Hi there,
Well, I ended up pledging DZ where I was at but had contemplated starting my own as well - I don't regret a second of my DZ experience, however, at times I wish I had gone forward with what I had hoped to do and not had let the idea of extra hardwork and additional hurdles along the way stop me.
Working in student affairs currently, here is what you would have to reasonably need to do or consider:
1. Visit your campus activities office (if you haven't already) or locate the advisor in charge of expanding/creating student orgs. It sounds like you don't have Greek life already on your campus, which could mean that they do not allow such organizations, would be a problem. Some institutions do not allow local organizations, which would also be a huge problem. Many today, due to risk management issues, require all organizations to have a national tie.
2. If you do have Greek life there, you will need to look into the different councils and see where yours could fit - if you offer Panhellenic, Multicultural Greek councils, All Greek Councils, etc. Most fraternities and sororities, if allowed to expand, must fit under a self-governing body.
3. Have you considered latching on to a National Panhellenic Conference chapter? (visit
www.npcwomen.org) Although you have a very specific purpose, you will find that you can draw national ties, so you will have alumnae support through your "creation" (also called expansion) process, you will forgo the issue of being a local (sorority insurance is INSANELY expensive), and still be able to create something that is *yours* For example, you may become an XYZ National Sorority but you support certain specific local causes and select your membership based on those things.
4. On kind of a side note, I've seen many women on my campus join sororities and have children while in it, or be single moms and make it work - it's all a matter of what you can make time for
I hope this helps - let me know where you're at because I'd love to know how everything works out!
