan on returning this fall. It's kind of strange, but really you'll be surprised how much your sisters will be there for you. If you want to talk PM me!

Swissmiss speaks the truth! :) Remember, sisters love each other through thick and thin. And it's not like there's a division in your chapter causing your decision. You have very valid reasons, and I know it's a hard decision. Plus, even though you'd be inactive, you can still come to some chapter things when you have time.

If you need anything, PM me. :)

I'd recommend that you check your chapter by-laws and with your PO about going inactive. We were told from nationals that we were not allowed to have a local inactive status anymore and second semester we had to remove that clause from our chapter by-laws. Depending on whether or not you can arrange something with your chapter president, you may have to apply for national inactive status, which sort of stinks. But remember, no matter what, your sisters are always there for you. Good luck, and I hope your grandfather gets better!

I checked my chapter bylaws and spoke to my chapter president and she (and the bylaws) said I need exec board approval, which I don't think will be a problem. Most of them already know what is going on.

Thanks for stopping in our forum! :) Are you an SAI too? Hope so cause we need some more around here. :)

Here's the deal with Inactive status. It is ONLY granted under a few very specific conditions...and one of them is medical problems, which SAISouthernGirl said she is dealing with. As long as she owes no money to the chapter and is in good standing otherwise, it will be granted.

The thing with Inactive status, and why nationals cracked down on it, I believe, is because I think many sisters were going inactive for reasons NOT listed in the Chapter Proceedures Manual and were taking advantage of it.

Although, some things about Inactive are fuzzy to me; I hope when they release the new CPM they make it a little more clear.

I am suffering from a medical condition which is made worse by stress. And well...I am not lacking that right now. Thanks SAIRose, you've been a really help. I really wish I could be active this semester, but there just aren't enough hours in the weekend to do everything I want to. Between my fam and marching band it will all be to much. We have had sisters go inactive for many other reasons in my chapter.

I'm glad I can help. Don't worry about this, you are doing the right thing and your chapter will surely understand. :)