Quote:
Originally posted by zntke711
Is it better to just donate money to your local chapter or just go to you chapter and help out as much as you can? I think helping out is better because more than likely they would just spend the money for a social party.
|
This is a great question, zntke711, and as the alumnae relations advisor to a DZ chapter, I'm really happy to see it!
When it comes to supporting your chapter, I think it all depends on what you as an alum feel comfortable doing. Collegiate chapters need financial as well as physical support, so whatever an alum is willing to donate is going to be valuable, regardless of whether it's a $5,000 check to the housing fund or simply attendance at a rush party.
In regard to your comment about spending money for a social party: I don't know how other chapters are, but in DZ, we have a Housing Corporation -- made up of alumnae -- that is in charge of all funds that are related to the upkeep of the house. If an alumna wants to contribute monetarily to that fund, then I think they feel pretty confident doing so because they are sure that their donation will be going to the house and not just some random social event.
If you feel that physical support is the best route for you, then my suggestion is this: Although chapters can always use money, I think my girls right now would be satisfied to just have some more physical alumnae support. Having alums attend rituals, reunion events, and Rush parties is really important to the chapter. It means so much to the girls to see an alumna walk into the house, and I think it helps to instill the idea in them that "DZ is for life, not just college".
Support your chapter in
whatever way you can. If you're just out of school and don't have a ton of cash in the bank, then let your collegiate brothers/sisters know that they're in your thoughts by swinging by the house on occasion and making a point to get to know them by name.
During mid-terms or finals, get together with some of your alum sisters/brothers and make the chapter some individual goodie bags with snacks for them to munch on during their studying and a brief handwritten note inside to wish them good luck!
On the other hand, if you're the President of your company and are having no trouble making ends meet, then visit the chapter and find out what they're lacking that would help make them a stronger presence on campus. Write a check to the housing fund for some new wallpaper in the parlor. If you don't have a housing fund, and are a little concerned about where that check might go, then maybe you can go out and buy them a TV for their den to replace the old one that's on its last legs, or call a local landscaper and have him plant some new shrubs or flowers out front to spruce up the house.
As I said before, just do what
you feel secure in doing. They're going to appreciate it - guaranteed.