[SWTXBelle]

Based on my experience in turning around a struggling chapter - you need alumnae who are committed, actives who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work, and nothing beats a consultant from HQ who can come in and inspire the girls.
Conversely, alumnae can demoralize a chapter. After my mother and I had worked with this chapter for years, local alumnae decided they wanted in. My mother (I had dropped out when my first child was born) was asked to step down, and the local alumna became the advisor. She quit IN THE MIDDLE OF FORMAL RUSH. Just left the girls high and dry. Yes, it is a lot of work, and yes, it is frustrating, but there is NO EXCUSE for doing that to a chapter. Yes, the chapter ended up folding - and I am somewhat bitter, because it was unnecessary.
If you are going to volunteer to help a chapter, you need to be totally committed to doing the hard work. Those girls deserve your best efforts.