Quote:
Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS
 You suffer from the same condition that Tom Earp does. No one said these people can't do anything or that we would ostracize these people. We are saying that old and young members need to contribute to the organization before they run around thinking that putting on letters means they are "representing" something.
I have found that people typically can afford whatever they want to afford. I rubbed pennies together to pay dues as an undergrad and rubbed pennies together to pay dues for the 7 years after undergrad. I will continue to rub pennies together to pay dues as long as I manage to find pennies to spend on clothes and other things that I probably don't NEED.
Broke is relative and a state of mind. For instance, being a broke grad student is NO JOKE but most of us still manage to do STUFF. Whether that's going out on the weekends, buying some gooblygob to wear, or eating out. Contributing your time is a wonderful thing and sisterhood is about more than dues. But many organizations are non-profit businesses that could use our dues for some important things both administrative and philanthropy-wise. |
Excellent post!
@ alphagamzetagam: It's not about jumping all over alum that don't financially support. It's more important to look at the fact that when you [in the general sense, not specific] were desiring to be a member of your org, you found a way to get that money together to become a member. It's possible to continue to find the money and time now that you are on the official membership rolls for XYZ.
In some cases, it really is a matter of being a brand new grown-up with your degree in hand but not the best paying job. In the case of my sister-in-law, she really does not give back to the org, but she's an executive-turned-stay-at-home mom pushing a beautiful Yukon XL with XYZ on the front and back. She and her two daughters carry beautiful handbags, and they
stay fly in every way. She will tell you XYZ hasn't received a membership check from her in years. So, how can you proudly flaunt your membership to others when you "can't" support that national organization with your much needed membership dues? It's akin to pimping your letters.
At least in your case, you support activities and actually serve the community. I know a "seasoned" soror who did the same thing when she couldn't afford the dues. It happens, but you shouldn't stop supporting your org all together just because life happens.