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While Pi Phi may not be one of the organizations frequently mentioned on the AI board here on GC, it IS being encouraged on an international level. Officers, clubs and chapters are, indeed, receptive to discussing AI with interested women. It does help to have a Pi Phi connection but the only firm requirement is that the woman has studied in a 4-year, accredited university.
The process is as follows:
1. Approval of the sponsoring alumnae club
2. Approval of the chapter of initiation
3. Approval of Grand Council
I had the pleasure of participating in an alumnae RLR (regional leadership retreat) this past weekend and heard stories of AI being done across the country (even here in Texas, which, by the way, is very different from the deep South in some ways, very similar in others). Some of those women have stated that they had Pi Phi friends and acquaintances that they did not know were Pi Phi until they began discussing AI.
I would encourage Shawndalynn and localsister to not give up on the wine & blue. Contact the APP (alumnae province president) and she can put you in touch with clubs in your area and facilitate that contact. If there was a Pi Phi chapter at your alma mater, you may know Pi Phis of your ‘era’ who can also give you a reference. You can also choose to be initiated at that chapter. The woman pursuing AI may choose to either be initiated in the closest university, or her alma mater, or truly the chapter of her choice. Chapters are honored and excited to participate in the AI process and include them in their regular initiation ceremonies.
Just FYI—that is the general process. Once a woman is approved by GC, she may be initiated with the next new member class. AI is generally not done separately (the exceptions to that being the convention initiate and when Barbara Bush was initiated, I believe it was a private ceremony)
Feel free to PM me if you’d like to discuss your specific circumstances.
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