Alumnae Initiation
 

EDIT: Never mind. :) See post below.

I suppose I had a misconception of what AI was all about... I'd heard of it being relatively common in other Greek orgs, providing the AI person had a "sponsor" who was an active member (that would be me). Our house mother is actually an alumnae initiate, so I will ask her. Thanks.

There is a form about it www.phimu.org. I've read the form and the recommendations on the form were surprisingly strict. All you have to do is log in, find it, and read the form. But they make it pretty clear that they aren't really interested in doing a lot of AI.

Thanks for the tip, BabyPink! I tried to look at the form, but on Bloom, I get as far as the "Alumnae Resources" section and I see the "Alumnae Initiate Application" folder... but when I click it nothing happens.

I know Carnation Collection doesn't function on Apple computers... maybe Bloom has the same problem?

If I dl the file and email it to you do you think you would be able to see it? I'll do it if I can. PM Me your email.

Initiation during Convention was so moving. And I liked Peggy's Q&A afterward. AI with Phi Mu seems to be a very special event.

It's not as hard to sponsor an Alumna Initiate as you might think. I have sponsored four women who became alumnae initiates: my mother, both of my sisters, and a good friend. My mother and sisters were initiated about 10 years ago at my collegiate chapter and my friend was initiated at the 150th Anniversary Convention in Atlanta, 2002.

Basically, the steps to alumna initiation are these:
Your friend has to fill out the Alumna Initiate Application form, you have to fill out the recommendation piece of the form, and you submit it to the National Council who will vote on your recommendation.

To find the form, go to Bloom and in the section called "Member Tools," click on the Alumnae Resources link. "Alumnae Initiate Application" is the third item in the list.

Since the National Council meets only four times a year, quite a bit of time may pass before you hear back on your application--but hang in there! If your friend is worthy and you can prove it in what you write on the Alumna Initiate Application form, chances are excellent she will be approved.

I don't know why more women don't nominate their family and friends to be Phi Mu alumnae initiates. There are many GREAT women who didn't finish college or didn't pledge during their college days, and who are now looking for the "connection" that they can get as a member of an alumnae chapter. I also knew a tremendously dedicated Phi Mu area officer who was an alumnae initiate. I am proud of the women I sponsored as Alumnae Initiates and they are thrilled to share Our Bond!

If you have any questions, you can contact me via this website and I will send you my personal email--or better yet, please contact me on Bloom.

Love in Our Bond,
Gray Carpenter Church

PS I plan to nominate another friend soon--and if all goes well, we plan to have her initiated at Convention in 2010!

^^^

Is it okay to have your AI instructions in public like that?

I don't know, I guess I'm just curious because it's my understanding that the orgs. who do AI usually have their AI process posted on the SISTERS-ONLY portion on their website, where only members can see it.

Those aren't really the "instructions." There is a form with further instructions and information that only sisters can access.

Thanks so much, Gray! I will PM you!

Okay, they really aren't instructions.

I don't know, there's just so many freaking AI sorority shoppers on GreekChat.

How nice to know that while there is still A LOT of effort that must be taken by a SISTER WHOM YOU PERSONALLY KNOW ONLY! (warning for you AI hoppers!) That it is still possible. And of course the only people having access to the delicate information is an initiated member. It's not a public process nor form!

Yes... agreed...

In case it wasn't clear to anybody just joining the thread, I am an active, initiated member in good standing, hoping to nominate/sponsor an extremely well-qualified and accomplished close family member with a LOT to offer and a sincere desire for sisterhood to back it up. :) Big difference, I believe!

I do think it is nice that we have the ability to nominate someone special.