Not to contradict you, Leigh Ann ('cause you know I love ya
), but there is a little more to it than just having to "send in your $48.00." In fact, I'm a little bit shocked that this happened in your situation. I can only assume that you were accepted for membership outside of the usual process because you seem like an outstanding candidate for a Friendly Venture, and you are a younger woman. International is currently very enthusiastic about getting younger women into the sorority to secure a bright and wonderful future for our sorority (smart thinking!
)
Amalia17...I'm sure Michelle will PM you with plenty of great info, but for others who might be interested, this is how the membership process should work:
A woman who is interested in finding a chapter contacts the International Membership Department, and her name is placed in the prospective member database...OR...a chapter invites a woman from the community to visit the chapter. If the former is true, the prospective member is contacted by a chapter that is open to new members, and she is invited to visit during a meeting or social. Most chapters have rules about when a new member can be voted in. For instance, one chapter that I am familiar with requires that a PNM visit at 2 meetings and 1 social before the chapter votes. If the chapter decided by majority vote that a PNM meets the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi and fits well with the chapter, then she is extended an official bid. If she accepts the invitation, she pays her membership fee ($48.00), and she signs & submits her pledge agreement. Then the chapter performs her pledge ritual. After a 6 month pledge period (a time of learning the sororities history, traditions, and procedures), the new member may progress to the Ritual of Jewels.
My journey with Beta Sigma Phi has been a wonderful one. Amalia17, I've read your Rush thread, and I totally understand where you are coming from. I came to Beta Sigma Phi after I thought that my opportunities for finding a sorority "home" were over. I had a disappointing rush experience as an undergrad, and I could only assume that sororities weren't for me. As a grad student, I discovered Beta, and it has been great!
Good luck! I hope you find what you are looking for.
Erica