Going to a Meeting on Wednesday!

[BookishBabe]

Hi ladies,

I just wanted to let you know that I'm attending a meeting here in town on Wednesday of this week. The chapter is a Preceptor chapter, but I'm not exactly sure what that means. I've been invited to a Laureate chapter as well, but I don't think I'm going to be able to make their meeting. I was told that there used to be a Ritual of Jewels chapter in my area, but they folded when the chapter dwindled down to only four members.

Since I have no idea what these terms mean and what the age ranges are for the members in each chapter, can someone clue me in on what to expect? I'm in my early 30s (but I feel much younger! )

[cutetiger]

In Beta, there are different degrees that one can achieve, where as in a national sorority you are active then go on alum status. The order of the degrees are: Nu Phi Mu, Ritual of Jewels, Exemplar, Preceptor, Laureate, and Master. If your chapter is a Nu Phi Mu, then you start at that degree. Most all of the ladies I know start at RoJ then progress from there. All the degrees mean is how long a sister has been a member of sorority. When you get enough sisters in the same chapter of the same degree, then the whole chapter's name progresses. Ex: Kappa Gamma (RoJ chapter) becomes Xi Delta Sigma (Exemplar chapter). It's a name game that you'll learn eventually.
Hope this info helps you out.

Hugs,
Bernadette

[erica812]

I knew about the degrees, but I wasn't sure about the order. I also didn't now how the chapter names changed.

There are just so many interesting little tidbits about Beta Sigma Phi.

Erica

[BookishBabe]

Thanks for the explanation, Bernadette! I'll be sure to post an update after tomorrow!

[BookishBabe]

Well, I attended a meeting of the Preceptor Nu chapter here in my town, and I have to say that I had a wonderful time. The ladies were congenial, welcomed me with open arms, and involved me in their activities from the time I walked in the door. I was so impressed with how they took the time to explain certain projects and sorority specific terminology with me, and I was touched that they invited me to take part in the closing ritual, even giving my hand a reassuring little squeeze in the process.

I'm considerably younger than the members in this chapter (who all seem to be in their mid 50s to early 60s), but they were such a close knit and lively group that it started not to matter by the time the evening was over. The social half of the meeting was spent sitting around and talking over heavy hors d'ouevres (sp) and wine (although I had water because those Weight Watchers points add up! ). They asked me lots of questions about myself, and seemed genuinely interested in the answers.

After the meeting was over, they all said what a pleasure it was to meet me, and they extended an invitation to their next meeting in two weeks. Even though I'd absolutely love to start a Friendly Venture at my university, I think I could grow to think of these women as my sisters... if they'll have me!

Oh one more thing -- I have a friend who is interested in attending the meeting with me. Should I have her contact International, or can I just have the local chapter phone her and invite her out?

[erica812]

What a great update!!!!

The whole experience sounds wonderful. I'm so happy for you.

Doing the Friendly Venture is pretty exciting, but if you think that you can make a home for yourself in Preceptor Nu, I say GO FOR IT!

I'm so glad that you had fun.

Erica