AI poll
 

Could we start an AI roll call? It might be helpful to us women who are considering the process so we know who we could ask questions about individual sororities.

If I may play devil's advocate for just a second...

Is it appropriate to seek advice about individual sororities on GC?

I say this because many women have pursued AI (and many of them successfully) without the help of GC. And while there are many who credit this site for positively promoting the spirit of AI, many of them will be quick to say that AI's an oftentimes long and difficult process (a hundred times more difficult than collegiate rush).

Of course I'm not an AI, but I am an alumna who might take it upon myself to sponsor a woman into my wonderful Fraternity one day.

I just feel that if a woman wants to be a part of an organization enough, she'll taken it upon herself to do her research, meet and become involved with alumnae of the organization, and hopefully if all works out, be initiated someday.

Everyone's AI experience is different. CP2000's now-missing "Advice to Alumnae Initiates" thread was a great FAQ regarding GENERAL AI, and she provided an insightful and unbiased view of the whole process.

If CP2000 would be so kind enough to post it again if she has the time?

I Hope She Is Here!

Or anyone who can post the Lost Thread.:)

As far as asking, go right ahead and ask!

I am not adverse to asking questions, that is Why We Are Here!:D

I just PM'd her! :)

I have to agree with OTW.

Even if you talk to a woman who is an AI with the org that you want to AI into, the alumnae chapter that she is involved with might be completely different from the one that you are going to be involved with.

I am very involved with Gamma Phi and I know alumnae from all over the country and there are some that I love dearly and get along with woderfully, but I also know that I would never fit in with their alumnae chapter(s), it's just a difference of interests. There are chapters even in my own province that I couldn't see myself getting heavily involved with if I moved.

Just like when you rush in college, you have to find a group that fits you.

Co-sign. I'd also like to say that the mutual selection process doesn't end with formal recruitment or COB. It applies to alumna initiation as well.

One of the things that always rubs me the wrong way is when I see at the end of a rush thread - "It's ok that I didn't get in now. There's always AI." There isn't ALWAYS AI. You can see by looking at the threads of the successful AI stories here (and the not so successful ones) on GC that it's a long sometimes arduous journey that doesn't always end how one thinks it might. But, that doesn't mean that the journey shouldn't be started. One thing it hopefully means is that we have matured since collegiate rush, understand what mutual selection means, can graciously accept the end of the journey good or bad.

AI
 

I appreciate all of the candid answers.

I can understand why groups are cautious. I don't think that every woman who is looking at AI will join. It may be that they had a terrible rush experience and are hesitant to seek out the information.

From the same viewpoint, there are women who are looking at AI as another option, and they might make a match. If so, that's good for them and the organization. I think every organization wants to have the best members.

Chapters vary from state to state, and so do alumnae groups. I knew a young lady who was a member of XYZ, but when she transferred to a new college, the group didn't really care for her to affiliate.

Neither Recruitment or AI guarantees a woman will join a GLO.

I still think that the interested ladies, though, should be able to ask questions about the different groups.

Actually, we did have an AI roll call thread with both those who had been successful and those who were on the journey. I can't find it. I think the GC washing machine monster must have eaten it. (Must be the same monster that eats my good socks, too!)
:)
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Is that the same reason I am about to put on raggedy azzed socks before I head into work this morning? :p

Jill, do you think my washing machine monster has family way out west? Anyway, if I find some Alpha Phi socks, I will mail them to you!
;)
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