Question about the VST training...

susan314 · #1 03-15-2007, 12:39 AM

Sigh...I've learned of a possible conflict with the Pittsburgh training. Looking for some insight from those of you who might have a better idea how the agenda is shaping up...

(First, the conflict - my husband's childhood friend passed away in a car accident at the beginning of February. He had a daughter. My husband and his friends decided to host a memorial golf tournament to raise money for an education fund for her - to be held on Brian's birthday. My husband is the primary organizer of the event and wanted me to assist with things that day - checking golfers in, helping to oversee the dinner afterwards, etc. Since the guys had been talking about it being "on Brian's birthday," I just realized that the date of the event is June 30th - the Saturday of TLC weekend for advisors in Pittsburgh.)

I'm trying to figure out some sort of compromise - I don't want to miss Pittsburgh (looking forward to meeting everyone, and also of course as a new CA I need all the training I can get

). But, I also know how much my husband was counting on me to be at this tournament to help, and how much it means to him.

I believe the training is scheduled for 6/28 through 7/1...would it be terrible to go for only half the weekend, returning home for the tournament on 6/30? Without a copy of the agenda, I don't know what parts I'd miss. Is there enough business to be covered on Thursday/Friday where I'd still get some benefit out of the trip? (Not as much benefit as making the whole weekend, of course, but again...I'm desperately trying to figure out a compromise!) I'm not concerned about the actual travel part - I was planning to drive to Pittsburgh anyhow. (The drive from Toledo to Pittsburgh isn't bad) But I wasn't certain whether actual training would occur on Friday, or if we were getting down to the nitty gritty on Saturday? If I miss Saturday/Sunday, am I going to be missing the bulk of the information?

Any suggestions? I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place here.

I know my husband would be a trooper if I told him no way, no how...I absolutely have to go to Pittsburgh no matter what. But I also know how much this event means to him and how hard he took his friend's death - I'm sure that (even though he'll never admit it, being a guy) aside from needing my time to do tasks at the event, he needs my emotional/moral support too.

AGDee · #2 03-15-2007, 10:13 AM

I PMd you...

GtownGirl98 · #3 03-16-2007, 09:38 AM

I don't know what the pm said but... a few options.

A. You skip this year and just attend Convention next year, with him understanding that NOTHING will stop you from attending convention.
B. You promise to help get everything organized for that day and find someone to fill in for you on Saturday.
C. You just tell him this is my thing, that is your thing.
D. You stay with him and help him through this time.

I like all but C. Sorry, I can't help more, I'll keep you in my prayers.

greeklawgirl · #4 03-20-2007, 02:11 PM

Susan, check your email. There should be something in there today...if you didn't receive it, PM me your email address and I'll forward it to you.

susan314 · #5 03-20-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeklawgirl

Susan, check your email. There should be something in there today...if you didn't receive it, PM me your email address and I'll forward it to you.

Thanks so much for the heads up - I did receive the e-mail!

I'm encouraged by the tentative agenda on the memo - looks like all the training specific to Alpha Gam and the new VST structure will be on Friday. Saturday is general leadership development concluding with a group dinner.

Ordinarily, I'd welcome the opportunity for leadership development ideas and a chance to mingle with everyone at dinner. But, in light of my conflict, sounds like at least the agenda is shaping up where I'd be able to make all the critical Alpha Gam specific training.

Thanks again for your input ladies!

AGDLynn · #6 04-23-2007, 03:02 PM

Looks like fun and informative!

susan314 · #7 04-23-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGDLynn

Looks like fun and informative!

Got my registration packet today too!

I'm fairly certain that I'll attend at least through Friday evening. Trying to figure out which of the workshops I should attend. Since I'm a new CA, I'm thinking Chapter Management might be a good one.

For my other option, I'm thinking perhaps Recruitment. I always feel like that's a weak area for me. I dropped out of formal rush after the first 2 days, and ended up COBing. So, I never attended Phase C or Preference as a PNM. And I only participated in rush on the chapter end one time, and I didn't pref anyone that year. (I ended up being a Rho Chi, then on Panhel exec board, so that's why my recruitment experience from the chapter end is so limited.) Some of the other topics I can investigate and try learning on my own just by reading the materials/manuals, but Recruitment is a huge mystery to me since my personal experience with it is so limited! Given that the chapter I advise is having some recruitment issues, I'm thinking it would behoove me to get some training in that area?

mu_agd · #8 04-23-2007, 03:27 PM

Hopefully mine will be there when I get home today, then!

GtownGirl98 · #9 04-23-2007, 05:22 PM

I won't get home till late tonight... I want to see what workshops I want to attend. I have HA Annual tonight at GC. Fun times!

AGDLynn · #10 04-23-2007, 05:41 PM

I'll attend Chapter Management. Not sure what Fraternity Programs will cover so we'll see. My FA is going (at least she told me she was) so she'll go to Finance and HA. The Recruitment Advisor can't go but I'm trying to see if I can get someone else to go.

GtownGirl98 · #11 04-23-2007, 08:48 PM

I still don't know what I'm going to do because my mail box was blocked by construction equipment.... we have cluster boxes for a reason. URRRRG

AGDLynn · #12 04-23-2007, 08:58 PM

The workshop choices are
Chapter Management
Finance
Recruitment
Alumnae Development
Fraternity Programs
House Associations

You get to choose 2.

There are other info sessions but these are the ones that you get choices on, lol.

Hope this helps. PM me if you have specific questions and I'll see if they are in the mailing.

mu_agd · #13 04-25-2007, 09:07 AM

So greeklawgirl and I have been wondering about this and I figured I'd put it out here to see if any of y'all know the answer:

I noticed the packet didn't say anything about providing sheets, pillows and towels. Does anyone know if this is the case or should I just plan on buying some cheapo sets and bring them with me?

GtownGirl98 · #14 04-25-2007, 09:32 AM

Hey Lynn, thanks... I'm so mad... I was home yesterday and asked the construction guys to move their truck from in front of our box... and they did. So we got our mail for the first time in 4 days... but alas... there was no packet. I'm hoping that they send me one... the website had my address wrong a few months back (right street address, wrong town) but I do get the Q... so i'm hoping that it will be in the mail tonight!!!

Mu_AGD... since it is a dorm room... I'm thinking that it will be B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own bedding).

ETA: I know I have to go to HA but I don't know which other one... I really like recruitment (it is so creative and pref is my favorite night... if I could do it all over again I would have chaired this night in college), finance would be good to have since you all told me that VST need finance people, and I'm active with the alumnae and lord knows we need to work on development... so I don't know which one... we can only choose two????

susan314 · #15 04-25-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GtownGirl98

we can only choose two????

Yes - there are 2 "Fraternity Topic Workshops" scheduled for Friday afternoon. So, you'll attend one of the available options for each.

I feel like I still need to learn everything, so I don't know what to pick.

Our Finance Advisor is planning to attend also, so she'll be covering Finance and one other. I guess as long as she and I don't duplicate a session, then we'll get the benefit of more information!

P.S. I'm still trying to work out the details of my attendance. I'm certain that I'll attend through Friday - my husband's plans for the golf tournament are progressing more smoothly now, so we'll see about Saturday.