Pi Phi Random
 

I didn't want to start a whole new thread for what I'm about to say, so I thought a Pi Phi random thread would be a good idea.

So post random thoughts, observations or whatever is on your mind.




I was checking out the preview for the new Pi Phi express and on the preview page there are 3 of my chapter sisters!

Yay Ontario Gamma!

Check it out:

https://www76.ssldomain.com/pibetaph...PhiExpress.asp

My chapter is getting a brand new website for recruitment and it should be done soon. I'm very excited to see it and I'll post a link when its done.

Edited to say that it's finished! Check out http://www.piphiucf.com

Hi from Ontario Alpha!!

Hi there and welcome! It's nice to have another Canadian Pi Phi on the board. I'm from Ontario Gamma.

Do any of you have this problem? You'd really like to be active in Pi Phi but you're too far from the nearest chapter or alum club.

If so, what do you do?

When I lived in North Carolina, all the clubs were in the Raleigh-Durham area or further west... and I lived in the coastal area (~90 minute drive one way... and I did it far too often just for shopping and culture). I stayed in touch with my former club in Toledo and finished a term as CPP, then became Director of Collegiate Programming (finished the term when the elected woman died in a car accident). It was wonderful coming to Texas and reconnecting with a club. I can't imagine not having that opportunity for a longer time.

I suppose there are not enough Pi Phis to form a club (keeping in mind that the rules have been relaxed) in your town? Is there an Alumnae Panhellenic where you could be the Pi Beta Phi representative? Thirdly, do you have an interest in serving the fraternity as a regional specialist? If you do, PM me, and I'll fill you in on details.

If you keep in touch with any pledge sisters, arrange to meet them at one of Lifelong Learning events. Make a weekend in Dallas or San Francisco or wherever...

Yes, I have a similar issue. The nearest club isn't that far away (about 40 minutes), but with two small children and a full time job and an active church schedule (I'm in the praise band and my 4 year old is in choir) and junior league volunteering, it's not going to happen to drive 40 minutes to a meeting!

I wish there was an alternative. I paid dues to a chapter for a year that I never attended! I gave up on that.

In the past I was on HC for two different chapters, but that was in the before time (before children). Everything is different now.

~Karen

Karen, your issues are not unique and are something that the alumnae directors are trying to address. The club structure just doesn't work for everyone everywhere. That is why they are doing more networking events, educational events... one time programs to connect Pi Phi alumnae.

Even if you aren't able to attend club meetings, I hope you are supporting the Fraternity with your international dues. It is vital that alumnae continue to pay International dues. IRS rules require that the administrative costs (running HQ, publishing the ARROW, sending consultants and officers on visits, etc) be from member dues only. The foundation can support educational programming-- but only on certain topics (the rules are very strict).

Maybe when the children are older, there will be time in your life for Pi Phi (or it will be more convenient). If the Lifelong Learning series comes to your city, consider going... it's a half day that is well worth it. Barbie Tootle is an excellent speaker and you'll enjoy every minute.

I actually stumbled apon this site last week. It's good. I'm the webmaster for our chapter and Im tryig to come up with ideas.

I wish our website had been better when I was active - such a great resource if done well. For current sisters and for recruiting!

I just stumbled upon Region 4's website and thought it was pretty neat. I liked having the info about the other chapters in the region.

http://www.region4pibetaphi.org/Index.html

this is sort of random because I didn't know where else to put it. If any of you watch the new NBC series, "Friday Night Lights" which premieres next Tuesday, pay attention to the captain of the cheerleaders...

She (or rather, I should say the actor playing her) is a Texas Epsilon Pi Phi!

The show is being filmed near Austin, and many of those in it are from the area so they do understand the importance of football here!

I am thinking that I am so excited to be initiated! And I was wondering what the rule was on wearing the letters. Some people say you can't, but other people say it is just a tradition but it is considered hazing? I don't even know :confused:

While it may be local tradition at some chapters, there is NO international policy to restrict the wearing of sportswear with letters or the words "Pi Beta Phi". New members may wear only the New Member Beta pin and not the arrow badge. THAT is the only restriction. In truth, when you go to your local greek store, are they checking membership lists? No. The reality is that anyone may purchase our letters. Restricting our new members from wearing the same sweatshirts/ t-shirts as initiated members creates a division which isn't necessary. As a new member, however, if the local tradition in your chapter is for new members to NOT wear letters, I wouldn't suggest you argue the point right now. That's a change that can happen when you're in a leadership position.