So I'm Thinking About AI!

SFHopefull! · #1 05-24-2005, 09:56 PM

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FloridaTish · #2 05-24-2005, 11:14 PM

I think that you should first do a little research. Is there a particular group that you are interested in? Alumnae association links can most likely be found on their national website or by doing a Google search. There is a great thread in the AI section of Greekchat that shows what groups are open to AI. Find a group you are interested in, not just because they are open to AI or just because of a reputation you may have heard about, but because you feel you would really gel with that group and beleive in their ideals, philanthropy and their sisterhood.

I think is it the policy or most sororities that AI is initally started via contact with their main offices at their headquarters and they will refer you to a specific alumane contact who would contact you...I know some other ladies on the board could offer advice on how to start the process...

Good Luck!

SFHopefull! · #3 05-25-2005, 12:27 AM

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lake · #4 05-25-2005, 02:16 AM

I think the best way to go would be to do some research on all the NPC groups, regardless of whether or not they may have a strong or active presence in your area, and try to find out which groups values align the closest to yours.

Even if one particular group doesn't have an active presence in your region now, doesn't mean that there aren't alums of that group who would be interested in someone taking the initiative and organizing functions. That organizing person could be you!!

Just my two cents...

SmartBlondeGPhB · #5 05-25-2005, 04:55 PM

I will speak only for my own group.

I can understand your feelings on activity level but that is really something that changes a lot. A group may not be very active right now, but all they need is one or two new women to get them re-energized. With an alumnae chapter, it's more than 4 years and it's a constant struggle to keep the energy level up and get new blood every year to help out.

My alumnae chapter has had 3 AI's in the six years we have been in existence and two of those contacted members of our chapter directly and not our IH to get the ball rolling. I think it all depends on wheher you know someone in the local area or you introduce yourself to someone in the local area (through something like GC) and she is willing to start the ball rolling. KunjaPrincess's AI trip was exactly that.

I would hope that the headquarters of the groups would be able to give you a bit of information on the activity level of the various alumnae chapters. We turn in reports annually that detail what we did over the prior year and that should give SOMEONE an idea of how active we are.

Not to mention, SF is an area where there are a number of alumane chapters (I know we have tons) depending on exactly where in "SF" you live. I'm guessing we aren't alone in this. If one chapter in the area is not very active then try another to see how active they. That's what we as members do......

starryeyed · #6 05-25-2005, 06:23 PM

Good luck in your AI search!

LouisaMay · #7 05-25-2005, 07:24 PM

Hi, SFHopeful.
I was only two years out of college when I began my AI journey. I'm still on the journey, so I would recommend starting right away. The process can take a while, so it's not too soon to start.

Good luck!
LM

KunjaPrincess · #8 05-25-2005, 07:44 PM

Don't base your search on how active the Alum group is. Take a look at how interesting their activities are... Also look at the average age of the members. A 25 ish yr old is not going to have a whole lot in common with a 75 yr old LOL. You also want to look at a lot more than just the membership locally, you may move and your sorority will always be around. With that in mind look at the (inter)national sorority and see what ideals they uphold that mesh with your personal beliefs.
Be prepared for a lot of downtime. My AI was very short in comparisson to many. I met Melanie (Smartblonde) in August and was initiated in April. Some have been waiting years...
Good luck to you in your search

SFHopefull! · #9 05-25-2005, 09:12 PM

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blueangel · #10 05-25-2005, 10:15 PM

Just a few thoughts...

AI can be a very, very long process filled with ups and downs. Get ready for a wild emotional roller coaster. You'll experience a lot of "hurry up and waits." You'll think all is fine, and then not hear anything for months, and think all is lost, only to hear something again-- or not. It's an extremely difficult process.

Don't go in expecting to recreate your college years. The whole sorority experience is completely different on the alumnae level.

And... it's difficult to judge a sorority by one geographical area. I know that the most sought after sororities where I went to college are not necessarily the most sought after elsewhere, and vice versa.

Lake gave excellent advice when she suggested you look up the national web sites and see if your values, philosophies, etc agree with those you read about. There might be a philanthropy that you might prefer in one sorority, or something in the open motto in another that hits home.

And no, it doesn't matter how long you've been out of college for AI. For me, it was more than 20 years after graduation before I AI'd-- for others, it's been just a few years. A sorority is forever... a lifetime decision. Don't rush the decision.

SFHopefull! · #11 05-31-2005, 08:55 PM

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tinydancer · #12 05-31-2005, 09:18 PM

Good luck with your search. Don't be discouraged if things seem slow during the summer. This is usually a down time for most sororities. It will pick up again during the fall.

Tom Earp · #13 06-01-2005, 04:55 PM

Ditto what TinyDancer said.

While it is down time for many GLOs, it might be easier to do now.

Also, Remember that Not all Female GLOs are open for AI or are very selective.

But, also Remember, that there can be a place for someone who is very, very Interested in doing this.

AI was unheard of several Years ago, but it is becoming a larger part of Greek Life.

I asked My Fraternity if they have a Position Statement and got, Ah No We dont. They do now.

Oh, I Love S F. !!!!!!

Is the Boars Head Inn Still there? Very Quaint!

SFHopefull! · #14 06-01-2005, 08:41 PM

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dakareng · #15 06-01-2005, 10:37 PM

Sending the letter of inquiry as a formal, business-like letter is absolutely the correct way to go. While some groups may be transitioning to paperless internal reporting and communication, I think it is still considered informal. Keep in mind that your audience at the various HQ are most likely not recent graduates (who grew up using email/ IM) and consider formal, official comunication to be in writing on letterhead. An email might get forwarded to the appropriate person but a letter will get more respect.