[Sistermadly]

Adrienne,

You know all too well how I feel about this. I feel as if we've shared the pursuit of Alumna Initiation together, even though we researched different groups. You are a phenomenal woman - and whatever charitable/social organization you decide to devote your time and talents to will be made richer for it. You should be commended for your resillience, openness, and tenacity. It speaks volumes to the kind of woman you truly are.

To All the Sorority Women on GC:

If your organization does not have a standardized, carved in black-and-white policy on Alumna Initiation - fight for one. We alumna initiates know all too well that the process can vary from city to city -- hell, it can vary from initiation to initiation! We know and understand the NPC policy on mutual selection. But I get the feeling that the membership process for collegians is more firmly structured than it is for alumna initiates. This lack of structure and inconsistency is frustrating for the PNAM and for her sponsor. It shouldn't have to be this way.

Take the time to educate your members on alumna initiation. If you are a collegian, bring it up in your chapter meetings. If you are an alumna, bring it up at alumna events.

If you are an alumna initiate - let everyone know WITH PRIDE that you are an alumna initiate of your organization! In a way, it's kind of like coming out of the closet for gay people - people are more tolerant and less ignorant of things when they know someone personally who has gone through the process.

My heart is breaking for Adrienne right now, as I'm sure are all of yours. We always tell PNMs that things happen for a reason, and maybe this happened for a reason - maybe there's something greater out there for you that's waiting just over the horizon. Good luck to you - and know that we are always here for you, no matter what.