Well, of course, I think you should go with your gut instinct. If you feel that by joining the established chapter you will always regret having not helped to bring about a new group of Beta Sigma Phis or if you will regret not having sisters your own age, go with the Friendly Venture. On the other hand, if you feel confident that you could join the established chapter and throw your whole heart and soul into embracing and developing the sisterhood that is already there, accept the invitation. However...if it were that easy, you wouldn't be in this situation
My experience has been similar to yours. I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega, but as an undergrad, I really felt that I had missed out on the loving sisterhood I saw in the GLOs around me. I discovered Beta kind of by accident, and I waited and waited to be invited to a function. I was finally asked to visit a nearby chapter of middle-aged women. By that time, I had already talked to a few people about starting a Friendly Venture, so I felt torn! I didn't want the local Betas to think that I didn't like them or that they weren't good enough, but I knew that with a Friendly Venture, I could create the sorority experience I had always craved.
At our last chapter meeting, each member wrote a note to every other member on an index card. Then, each sister made a book of the notes that were written to her. After reading the messages from my sisters, I knew I had made the right choice. Most of them thanked me for helping them to meet these great women who they probably would never have come to know without Beta Sigma Phi. I thought I might explode with pride and happiness. I finally found my home, and I helped others to do the same.
I don't want to push you into doing the Friendly Venture, but I do encourage you to think about what you want to get out of your sorority experience. Can the existing chapter meet your needs or are you up to the challenge of creating what you desire?
Good luck! Either way, you will soon be welcomed into a world-wide family. I can't wait to call you my sister.
Beta Love as Always!
Erica
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