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hi rachael!
here are some things that i can think of off the top of my head.
-don't only write to the alums when you need something
-set up a listserve (you can do this on yahoogroups) to send out info faster and more frequently. plus it gives the alums an opportunity to send out little updates about themselves
-plan things in advance. don't send out an invite the week before homecoming to a bbq.
-when alums come to events, be sure that all chapter members talk to them. sometimes it seems like you are at a 6th grade dance...lol...where the collegiates are on one side and the alums on the other! maybe plan some sort of mixer game just so that people will start mingling.
in terms of your advisors...make sure you contact them regularly. for example, i am an advisor for my collegiate chapter and i have had to chase down my advisee sometimes. it is not amusing for advisors to have to call you three times before they get a response. we definately understand being busy, etc., however, it is frustrating when you haven't had contact for a month and you just need a date or something.
this relationship is definately a two way street, so your advisors and alums need to give you a break. if the current members of the chapter weren't there when all the "bad" stuff happened, then they need to cut you some slack! see if you can find out what the problems were, so that you can be sure not to repeat their mistakes!
good luck!
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