Virtual Alums...what does your group offer?
 

I am just curious what each group offers to their alums who do not want to join a local alum group, or do not have a local group in your area. Is there a status for "alum at large"?

Yes. We have a ROSE VINE for alums who are too far away from a chapter to be involved either as an alum chapter member or an adviser. It is administered by HQ.

I'm not 100% sure on what Alpha Chi has, but I do know of an online alumnae chapter. It was experimental. I'm not too sure of how it's going. I guess I should ask the woman in charge how they're doing :) As far as I know it was sanctioned by HQ.

This is an interesting question, and I hope it doesnt get out of hand or I will delete any that do.

Fore warned is fore armed :)

utkzta


thank You for the PM. If you would repeat it on this thread, I am sure it would be better for an explanation of what You are refering to.

Many may not understand such as I did not.

It sounds like a great way to keep in touch, say for example how We on GC do.

Kappa Delta has the KD Konnection, and it goes through our headquarters.

Ok - I sent a PM because I always hate to see folks whining in posts, but I was curious what I had posted that was concerning. Here is what is going on.

I am feeling out what other groups offer to alums online from a national level. We have members that live in cities that do not have a local alum chapter or live abroad and have little access to alum activities in addition to folks who choose not to join local groups.

I am curious to cost to member, qualifications to join (can you join if there is an active local group), benefits to member, pitfalls you have seen from something similar or things you think something like this would need. Feel free to post or PM me. There are so many angles to go with this idea, and I was just curious what was already working out there.

Personally I set up a yahoogroup for my pledge class not long after graduation. This worked fine for about six months and then most people lost interest. I am always interested in seeing what works! :)

I and a few other sisters attempted to start an online alum association but our bylaws are very specific when it comes to alum associations. That being said we still have the yahoo group, it is restricted membership and I and the other mods, verify membership to ADPi prior to approving members. Mostly we just chat. Talk about things going on in our lives or even things going on on greekchat that we need to discuss in a more "private" locale. (if that makes sense).

I love the idea of online groups. I have met so many wonderful sisters online and in person because of the internet. One of my closest friends (and sister) I wouldn't have met if it weren't for the net.

Delta Zeta has Surfing Sisters, which is an official alum chapter based in Yahoo Groups, but not run by HQ (we have our own elected officers just like the geographically based chapters)...we have the same dues and reporting requirements, but our members are spread across the globe. We participate in daily online conversations, and philanthropy projects. You can read up on us at www.surfingsisters.com ...we recently had officer elections, so that information is not updated just yet. DZs can be members of more than one alum chapter, so we have sisters who belong to their local alum group, as well as Surfing Sisters...it was started for the purpose of keeping those in more remote locations connected and giving them a chance to stay active.

One of my pledge sisters created a yahoo group for chapter alumnae to kke in touch. so far we have over 200 members. It's a great way to find out what going on in the lives of other sisters and what's going on in the chapter. It's been invaluable this summer for organizing our alumnae for recruitment.

In addition to the Rose Vine, AOII also has the InCircle which connects AOIIs to all sorts of groups from around the world. I was able to reconnect with my little sister in Brooklyn through InCircle. InCircle is free to all members but I do believe the Rose Vine may cost a nominal fee (Correct me if I am wrong!).

Kappa has the Golden Key Alumnae Association, which is recognized by the Fraternity as a fully operating Alumnae Association. Members pay dues, hold meetings via chats, elect officers, and participate in philanthropy efforts.

We have Member at Large status. But nothing virtual as what has been suggested.

Kappa Kappa Gamma actually has a few virtual alumnae associations -
the Golden Key (already mentioned) and Stars and Stripes, for Kappas who are associated with the military, either as active duty members or those whose family are serving or have served in the military. The stars and stripes association has a neat "pen pal" system which I think is a great idea (especially given their goal and mission).

Those association are run entirely by volunteer members and have regular dues, bylaws, etc just like other associations - the officers even attend convention like the other geography-based associations.

Kappa also has a penpal program run by fraternity headquarters called sisters strength for virtual (phone and email) connections for sisters with cancer, family members with cancer or just those who want to support. its not really an alumnae association, but it is a 'virtual' thing.

They also have a "pay it forward" system where members can pay their per capita fee ($15) to the fraternity even if they are not a member of the association. I'm not sure if anyone actually does that, but I guess that is there way of allowing folks who are not near an active association to advise a chapter (which you have to be in good standing to do). Theres not anything special associated with that other than a warm fuzzy.

paula