Building Back Connections

TechSigmaNu · #1 03-12-2008, 11:49 AM

Hi my fraternity is currently on the fast track to being a big fraternity on our campus, but we have a problem that I would see if yall have any suggestions.

Our nationals have a list of alumni that have addresses, phone numbers, and emails, but some of the alumni that we would like to get in touch with have not updated their profiles in awhile. Do you have any suggestions on how to try and update these contacts?

Kevin · #2 03-12-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechSigmaNu

Hi my fraternity is currently on the fast track to being a big fraternity on our campus, but we have a problem that I would see if yall have any suggestions.

Our nationals have a list of alumni that have addresses, phone numbers, and emails, but some of the alumni that we would like to get in touch with have not updated their profiles in awhile. Do you have any suggestions on how to try and update these contacts?

Ask the alumni you do have information for to update you with any email addresses or any other contact information/leads they might have as to the whereabouts of those alums.

Tom Earp · #3 03-13-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechSigmaNu

Hi my fraternity is currently on the fast track to being a big fraternity on our campus, but we have a problem that I would see if yall have any suggestions.

Our nationals have a list of alumni that have addresses, phone numbers, and emails, but some of the alumni that we would like to get in touch with have not updated their profiles in awhile. Do you have any suggestions on how to try and update these contacts?

It is not an easy task you have in front of you. While your IHQ may have a list, it is only as good as those who update it. This also goes for your Chapter.

I have been doing this for @ 11 years to try and build up a email listing and our of 600+, I have gotten @ 200.

What I have tried to do is when I send an email out is ask if they know of any I do not have or when we have two major events, usually home coming or Founders day is put a pad out to get emails. I also ask them to update with IHQ so that eventually maybe each chapter can get them in the future.

I have finally gotten some who will now let me know if they have changed or a Brother who keeps in touch with a Brother will give a new one to me!

It is a long process and takes time and someone with heart who will keep plugging along!

Keep working at it and you will find some pluses in the future! The very best of luck!!!!

Inter Fraternally Yours,

SmartBlondeGPhB · #4 03-13-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechSigmaNu

Hi my fraternity is currently on the fast track to being a big fraternity on our campus, but we have a problem that I would see if yall have any suggestions.

Our nationals have a list of alumni that have addresses, phone numbers, and emails, but some of the alumni that we would like to get in touch with have not updated their profiles in awhile. Do you have any suggestions on how to try and update these contacts?

Have you tried contacting the University (I'm assuming they are alumni of your chapter/university)? I have found that the University records are usually more up to date.

I know my chapter gets a list of Gamma Phi alumnae from the University every time that want to send a mailing out without any problem.

TechSigmaNu · #5 03-14-2008, 11:23 AM

I have not tried the University's directory of alumni. Do you by any chance know what area of the university would handle that type of information?

Tom Earp · #6 03-14-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartBlondeGPhB

Have you tried contacting the University (I'm assuming they are alumni of your chapter/university)? I have found that the University records are usually more up to date.

I know my chapter gets a list of Gamma Phi alumnae from the University every time that want to send a mailing out without any problem.

Forgot about that one and thanks for posting it!

It would be in the Alumnus center for those who keep in touch with the School.

Again, check with your IHQ and see what they have.

GOOD LUCK!!!

PS, if you have an updated chapter web site on the school web site which helps for recruitment make sure to add a contact for updating chapter info.

boz130 · #7 03-15-2008, 01:20 PM

Alumni Affairs or the Development Office would be good places to start. Keep in mind, however, that nobody (the University, IHQ OR your alums) will have a completely correct list.

The reasons for this conundrum are complex. Combine an increasingly mobile society (especially for younger alums) with new USPS postal regs (how long can you be "temporarily away"???), and it's REALLLLLLLLLLY frustrating.

In most instances. all we can go by is "last best known" addresses. For many alums who simply drop off the grid, this is their parent's house. I tried to reach my Big Bro for a reunion a year ago, and contacted the address received from IHQ.

I wound up talking to his mom (80+). She had been ill and couldn't locate his address just then...you get the idea.

Another problem is finding someone to do just the address list fixing. If done properly, it can take hours. Not many of us volunteers have that luxury.

Tom Earp · #8 03-15-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boz130

Alumni Affairs or the Development Office would be good places to start. Keep in mind, however, that nobody (the University, IHQ OR your alums) will have a completely correct list.

The reasons for this conundrum are complex. Combine an increasingly mobile society (especially for younger alums) with new USPS postal regs (how long can you be "temporarily away"???), and it's REALLLLLLLLLLY frustrating.

In most instances. all we can go by is "last best known" addresses. For many alums who simply drop off the grid, this is their parent's house. I tried to reach my Big Bro for a reunion a year ago, and contacted the address received from IHQ.

I wound up talking to his mom (80+). She had been ill and couldn't locate his address just then...you get the idea.

Another problem is finding someone to do just the address list fixing. If done properly, it can take hours. Not many of us volunteers have that luxury.

You said it all!!!!!

Hard work and time!

TechSigmaNu · #9 03-24-2008, 08:44 PM

That seems to be the trend for many situations of a chapter's regrowth. But I kinda like the hard work because it makes the end so much sweeter.

kchaptergphib · #10 03-26-2008, 02:07 AM

I agree with the other Gamma Phi, that the University's Alumni Association often has more accurate addresses than the international fraternal orgs. However, schools vary on whether they classify alumni by greek organization. I would imagine, though, that a Texas school would have done that by now. For more recent grads, just try facebook. They may not have a ton of cash to donate, but they may still feel connected to the chapter and help out in person. Good luck, updating info is a long, thankless task

TechSigmaNu · #11 04-01-2008, 12:02 PM

I tried the alumni directory and it seems that they have a good record of what we shall need. We just had an alumni dinner with some of our local alumni and it went very well. Thanks for all yalls help!

Tom Earp · #12 04-01-2008, 01:53 PM

How many showed up?

It is a never ending job and you have to keep trying all avenues to keep your data updated, but you have a start!

There may be a Brother who comes back or attends who keeps in touch with other Brothers who caqn give you some info. I finally have my chapter placing a sign in sheet at each function to give name address and email contact.

It is as I said a lot of hard work, and it will always be on going!

Start early, work long hours, and it will pay off in the long run!

TechSigmaNu · #13 04-02-2008, 06:01 PM

I think about 10 showed up which is a big improvement to just our advisor showing up.