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First, I agree with 33girl and her insights. Here are a few more from my work with alumnae chapters and APHs:
1. Strong Leadership and Transition of Leadership - Alumnae members are pulled in a large number of directions (career, family, other volunteer opportunities), so it is often difficult to recruit and maintain good leadership. Accountable Leadership (both national and local level) goes a long way in planning, promoting, and assessing programs of an Alumnae Chapter. I have also seen great alumnae chapters fall apart when leadership is transitioned from a strong leader to a weak leader, but not supported.
2. Goal Setting and Accountability - Once you have a core group of leaders, that group needs to create and work towards goals that they develop. If an alumnae chapter only wants to meet social to reconnect with sisters - great! If it wants to run community service or chapter support program - even better. Groups need to have common values that members want to be a part.
3. Prioritize Membership Recruitment - Its easy to get burned out with volunteer groups, so membership recruitment is important to make a priority.
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