Alumni Associations
 

Hi! I graduated in Dec. '03 and have since joined my alum association. My problem is that I'm obviously young and am not sure how to begin to get involved. I get e-vites to all the events but I'd just feel weird showing up by myself. I've emailed the President and one of the VPs with not much response. I'm just looking for a way to start to get invloved. I'd especially love to get involved with a local chapter (mine would not be local for me). Any ideas/suggestions/comments?

Don't let not knowing them keep you away; they are all your sisters! You just haven't been introduced yet!

I'm president of a newly formed association which is building membership, so most sisters don't know each other. At our functions this past year, I'd say that most women in attendance haven't met all the others, and at least one doesn't know any of the others!

Remember that you have something very important in common with these women - the Ritual of ADPi! Lots of great conversations are based on reminiscing about our shared common experiences (wow, that really applies to life not just alumnae associations!).

As far as advice on getting involved with a nearby chapter, you can a)update your personal information and will-serve on Pride Online. This will send an alert to the Province Director and either she or the Chapter Advisor will contact you. b) contact the PD directly; c) contact the chapter president and ask her to pass along your contact info to the PD or CA (hopefully she doesn't give their info out to strangers...); d) post your interest on Pride ONline - someone will respond to tell you how to get involved.

You just have to go by yourself. The other women will make a huge effort to take you around and include you and you will meet lots of people. So swallow your pride, and show up alone. You'll be glad you did.

To get involved with a local chapter, update your Alumnae Interest Profile on Pride Online. Remember, though, it may seem easy and familiar to work with collegians, but as an alumna, your place with the girls is less as friend and more as a role model. You're more likely to find your fit with the alumnae association. I know it is new and unchartered territory for you, but this is the next step in your membership and the alumnae are always thrilled to meet one of their own.

Good luck. Now get out there!

Re: Alumni Associations
 

Sorry to crash your thread ladies, but I am the President of our alumnae association in NYC and we've noticed the same trend. We have a core group of women who show up to most of our events but it seems like every once in awhile a new woman will show up then we will never hear from her again. A few months go by and then I have also seen some of them take theirselves off our yahoogroups list where we make all of our announcements. I don't think it is an "age thing" as most of our women are in their 20's and 30's. Obviously those of us who go all the time know each other quite well so I can see how this may be uncomfortable for someone new coming out. Any advice you ADPi ladies have, keep it coming. I'd love to be able to call everyone personally and invite them back to things but really don't often have time for that kinda thing. Thanks!!!!
~Allison

Our Alumnae Association has gone through so many incarnations, it's incredible!

What I would suggest, hunnie, is to go to the meeting, and see how many other "younger" alums are there. Talk to them, and you might find yourselves meeting informally as a sub-group. This seems to be a VERY common trend among the local NPC Alumnae Associations - belonging to one AA, but the younger ladies meeting informally.

Let's face it, alumnae who are married and are on the soccer mom circuit have a whole different view of an AA than the "just out of college, let's get together after work for a drink" alumnae. So long as y'all are getting together for the purpose of an AA, everyone's happy.

Right now, the local YOUNGER alumnae are more active than the alums who've been working a while! The elder alumnae still pay dues & would like to help out the chapter & charities, but it's the younger alumnae who are keeping the torch shining bright - and I'm very proud of them! :)

Thanks for all the great advice! The AA I'm a part of is the Greater Atlanta Alum association, so if any of you are members PLEASE feel free to PM me! Thanks!

Atlanta is a hub for TONS of recent alum!!! Like I said, get your butt on over to an event. It always feels awkward to do something new on your own, but GO! You'll get over it, I promise! ;) Coming from one who had to do it herself-- and thankful I did or I wouldn't have 75% of my LA friends!