Quote:
Originally posted by greencat
I'm not looking to be tackled for asking this question, but I feel it is legitimate---
Why the interest in joining a sorority post-college? The alumnae don't have the same kind of structured programming and activities as you'd find in a college chapter. Why not join the Junior League, Sandpipers, etc.-- a women's volunteer organization that also involves socialization, leadership training, etc.
Just curious on what the big deal is-- sisterhood is just a fancy word for "friendship" and you can have a similiar experience in a civic organization or volunteer society.
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You are correct in your assumption that this is a loaded question. It is a very heartfelt subject for many women. I can't give you a personal answer because I am a collegiate initiate, but there are probably as many reasons for wanting this particular experience as there are AI's. Perhaps the opportunity for collegiate membership never presented itself, perhaps someone joined a sorority as a new member and for some reason was not initiated, perhaps a mother wants to share the experience with her daughter when her daughter joins a sorority - there are lots of reasons. No, it is not the same as being initiated in college and the experiences are different, but it is no less special. Many alumnae chapters are very active and do provide the same kinds of activities as the social clubs you mentioned. I am a member of one of those organizations, and I love it, but I do not agree that it is the same as taking an oath with women who you have sought out to bond with.
You don't mention your affiliation and many sororities (NPC or not) don't have an AI program. I think that if your sorority does it then it is a bit easier to grasp. Mine has always done this - even back in the dark ages when I was a collegiate - so I don't find anything unusual about it. I have seen other threads on GC where the sorority members had no point of reference for AI and found it hard to understand.
I think it is a lovely thing and I can think of several women in my life with whom I would love to share this bond. Hope that is at least some help.