Quote:
Originally posted by lifesaver:
I always find it cool to hang out with other chapters. I find it most beneficial for our new members. Helps them to get a sense of the "national" organization as a whole.
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I'm going to have to agree here with lifesaver. Each semester we road trip to another chapter, and we encourage all our new members to attend. Actually, these trips are mostly composed of new members and only a handful of actives go, b/c we're the ones with the cars to drive there. No matter how much you talk about it, I believe this is the only way to learn that you are a part of a greater organization that exists outside of your campus.
It's a great feeling to travel to another school, and have an instant bond with a new group of people. Even though you just met, it's like you've known each other for years.
I've been to about 10 different chapters for different reasons, and I look forward to attending national and regional conventions to that I can see the friends I've made on these trips again, as well as make new ones. There's a chapter in Michigan, that we always hook up with, b/c no matter who attends from each chapter, we always have a great time.
This spring, I was doing an internship in another city, and I spent 4 months with our chapter at a nearby university. I was allowed to participate in everything that chapter had to offer, and I was treated as a full member in all respect, execpt I did not have a vote in their meetings (even though I was allowed, and encouraged to give my input and opinion.)
I encourage everybody, if you've not already done it, to go spend a weekend at another chapter. I don't think you've gotten the full greek experience until you have.