Alumnae Initation Help/Sponsors

[Breeza00]

Hello Ladies,
I am looking for someone that could please help me get started with the AI process. I have read about some wonderful sororities-fraternities and would love to get involved! If you would be interested in helping me please feel free to PM or email me! Thanks SO much!!

[kddani]

You received a lot of responses from your other post. Please see them for the answers to your questions.

No one on the internet is going to "sponsor" you. You need to get to know members in real life.

AI is NOT an easy process. It is very long, time consuming, and not guaranteed, by any means. Learn more about it before you decide to do it. It takes time and effort on YOUR part. Not on people you meet on the internet's part. Not on sorority member's part. The work is up to YOU.

[33girl]

Danielle is right - please take to heart what people have said in the other thread.

WHY do you want to be an alum initiate? That's one of the first things people are going to ask you. Also, look around and see if there are any people in your real life who are active alum members of their sorority - they will be the biggest help to you.

GC is NOT representative of AI, any more than an X-Files Fanatics or Makeup Addicts board is representative of the population at large. Many of the GCers who are AIs did NOT have any help pursuing it online, and for those who did it took a looooooong time.

[Breeza00]

Thanks for being so nice about it! I have contacted the Headquarters for a few sororities and they have been extremely helpful! Ill keep u posted!

[Jill1228]

Uhhhhh....let me think about it!

AOPiRose pretty much says it all here:
NPC Alumnae Initiation Advice
I hope that CP2000 can re-post her excellent thread on NPC Alumnae Initiation Advice. I wish that I had saved it myself. In the meantime, here is what I can recall. If anyone has any additions or corrections, please advise.

Some general advice –
1. Realize that finding your home through AI is not an easy option. It can be more arduous then going through collegiate recruitment.
2. Above all else, please be discrete. If you want to name names, it is completely up to you. Just realize that you never know who is reading your posts.
3. Each organization has their own specific polices regarding AI.
*Some work with a larger pool of women then others.
*In some organizations, local alumnae associations and collegiate chapters must invite a PNM to consider membership.
* In all cases, membership is by invitation only.
4. If you know someone who is a member, please feel free to talk to her about it. She can get you the correct information that you need.
5. If you do not know a single soul in the organization, please do not contact the local chapters. Contact the appropriate person at HQ. It is usually an Alumnae Services Administrator. She will make the introduction for you.
6. Have patience. Some alumnae chapters only meet once per month and some events are not conducive to having guests. Therefore, it may take awhile to determine if there is a match.
7. Is it a good idea to contact more than one group at a time? IMHO, I don’t know because I was never in that situation.
8. When attending an event, follow the same advice given to collegiate PMs. Have fun, relax and be yourself!

That post alone is more helpful than what anyone else could say to you. It ain't handed to you on a silver platter. Sometimes it takes months or years. Sometimes it is being in the right place at the right time


YOU have to do the legwork! NEVER ask anyone to sponsor you! If someone you know thinks you are worthy of membership, they will come to you! (as the title of my post, don't call us, we will call you!)

I REALLY hope this post helps!

[nhpgator]

"Hello Ladies,
I am looking for someone that could please help me get started with the AI process. I have read about some wonderful sororities-fraternities and would love to get involved! If you would be interested in helping me please feel free to PM or email me! Thanks SO much!!"

Breeza

Although I agree it is sometimes not an easy process, other times it can be.... my mother is an alumna initiate and the process was very smooth and not a torture at all and I know she loves it.... with that being said, you asked if someone could help you get started.... here are two ways I would consider moving forward... please know these are nothing official from my organization but just my two cents....
1. Do you know anyone involved in a chapter? If so, talk to that person about their chapter, just in an truly interested way, let them tell you about their sisterhood and see if it is something you are interested in.... if so , show your interest and mention sometime (not on your first discussion) how you wish you had joined a sorority. You might ask then or at another time if their organization does AI. You might mention that you have heard that some chapters do. IF so you and your friend can start from that point.
2. the other option is to contact the organizations via their Headquarters.

From this point it will be different for every chapter.... but you only asked for a start. Good Luck and although as mentioned it can be lots of work, it is worth it and I admire your desire to be involved in one of the best experiences of your life...

Tasha

[AlumInitiateLiz]

Jill1228 said it perfectly; that's exactly how I went about becoming an AI. And I'd also add to REALLY investigate which organization might fit you best--in other words, don't just contact/apply to a whole bunch and then weed through them. You want to know that the organization to which you're applying is one that fits your ideals, and one you'll wholeheartedly give your time and efforts to.

Good luck!

Liz