The best way to kick off the chapter is to host a social gathering/info session for local alumnae. Send out a nice invitation to everyone, maybe even get a national/regional officer as a speaker/guest. Have the event at a place that would be a 'draw' - such as a nice restaurant, upscale club, garden club or similar. Offer coffee, desserts and get to know everyone on the area. Find out who is interested in getting things off the ground. A couple of weeks later, call these women and host a work/planning meeting. Elect officers and come up with a schedule of alumnae events. Go slow - no more than one event per month or every 6 weeks. Charge reasonable dues - you need to cover your mailing costs and things like party supplies if the chapter is the host.
I'm president of my alumnae chapter, and we hold a kick-off event every Fall and usually end up bringing in more members every year! Let me know if you'd like some programming ideas.
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Fraternally,
Barbara
Zeta Tau Alpha Alumna
If you have to go around telling everyone you're in charge you're not much of a leader.
Tallahassee Area Alumnae of ZTA
Tallahassee Alumnae Panhellenic & Sorority Recruitment FAQ
[This message has been edited by BFulton (edited December 18, 2000).]