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I've been involved in alumnae associations in several states and it takes use of multiple mediums to generate interest and enthusiasm. Email alone won't do it. Especially for alums more than 15 years post-graduation. Young alums may prefer email and use it extensively but older alums don't. A snail mail mailing with a return card is another way to assess interest. Your district president can help you edit the letter. When I've written these letters in the past, I've talked about the things that drew me to Pi Phi in the first place and then on renewing the bonds of sisterhood. Focusing on how nice it would be to have events close to home and that you are planning to organize a meeting, then how they can help (hostessing, assist mailings, assist planning events). If you step forward as being willing to be chairman or president, that will help.
Not knowing your location, I'm just going to throw out ways I've hunted down women to revive clubs. If there is a City Panhellenic in the area, find out if someone is representing ZTA at it. There many be women out there who want a more local alum association but don't have the time or energy to start it. They likely would help you though. I'm guessing there isn't a collegiate chapter locally but if there is, who are their advisors?
Target the women from your chapter. You already have a common bond with them (the undergraduate campus experience). Even if you don't know them, you have something to talk to them about.
Your biggest decision for a first event will be timing. There is no perfect answer.
**working women will not come to a weekday day event.
**older alums often prefer weekday day events
**younger alums usually prefer evening meetings but not on weekends
**women with families may be too busy on weekends
**what are conflicts in your community? Is yours one that many churches have Weds evening events? Are there youth sports leagues on certain nights?
Those are things to think about to maximize your potential.
Good luck
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