Alumni Relations
 

Hey Sisters,
I was just elected alumni relations and currently my chapter doesn't have a good connection with our alumni. I'm trying to bridge the gap between us. The only thing that we do with our alumni is an alumni picnic. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas that would be helpful. If you do, they would be great. Thanks soo much. TFJ Forever

ideas ...

a newsletter that is sent to all chapter alums each semester

a newsgroup on yahoo or other list serv system that alums can join and
notices can be posted to

an email newsletter to the alums monthly

founder's day lunch or tea at the chapter facility or local restaurant

invitations to help with recruitment practices

notification and invitations to attend greek week events

I used to be alumna relations - the biggest word of advise is that if your chapter gets a donation from alumnae (be it a financial donation, or a donation of their time by showing up at recruitment to help set up your party, or baking brownies for you for your philanthropy bake sale, etc etc etc), YOU MUST acknowledge it ASAP - send them a card, whatever it takes. DO NOT take you alumna for granted. My chapter has a whole FOUR alumna from our chapter itself. But, we have a bunch of advisors, and local area alumna who are always there when we need them.

set up an evite account, add all their email addresses to the address book. Send them notifications about initiation receptions, or pledgings, or other events you might want them to be present at.

have an alumna section made on your webstie for updates. Example: If Suzy J, class of 2005 has found out that she's pregnant - make mention of it on your website...etc...

And dont forget to keep in touch with your alumna relations advisor. If your chapter specifically needs items for recruitment or PR events - clear it with your advisor before you send out a mass begging for "hey, would would really appreciate some help..." In fact, I dont think I EVER asked for donations. We told the advisors, who spread it by word of mouth that we were looking to hold some event and could use some help and the list of items we could really use...

Amen to everything that has been said so far! It's becoming one of my biggest pet peeves to only be asked for money starting in June because we need this or that for recruitment.

- keep in touch with local alum chapters and let them know what is going on. Its a great way to build up support for your chapter and they like to know what is happening.

- when scheduling events involving alumnae be flexible and remember they might have other time constraints. I'm learning getting anywhere with a little one is no walk in the park and I don't always know how long she's going to let me stay before she lauches into a full on screaming fit. (It doesn't happen often but it can happen when you don't want it to).

Make sure you allow enough time for invitations and deadlines too! I received an invitation for my chapters alumnae luncheon on Thursday night...only 1.5 weeks before the event. Needless to say I cannot attend, however if I had received 2 to 3 weeks notice I would have been able to go. Remember alumnae have careers, children, husbands, boyfriends (happy dance for Trish, FINALLY!), and all kinds of stuff! We need to time to plan!

I totally agree with what is being said here. Remember, too, that if you CANCEL an event you have invited alumnae to attend, please let them know as soon as possible- not at the last minute. There are few things more awkward than for an alumna to show up for an event that isn't being held.