[erica812]

Ahhh...I'm on GreekChat too much!!! I can't stay away!!!

Before I pry myself away from the computer for the day, let me clarify the online chapters for you. I wasn't sure myself until I did some research and actually participated in a meeting.

There are currently 15 online chapters (I think that's right..one of them might have closed recently). The first online chapter, Online Alpha, was formed in 1997 after several Beta Sigma Phis had been chatting online for some time. They had formed three active chatrooms, and they decided to give their group more organization by electing officers and following a "chapter" format. By the close of 1997, Online Alpha had almost 200 members. Since the idea of the online chapter was so popular, Online Beta was chartered in January 1998.

These first chapters were so successful that more and more women became involved in online chapters. Somewhere along the line, the Cyber City Council was formed. Most of the chapters have membership caps, so not many are as large as Alpha and Beta. Online Kappa (my new chapter) has a cap at 25, and I am the 23rd sister.

Each online chapter is different. Some are more formal; others are casual. I can really only explain how Online Kappa (OLK)works...and I've only been to one meeting.

OLK follows a Career Format, so we meet once a month. The meeting begins with the President posting (to everyone's e-mail account) the opening ritual and agenda. Then, by sending e-mail messages, the meeting progresses through the agenda. Committee chairs and officers give reports, motions are made, business is discussed, etc... A program was even presented about one sister's trip to a tropical island. It was really fun! This took about a week. Each member is expected to check her e-mail once per day while the meeting is in session.

After the business is over, the "Chapter Chatter" begins, and sisters just e-mail each other to talk about their lives, their land chapters, their families, etc. They share jokes and recipes and photos. This goes on all month until the next meeting begins. There is a monthly e-newsletter, and the OLK website has a photo gallery (password protected).

Online chapters are really just a way to keep in touch with Beta Sigma Phis from around the world. Online Kappa has a member in England. She's 23 like me, so that was one of the main things that drew me to OLK over the other online chapters. Online chapters are a great opportunity to get ideas for your land chapter and form wonderful friendships. Online Kappa is even arranging a chapter vacation to Los Vegas in August!!

Must go...
I HAVE TO DO REAL WORK NOW!!!!

Erica