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As an alumna who moved around a bit, I always felt more comfortable going to alumnae events at a chapter house (even if it wasn't my own chapter) than at someone's own home. There's just something about a chapter house that feels familiar.

Host an alumnae-collegian mixer or membership education workshop at the chapter house. A great time to do this is during chapter recruitment workshop training. Collegiate members can give house tours and share chapter bragging rights. This way, alumnae who were not members of the chapter can become acquainted with it.

Sorority history is a great topic for an alumnae-collegian membership workshop, and the alumnae can share their war stories with the younger ones. Or have alumnae volunteer to participate in a workshop about business etiquette, resume writing, etc.

My alumnae association in Orlando also hosts a new member brunch shortly before initiation, as well as a mother-daughter brunch during homecoming weekend. Both are always well attended by both collegians and alumnae. Another activity is hosting a alum-collegian philanthropy activity-- we've had good luck with this around the holidays taking dinner down to the local Ronald McDonald House.

You can also encourage a pen pal program between the chapters and the alums-- a mentor/mentee program. Consider reaching out to the chapter to plan an alum-collegian holiday lunch or dinner.

The alumnae should also reach out to the chapter-- what do they need? Can the alums participate in a drive for supplies for the chapter house? Can they receive an invitation to the chapter philanthropy event? I really think Facebook has been such a great way to keep alums in touch with collegiate chapters; the association should have a facebook fan page and invite collegians to join the page.