what do i have to give back?

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by susan314

I can't speak for all GLOs, of course, but I know that NM fees in my chapter went to things like Panhellenic new member dues (the per member fee that Panhel requires of each chapter), training materials (for example, workbooks w/fraternity history), social events (that the NM would typically be participating in), some meals at the house, etc.

Typically gifts were given from the sister-mother (or "big" to use other GLO terminology) to the sister-daughter ("little") and paid for out of the sister-mother's pocket. There may have been a very few token items purchased by the chapter (ex - a Bid Day shirt), but by and large the gifts came from the sister-mother.

My chapter too.

Along with one of the other posters, I hope the OP really thinks through the decision and see what other options she has. If she does decide to drop out, it is better to do it before initiation.

I never remember this happening with my chapter: I suspect we would have really wanted the new member pin, but the gifts that she would have been given as a pledge would also be, for the most part, things that wouldn't have been really for members only: we let dates wear letters on date night shirts; surely anyone could write on a lettered notepad. It'd be weird for a non-member to buy these kinds of things, but anyone could.

I agree that it's an honor system. I think that the OP, no matter what she is able to keep, should be aware that she shouldn't not wear or use any of the items once she gives up membership. If she decides not to join, she shouldn't present herself as a member or affiliated.