[AEPhiSierra]

Now I don't want to turn this thread into a brawl or anything but i definitely have to address each of archangels comments:

1) the national organization isn't there to strong arm you or boss you around. while i only have experience with my national my dealings with my national office as a chapter president have been very pleasant. if the chapter needs anything they want to and do help you.

2) yes, dues are more but you pay more to get more. on our campus national dues are about $50-60 more than locals but think about all the thing it pays a national offfice and its staff, a traveling consultant, a national magazine, insurance, scholarship, convention -- all of these are great resourses!

3) AEPhi's national convention was amazing!!! I learned so much and met some of the coolest women around.

4) ok its nice to be a founder but its just as worthwhile to join an organization as a sister who isn't a founder

5) i have never really gotten this vibe of my national trying to boss my chapter around all the time. i don't how this idea of such an antagonistic relationship between national offices and chapters got into your head but its false.

6) the consitutional rules are their to strenthen, organize and support our organization and its chapters and they have never been a problem for us and i didn't hear any chapters complain about them at convention either.

7) as a national sorority member i have the opportunity to get involved on a national level -- that is what i call leadership experience. i don't know what you're talking about with national offices recruiting chapter's members. i find that unusual and unlikely.

8) i personally don't know how each national regulates pledging, that definitely varies from national to national, though again i have to say that has never been a problem with us either. but that brings me to another point:

each national is different, there 26 national sororities to choose from and you can choose to affiliate with an organization with similar goals and ideals.
My campus has local sororities so I have seen the benefits and disadvantage of being a national and i am soooo glad that i am in a national sorority. 3.5 million national sorority members world wide can't be wrong!!!

wow - this was my longest post ever but things needed to be said. Well, anyway if you need any help in your pursuit civickitty let me know - i am former president of panhel at brooklyn college which is pretty close to st. john's so i am glad to help out another new yorker