aephi in the future?

[futuregreek]

Hi! I was wondering how you got into AEPhi...like what about it drew you in? I'm consiidering rushing in the fall ( I can't now) but at my school, I think the rush in the fall is smaller, and we don't have an AEPhi. The only reason I ask about AEPhi is because of the Jewish roots (I'm Jewish) and if I wanted to start one, I'd probably find out if there's interest through the Hillel.

I guess I'm just preparing for early rejection from the other groups. Needless worrying already! Sheesh!!!

[AEPhiSierra]

Its awesome to hear you're interested in AEPhi

I was drawn to AEPhi simply because they were the girls I was most comfortable with. I am not jewish but I just felt comfortable with them because I was always used to having friends of different cultures. Plus they are really strong in the Northeast where I am from.

If you're really interested in starting a chapter you should definitely get in touch with our national office. Plus you need to find out if your Panhel is even open to the idea of expansion. I have heard of too many interests groups forming only to find out that Panhel did not want to expand and they resultingly couldn't affiliate with the national they were interested in.

Best of luck with rush (stop worrying!!) and if you have any more questions feel free to private message me.

[aephi alum]

I'm glad to hear you're interested in AEPhi.

There's an interesting story behind my chapter, that may give you some thoughts. The year before my freshman year, a group of Jewish women got together and petitioned Panhellenic to bring AEPhi to campus. Panhel voted not to expand at the time, but encouraged the group to form a local sorority instead, which they did.

I went through formal recruitment (the local did not participate) and, while FR left me interested in the idea of sisterhood, I knew that none of the nationals at my school was right for me. I dropped out of FR and rushed the local the following week, and shortly thereafter was a very happy sister.

The following year, we did become a chapter of AEPhi (with Panhel's blessing, obviously). My local's values and ideals were very closely aligned with AEPhi's, and if I'd arrived a couple of years later and found an established AEPhi chapter, I would still have wanted to join there.

Good luck with rush... and stop worrying

[GiraffeGirl]

futuregreek,

It's really interesting that you're interested in AEPhi because you're worried about being rejected from the other groups on campus. In fact, AEPhi was founded because at that time the other groups on their campus would discriminate against Jews. So, while honoring their Jewish heritage, we go forward seeking to avoid discrimination - welcoming sisters from all backgrounds.

You didn't mention your campus, but contact National and see if they're interested in starting or recolonizing your school. If there are alums in your area, they can help start the chapter and work with your school's Panhel to make it happen.

Good luck!
GiraffeGirl