I know there's a bunch of stuff on Pride Online about this, but I thought I'd post here as well. I saw a thread in another forum that asked about keeping alumnae involved. Here are some suggestions from me. Feel free to add to them (or tell me I'm expecting too much from the chapter):
~Don't send invites to homecoming festivities the week before. "Please come to the brunch that are having in your honor". Ok, well if you really wanted me there, you'd give me at least three weeks notice.
~Please don't contact me only when you want money. I would love to get a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual newsletter. We get one annual letter in August telling us a few accomplishments, then a two paragraph plea for money. I don't doubt they need it. I would be much happier to give it if I felt they cultivated me as an asset vs eyeing me as a cash cow.
~If I do send you a check, I would appreciate a thank you. Yes, what I can afford to send probably isn't as much as you hoped I would. But a check is a check. A cancelled check appears to be the only indication I will ever get that I sent something.
It doesn't take a lot to write "Dear Sister, thank you for your donation to our chapter. We plan to combine your contributions with others to purchase a new living room set." A little appreciation goes a long way.
~Please don't let me feel alienated when I do visit the chapter. I live far, far away from the house. I was back to visit a few years ago and the girls made polite chit chat, then went back to their groups. I felt not exactly unwanted, but sort of like people could care less whether or not I was there - not that I expected to be entertained. I could be a helpful career source for someone, but you'll never know...
~It seems as if actives don't realize the demands that we alum have on us. I don't expect them to understand exactly what our lives are like, but I do think it's not unrealistic to schedule activities ahead of time. We have jobs, husbands, children, and appointments that we need to schedule around. This year, I got my invite to homecoming on the day of
Perhaps they figure I live too far away, so why bother?
Just some ideas. I realize they sound kind of nitpicky, and I'm sure most chapters already address many of the things I have listed. OTOH, have I left anything out?
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