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OPA has the same problem. Some sisters make the transition to alumnae easily and remain involved and engaged throughout life. But most file it away in their mental scrapbook of college memories. In my role with OPA, I work with interest groups who want to start alumnae chapters. My message to them is:
1. Actively seek out and embrace members from different chapters or different time periods. That breaks up the "cliquish" feeling that may result when a group of close friends from the same collegiate chapter starts a new alumnae group.
2. Get busy right away doing activities that make new fun memories. We have an emotional attachment to our collegiate chapter because of all the memories associated with it. If our alumnae experience is primarily planning meetings and ice-breakers (*yawn*), there's no way it will compete with the other demands for the alumna's time.
3. Cut them some slack and always ALWAYS make them feel welcome. After college, all of our lives have peaks and valleys of available time. Even the most engaged members hit a period when their career / family / finances / health demands all of their time and energy. Don't make them feel guilty about their hiatus. Instead, make sure they know that when they come up for air OPA is still happy to see them.
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