Starting an alumni chapter?

[Kevin]

There's probably a great deal of experience on this subject here. I had a few questions in mind. First some background:

I and a few of my fellow alumni/chapter founders want to start an alumni chapter. That is a chapter of alums from a specific chapter. Those of you that are a member of one of these, what types of interactions do you have with the active chapter? How much/how often? What type of assistance do you offer them? What do you do on your own?

Also any additional info that ya'll could offer me about 'how things should be done' would be helpful.

Thanks!

[pinkyphimu]

my chapter has an alumnae association. in phi mu, there are alumnae chapters (based on geography) or alum associations (only members from that particular chapter can be members). check with your national to see what requirements there are.

in terms of interaction with the collegiate chapter.....well, it has been lacking in the last 2 years. it really depends on the person who is president!!! honestly, the person the past 2 years hasn't gotten out more than 2 newsletters! but i digress....there are many ways for the association to be involved. you can donate money and needed items (like vaccuums), create scholarships, match people with alums for career advice, serve as advisors, and generally be a support to the chapter. the association can also help to keep all alums up on the chapter news....and news with one another!

i hope this helps....if i come up with any other ideas, then i will let you know. good luck!

[Tom Earp]

Kevin, one of the prioritys is having a e-mail listing!!!!!!

If possible, have it founded in an area where there may be a concentration of your Brothers. Why you may ask? Well, I going to tell ya!

This way, you can get enuff guys together for a monthly gathering at a local pub just to Beer and BS!

If enuff Guys, you an send a newslettter out maybe 2 times a year and e-m 2 times a year.

Plan say a golf outing in the summer. Wehad one yearly for a long time and had great turn outs. At the end o fht eGolfing, we went to a Brothers house and had BBQ! It became a family thing and guys would come to visit family for vactation so could play and just have fun.

One of our Brothers has a 4 Th. of July Bash, BBQ, horeshoes, volley ball, fishing, and just fun! Big turnout every year. Actives and Alums are always there.

For those that cannot or live to far away, that is what the e-m and lettters are for to keep them informed. If there is a pocket of Brothes else where, set up another Alum group but coordinate with the central Alum core.

Hope this gives you some ideas!!

[Kevin]

Thanks for the feedback! We'll finally have 10 alums in our chapter this Summer -- which HQ requires for us to petition to be an alumni chapter.

For us this is the beginning -- the very beginning. We're hoping it's a long road

With some luck it won't ever end.