Multiple Alumnae Chapters/1 collegiate chapter
 

Hi! I am new to this forum.

I am in an alumnae chapter where up until this year, we were the only alumnae chapter in the area and supported the 1 collegiate chapter in the area. A new alumnae chapter has formed; we are both now supporting the 1 collegiate chapter, but we seem to be stepping on each others toes. Have any of you dealt with this before? I know from the collegiate level, they should plan events that include both chapters, but what about alumnae events? Do you do separate events or do you include the other chapter(s) in your events? How do you recruit-do you divy up zip codes? The new chapter wants to be able to recruit the collegians for their chapter. I don't think alumnae should be actively recruiting collegians-they should just be supporting them. As they see you and get to know you, then when they graduate they will remember you were apart of chapter X and go there. What are your opinions?

Why did a new alumnae chapter form, rather than those women joining your chapter? Was it geographically necessary? If that's the case, then they shouldn't "recruit" for their chapter - as the women graduate, if they live in (example) the north side of the city they'll join the north side chapter, and if they live in the south side of the city they'll join the south side chapter.

If it formed for a reason other than geography, maybe the best thing to do would be to get the 2 alumnae chapters together and make one strong chapter rather than two in competition.

PM me if you want, I think I might know where this is going. ;)

If it's a geography thing, that makes perfect sense. For some people, having to drive more an hour to an event can be the dealbreaker.

Given that there are 2 alum chapters but one collegiate, could the two divy up responsibilities? Maybe the one closer to the collegiate chapter can focus on the more immediate needs of the collegiate chapter, while the one further away can work on being the go-to for more general stuff like assembling pledge packets, organizing small conferences/spirit days, chairing philanthropy events inclusive of all 3 chapters, etc.

Do you think something like that might work?

I've had a similar experience. Try communicating with the other alumnae association directly to coordinate your efforts, then you will be simply "the alumnae" to the collegians. If that isn't working, maybe try communicating with the chapter advisor. If you have a National officer who handles alumnae-collegiate relations, perhaps ask her for advice.