[LouisaMay]

Last fall, I worked with an Alpha Sigma Alpha colony that was absorbed from a local. They have since successfully been named a chapter. Part of the reason that I was invited to visit with the colony was to communicate with the alumnae of the local sorority. The sorority was about 10 years old. The atmosphere was positive, but the women were feeling some uncertainty about losing something that they had worked hard to establish and maintain. My fellow volunteer and I assured them that the local founders' are valued and celebrated for starting something wonderful, and we emphasized that many of the small traditions that have sentimental value could be incorporated into the ASA experience. We were clear that the rituals and official practices of the chapter had to be ASA through and through, but passing on a "local mascot" to a little sister, using local colors on a bid day t-shirt, or teaching new members about the original local were simple ways to keep their history alive.

We encouraged the women to also keep their connection alive by becoming Alumnae Initiates and supporting the new ASA chapter in tangible ways.

It was a very moving experience for me to talk with all the women involved.