Considering AI

[CatStarESP4]

I am thinking about going through AI. However, I do have one or two concerns. First, I am a co-founder and alumna of a local sorority. Second, do I have to give up my affiliation to my local to be a part of the other GLO ? Are there any alumnae from local GLOs out there who are going or went through AI could offer advice about my concerns? All advice is gratefully appreciated!

CatStarESP4

[AOIIsilver]

Calling Beryana.....
Calling Tom Earp....

[aopirose]

Originally posted by CatStarESP4
I am thinking about going through AI. However, I do have one or two concerns. First, I am a co-founder and alumna of a local sorority. Second, do I have to give up my affiliation to my local to be a part of the other GLO ? Are there any alumnae from local GLOs out there who are going or went through AI could offer advice about my concerns? All advice is gratefully appreciated!

CatStarESP4

1. Me too.
2. It depends on what your local's by-laws say and the by-laws of the Inter/national group. My local wanted to affiliate with an NPC so there was no conflict. I cannot speak about other umbrella association members but, NPCs do allow members from locals to affiliate. Each group has specific membership guidelines so please be aware of that.

I should mention that my local, as a collegiate chapter, folded after 10 years. I affiliated after they closed. I wanted to be a member of whichever group they were. I was offered AI by the NPC that we were working closely with but I declined to go AOII. Believe me, it was not as cut and dry as it may sound.

I was really gungho about the other org and was just about to mail my AI application off when something stopped me. I can't explain it. Something in my gut said that this was not right. I agonized for months about what to do and drove everyone around me nuts! I decided to go AOII and I am very happy.

I still get together with some of my local sisters and they think that my affliation with AOII is cool. One of them even went DZ.

[Tom Earp]

To answer your question,
if you are or want to affiliate with a (Inter)National Greek Organization, is it one that you are thinking about Assoicaiting with?

If it is a Social, there is a difference than the Proffesional or Service Organizations. You can belong to both. I am-APO.

If it is a Local Soroity, there is no bonds held to either of you to join as a member of NPH Greek Organization.

You have no responsebility about not joining.

But then the question comes up, is your Local going to affiliate with a National? Is there a New National coming on campus?

Do you as a member of a local who does not or will not become a member of a National want to join a National.?

That is the question! If you so decide to do, either of you, then, there is no strings attaced other than the women that you are sisters with!

Yes, you as a person can join a National Greek Organization.

Per say, I have a question, if your Local is so strong, then why join a National. I do know the reasons why, I started a Local!

Just some questions to be answered!

Good Luck Ladies!

[CatStarESP4]

I think there was some confusion in my previous post. It's not my local that wants to affiliate with a National GLO. We are a young strong organization. I was just expressing some interest in going through Alumna Initiation. I was just concerned that I would I lose my affiliation with my local if I decide to go through AI on my own. I should have been more clear with my concerns. I apologize!

[Tom Earp]

CatStar, here again is the question?

Will your Local Soroity tell you no you cannot join a National if you are one of our Sisters and wish to continue to be.

I do not beleive that there would be a problem with AIing a National as there are only restrictions between NPC Organizations.

To say you are in a quandry is an understatement to say the least. Well, if that is what you are looking to do then you alone must make the decision.

Good Luck.

If you were just asking a question, I hope I was of asstistance.

[aopirose]

Originally posted by CatStarESP4
I was just concerned that I would I lose my affiliation with my local if I decide to go through AI on my own.

It depends on your local's by-laws and those of the inter(national)'s that you are considering. What do your local's by-laws say about being a member of another organization? My local's said that a member could not be an initiated member of any NPC or NPHC group unless the chapter affiliated with said group.

If your local's doesn't have any language like that then I don't see why you couldn't affiliate. The only restriction that I could see would be that of the inter(national). One of AOII's membership restrictions is that the person cannot be an initiated member of another NPC. It would not be a problem for you to belong to both your local and AOII.

You also may want to consider the goals of your local. Are y'all looking to remain local or become a national in your own right? Is it "understood" local in your that members are not to join another sorority? These are just some things to ask yourself.

Good luck and let us know how it works out!

[Tom Earp]

What aopirose said.

I guess really that two main questions have to be resolved.

1. Will your Local feel bad if you do AI?

2. Will you have time to share between both?

There are some very tough questions to be answered.

Benefits:

1. Having that feeling of being a Sister with Your Sisters.

2. Having the opportunity of spreading your wings to something so much larger.

3. Will Your Local Sisters feel good for you.

4. Would the Local want to affiliate with a National and you can be of help.

There is a lot on your plate to say the least.

Each thing has to be weighed out and find the best Route for you!

Goodest of Luck Sweety!

[Beryana]

I was an alumna of a local that affiliated with Delta Phi Epsilon but I chose not to (not as cut and dry and that seems. . .). It would truly depend on your local's by-laws. Most inter-/nationals are fine with local affiliation because it is not NPC affiliation. . . but check on that one. As Tom said, would your local sisters be hurt by your AI?

I am VERY happy that I chose AI with AOII rather than DPhiE (not that there is anything wrong with DPhiE. . . just not my fit. . .).

Sarah

[AOIIsilver]

AND, if Sarah had joined DPhiE instead of AOII, she could not be my roomie at LI this year! Woohoo!
Silver

[LPIDelta]

I was a member of the same local that Beryana was a part of and I did choose to affiliate with Delta Phi Epsilon as an alumna. I have to be honest--I've heard that some of my Delta Kappa Phi sisters don't understnad why I affiliated. They feel that sorority is for college only--like I haven't grown up or something. Both Sarah and I had "challenging" experiences in our local. That may be why we wanted something more as alumna initiates. In the end, I don't care what others think because this experience is about ME!

My Delta Phi Epsilon experience has been INCREDIBLE. My best friend (not just my best sister friend, but my best friend!) is a sister from a chapter other than my own. I have been able to make a difference in my sorority as an alumna--on the local and International level. I now have the complete and lifelong experience that I was looking for when I went through recruitment as a collegian.

Best of luck in your quest. If you'd like to talk more--send me an PM.

Heather

[Tom Earp]

Heather,

maybe you of all explained it the best.

There are maybe many differences between certain Greek Organizations. Social, Service, and Locals.

But, the love for what is done, was done is still there no matter what!

Expand ones life is the key.