Adpiucf is right on. Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and a chapter that hasn't had an advisor in 6 years won't want ony in a day (no matter what they say) either. I was in a situation very similar when I started advising - I was a year out of school, working with a chapter that hadn't had advisors in 4-5 years (and didn't want them), had no alumnae relations and truely were in a downward spiral (they just didn't realize it). After 10 years the chapter is where it needs to be, finanically, scholastically and membership/recruitment-wise.
The thing to realize is that you have to work on the big problems first and leave the other stuff for the next round. As hard as it may be, let them make their own mistakes and don't say "I told you so". Try to know all the members (or at least a lot of them) not just exec b/c exec (usually) only has a one year term. If you are building relationships within the chapter it will help down the line because those are your future leaders.
It will take time, but it will become the norm for the chapter to have an advisor. Of course this will take three or four years (until all or most of those lived in a world without advisors are gone) but it will all be worth it.
And like others have said, it's not about the appreciation from the chapter (although it is nice to get it), it's about furthering your sisterhood and supporting an organization that you love and believe in. When they get to a point that they realize that they need advisor (not just you, but all their advisors) then the recognition will come.
Remember, summer is the time that everyone (collegiate and alumnae) recharge their sorority batteries so to speak. Take the time to step back and not do anything with the chapter - don't even think about them. You'd be surprised how refreshed and revitalized you will feel come fall.
I know it can be a long road to haul, but in the end the success of the chapter is really worth it. Their success IS your success.
