Online Kappa

erica812 · #1 03-26-2003, 08:52 AM

This morning I received an official bid from Online Kappa. I am so excited! I am going to be a Kappa Sister!! I have already written to accept the invitation. I am so impressed with the efficiency and energy of this online chapter. All of the sisters were so friendly and warm towards me though the whole March "meeting" (which lasted almost two weeks!).

I just couldn't wait to share the good news with my GC sisters.

Erica

AngelPhiSig · #2 03-26-2003, 09:57 AM

Congrats Erica!

I dont understand the online chapters, can someone please explain them to me?

erica812 · #3 03-26-2003, 12:17 PM

Ahhh...I'm on GreekChat too much!!! I can't stay away!!!

Before I pry myself away from the computer for the day, let me clarify the online chapters for you. I wasn't sure myself until I did some research and actually participated in a meeting.

There are currently 15 online chapters (I think that's right..one of them might have closed recently). The first online chapter, Online Alpha, was formed in 1997 after several Beta Sigma Phis had been chatting online for some time. They had formed three active chatrooms, and they decided to give their group more organization by electing officers and following a "chapter" format. By the close of 1997, Online Alpha had almost 200 members. Since the idea of the online chapter was so popular, Online Beta was chartered in January 1998.

These first chapters were so successful that more and more women became involved in online chapters. Somewhere along the line, the Cyber City Council was formed. Most of the chapters have membership caps, so not many are as large as Alpha and Beta. Online Kappa (my new chapter) has a cap at 25, and I am the 23rd sister.

Each online chapter is different. Some are more formal; others are casual. I can really only explain how Online Kappa (OLK)works...and I've only been to one meeting.

OLK follows a Career Format, so we meet once a month. The meeting begins with the President posting (to everyone's e-mail account) the opening ritual and agenda. Then, by sending e-mail messages, the meeting progresses through the agenda. Committee chairs and officers give reports, motions are made, business is discussed, etc... A program was even presented about one sister's trip to a tropical island. It was really fun! This took about a week. Each member is expected to check her e-mail once per day while the meeting is in session.

After the business is over, the "Chapter Chatter" begins, and sisters just e-mail each other to talk about their lives, their land chapters, their families, etc. They share jokes and recipes and photos. This goes on all month until the next meeting begins. There is a monthly e-newsletter, and the OLK website has a photo gallery (password protected).

Online chapters are really just a way to keep in touch with Beta Sigma Phis from around the world. Online Kappa has a member in England. She's 23 like me, so that was one of the main things that drew me to OLK over the other online chapters. Online chapters are a great opportunity to get ideas for your land chapter and form wonderful friendships. Online Kappa is even arranging a chapter vacation to Los Vegas in August!!

Must go...
I HAVE TO DO REAL WORK NOW!!!!

Erica

amanda_bsp · #4 03-26-2003, 12:40 PM

That sounds cool. I know our alumni are hoping to start an online chapter but I had no idea how any of it worked.

bsp-mich24 · #5 03-26-2003, 04:20 PM

Hello for CA,

Congrats Erica, I'm glad you asked me about the online chapters a month or so ago.

Erica pretty much summed it up about the online chapters. You just need to decide if you want to belong to an online chapter that is formal w/ meetings or an informal style; and whether or not you want to be in a large or smaller group. However, Online chapters are not recognized by Int'l HQ like the land chapters are (so the meetings will count as make-up for the missed land chapter meetings). Check out the following link for more information http://www.betajournal.com/links_5.htm.

I chose Online Alpha Phi because of the informal format. Some sisters email and reply a lot and some do not - as you know "what you get out of an online chapter is - what you put into the online chapter. Some of us do a combination of instant messaging and voice conferencing. I talk to Mariann (founder) a lot by IM and voice conference. It is also interesting to see how sisters living in different regions of the U.S. setup elections for the next sorority year, hear about SH Ball etc. For the younger sisters concerned about age, you hardly notice since you are corresponding all online. Lastly, we have a monthly program that we all respond (this month was on binge eating & reasons why we eat) to & do a roll call if we have not heard from sisters w/in a 3-4 week period just to make sure everyone is ok.

Michelle

AngelPhiSig · #6 03-26-2003, 07:06 PM

How do you go about finding a online chapter?

bsp-mich24 · #7 03-26-2003, 07:27 PM

Hi Alison,

Here is the link to copy and paste into the adress window of your browser
http://www.betajournal.com/links_5.htm .

If this link doesn't work then do the following steps: http://www.betasigmaphi.org and
select Beta links
then choose Beta Journal
then scroll down about 2/3 of the way and you'll see the link for online chapters (a computer mouse w/online chapters written near it ). Hope this helps.

Michelle

erica812 · #8 03-26-2003, 11:30 PM

Thanks, Michelle! I think you did a great job of filling in any blanks that I left!

Just to clarify...the online chapters ARE "recognized" by International (I think they are promoted and supported very well), but online chapters are not a substitute for land chapters. They are just meant to enhance the Beta Sigma Phi experience.

Erica

bsp-mich24 · #9 03-31-2003, 04:06 PM

For those still wondering about online chapters, you can alway visit one (the similar to visiting land chapters) and she if that chapter is a good fit for you.

Vote Update

Benadette The announcement will be posted tonight at 7:30 pm CST on our yahoogroups account. I think we are waiting for 1 more sister to vote and then you will be officially invited to join by Vanesa our moderator.

cutetiger · #10 03-31-2003, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bsp-mich24
We only need about 3 more votes and that GC'r will be officially invited to join.

I'm so excited! Thanks so much for the hint.

Beta Hugs,
Bernadette

Jill1228 · #11 06-23-2003, 03:44 PM

I got an email from OLK now trying to figure out how to get into the chat? Do I need a password?

(Erica, I tried to PM you but your box was full)

erica812 · #12 06-24-2003, 09:35 AM

My PM box is being crazy. Only one message equals FULL???

As far as I know, the chat feature on the website is never used. From what I've seen, all of the communication is done through e-mail. I would love to see a live chat started!!

Erica