Part of what makes us comparatively more successful than some NPC groups is that from day one it's made very clear (at least it was to me) that you're expected to join an alumnae chapter upon graduation and if for some reason you can't it needs to be put on your agenda ASAP. We don't just SAY that membership is a lifetime commitment, it's a reality. For most of us, the INITIAL influence to become a Soror was someone who was in an Alumnae chapter: a teacher, principal, next door neighbor, church mother, mentor, etc. The initial image was/is someone who has since graduated from college & possibly had a family and was still very active in Delta. Also, you have the BWOC (Big Women On Capmus) who may have inspired her mom, older sister or even grandmother to pledge on the alumnae level, which is an enormous commitment when you add in a full time job & a full tiem family, even though the idea may have been dismissed as a "college thing."
But really I think the biggest difference is that for us being an Alumnae member is not much different than being a Collegiate member. I've read the phrase "go alum" on Greek Life as if it's either a "punishment" or a "reduction of responsibility" when compared to being a collegiate member. (If this next part sounds familiar, it's cuz I posted this in another thread
) The only real difference between a collegiate chapter & an alumnae chapter is the undergraduates don't have a degree and the alumnae do. The set up is the same on both levels. All chapters on both levels are subject to the same set of rules, regulations & requirements and are expected to be in attendance at the same sets of meetings at the same times.