Quote:
Originally posted by AChiOAlumna
Hannahgirl...As someone who has been out of the chapter for 10+ years, let me tell you that your organization is smart for making this rule. I've seen girls who are recent alums come back the next year to help with Recruitment. It never works out as they are too close to the house (emotionally) and want to become an active part of the decision making when it comes to choosing PNMs and at some point, want a say in the matter. The older alums have had to designate newer alums to "behind the scene" duties to keep them off the floor and to make sure they aren't influencing the decisions of the active house.
Give yourself some time to disaffiliate with your chapter. It'll help you with objectivity and make you a stronger advisor when your 3 years roll around. Stay active with your local alum chapter...this way you're still supporting your house, but in a less direct way...
In the end, you'll be glad you did...it'll make you more ready for becoming an advisor...
Good luck!
|
I cannot agree with you more. DG has a reason for that rule. My chapter's support team also will not send alumnae back for reviews or allow them to hold an support team position until they are out for three years. Mind you, we will celebrate our chapter's 6th anniversay this April. We really cut into our available alumnae, and it will be tough, but the chapter really needs the ability to grow. It is hard for alumnae to let go emotionally, especially chapter founders.
Both alumnae and acitves need to concentrate on the present, if that is college or grad school or a first job. Alumnae can give so much more to the chapter when they are able to distance themselves and are not into the cliques that exist. I don't care if people say cliques don't exist, they do and it can be a real issue if someone who is there to be impartial and advise is still part of the cliques. We had an advisor who was just way too close to the chapter and when issues came up, some sisters refused to use that person as a resource because of her past behavior. It is not a good situation for either side and is probably better for long term involvement.
AST does let recent alumnae become involved on the National level, and in advisory capacitities. However, avoid it if you can. Do something on a national level until you are farther out, or see if another chapter needs help. Do not hurt the relationship you have with your chapter. It is hard to tell your best friends that you can't be involved in the middle of the dramas anymore. Saying that was one of the hardest things I've ever told a sister. But I've saved myself from becoming too involved, and now I can be friends with them.
Sorry that was so long