[aopirose]

My feathers aren’t ruffled. I just don’t share your opinion about the Fraternity because my perspective is different. I have worked with Ruby chapters and those that need extra attention and still do. My alumnae chapter also has ten other International Volunteers, a couple are from closed chapters, who work with both alumnae and collegiate chapters. For some of these ladies, you would swear that AOII is a full-time job because they travel so much.

Glitter and AOIIAlum hit it on the head when they infer that alumnae should remember and keep their vows. Alumnae shouldn’t wait for the collegiate chapter to make the first move. Call up the CA and see what’s going on. My collegiate chapter puts out excellent newsletters to keep us informed. If they have a specific request, believe me, it’s in the newsletter and we respond. They couldn’t be a Ruby chapter if we didn’t provide the extras so that they could work on their goals. We give them less to worry about.

In regard to Special Status chapters, you are right. Some of their problems could have been resolved by informing their alumnae much earlier. However, they didn’t think that they had a problem until the bottom fell out. The problem was years in the making and it wasn’t going to be resolved overnight. Once an action plan is created and the chapter sticks to it, they can get out. It may take some time but the Fraternity is willing to provide the extra support. However, there comes a point where it is no longer feasible to do so. We do close chapters and it’s terribly painful. It’s not everyday but it needs to be done.

If you would like to discuss this further, you can PM or e-mail me.