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Originally Posted by polarpi
Phi Mu Belle, I wanted to first of all say congratulations on your position, and how interested you are in ramping up the support for your chapter! It's a tough position, but alumnae LOVE to hear about what the collegians are up to when they can't always get there to see for themselves!
Now, I can relate to where you're coming from, as I'm the liaison between the alumnae chapter and the collegiate chapter that I advise (yes, it's a little different than what you're talking about!  ) I try to get collegiate members in contact with the alumnae officer that pertains to the position (for example, our philanthropy chair for the alumnae was interested in co-hosting a dinner with the collegians at the Ronald McDonald House - so I put the two in contact with one another). Another activity that I actually helped organize was the alumnae association provided lunch for the collegiates one day of the week during their preparation for recruitment in January - not a lot of alumnae were able to make it, but the chapter enjoyed getting to meet other alumnae and having a "outside" view (other than their advisors) of how they were looking for recruitment. We also do a joint Founders' Day celebration in May, where the alumnae Founder's Day chair invites members of the chapter, and then we have a ceremony for the graduating seniors after the luncheon where the alumnae are able to stay and help out.
Keeping in contact is definitely key - especially with your chapter's alumnae (the ones who are likely to be the MOST invested in your chapter's future!) Sending a newsletter, setting up an "private group" for discussion - these are just some ways to find out what's been going on with your chapter's alumnae (or you could even include local alumnae in the distribution group, as well).
Hope this helps a little, and keep up the great work!  |
polarpi, welcome back to GC, has been along time!
You give some excellent advice!
Keeping in contact is defenitly the key. It is and has to be a two way function of Alums and Chapter.
If the chapter does not keep the Alums informed then they lose interest. If the Chapter feels the Alums do not care, then they too quit caring about the Alums until they need help!