Quote:
Originally Posted by DGTess
Whether or not your colony exists next year, is shut down, or whatever, you still have your sisters. The sisters are what make the experience in college, much more than the organization. (My chapter was as small as 15 at times, and we still keep in touch and get together every few years.)
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That is true, if the national organization doesn't send them a cease and desist order. They may be told to stop wearing letters or gathering together because it creates "the appearance of an organized group" and the national makes it out to be a big risk management thing.
I'll repeat what I said before: it is NOT RIGHT to allow women to initiate then pull out the colony. If the national weren't sure of a chapter coming to fruition (i.e. the school is not teeming with women who want to be Greek), they should not have initiated anyone. If national is refusing to help you but still wants to close the colony, I would explain your situation to your school's Panhellenic and let them know that when the colony closes, your group will be reforming as a local sorority (for which you will naturally be creating new ritual, colors, mascots etc) and you'd like their support. If they've seen the lack of support you've been given by your national "organization," then hopefully they will back you on this. That way you can still be part of your school's Greek community, and who knows, maybe it will be a lasting foundation for something that will work out.
To everyone saying "just get out there and recruit!" - it sounds like this colony was ill-advised from the jump, and the national thought that initiating women would be a marketing tool. Not so much. College age women can't overcome that, and I think at this point, the girls who are members would feel guilty getting anyone else involved in this clusterfuck.
To everyone saying "you will have so many alumnae opportunities" - quite frankly, I wouldn't want to do anything as an alumna for an organization that screwed me like this.