Your thoughts on AI: discussion goes here.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by blueangel

For the sake of argument... Let's zero in on women who DO have prior connections. Just because you had them in college, doesn't mean you would know how to reconnect later in life. People move. I went to school in an area where GLOs were huge. I now live in an areas where they're not.

Let's NOT zero in on women who have prior connections, because I clearly stated that was NOT who the question is directed at. If you HAVE prior connections, then I wouldn't HAVE to ask "Why a sorority?" because the answer is "Because I have a prior connection to Greek life". I'm talking about those who DON'T have a prior connection....and again I ask the "collective you of PNAI who decided OMG I NEED TO BE IN A SORORITY EVEN THOUGH I GOT REJECTED 80 TIMES BUT THERE'S STILL AI!!111!!eleventyone!!!!11"

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Let's NOT zero in on women who have prior connections, because I clearly stated that was NOT who the question is directed at. If you HAVE prior connections, then I wouldn't HAVE to ask "Why a sorority?" because the answer is "Because I have a prior connection to Greek life". I'm talking about those who DON'T have a prior connection....and again I ask the "collective you of PNAI who decided OMG I NEED TO BE IN A SORORITY EVEN THOUGH I GOT REJECTED 80 TIMES BUT THERE'S STILL AI!!111!!eleventyone!!!!11"

But the subject at hand is why this forum is important. It's important for the reasons I listed in my prior post. And that includes for people with prior connections to be able to find a place to discuss it, as I did.

And.. regarding your quote of "collective you of PNAI who decided OMG I NEED TO BE IN A SORORITY EVEN THOUGH I GOT REJECTED 80 TIMES BUT THERE'S STILL AI!" Do you not have enough faith in your GLO to be able to weed these women out? It's not for us to judge on the AI forum who is a good fit and who isn't... it is up to the individual headquarters and local alumnae groups.

[tunatartare]

Originally Posted by blueangel

Do you not have enough faith in your GLO to be able to weed these women out?

If the AI subforum has done nothing else, it has shown us that you can't always trust your sisters to weed out the crazies.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by KLPDaisy

If the AI subforum has done nothing else, it has shown us that you can't always trust your sisters to weed out the crazies.

WELL SAID.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by KLPDaisy

If the AI subforum has done nothing else, it has shown us that you can't always trust your sisters to weed out the crazies.

You can make that same argument about the recruitment forum.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by blueangel

You can make that same argument about the recruitment forum.

AI IS NOT RECRUITMENT.

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by blueangel

Do you not have enough faith in your GLO to be able to weed these women out? It's not for us to judge on the AI forum who is a good fit and who isn't... it is up to the individual headquarters and local alumnae groups.

We do have faith. We don't want to waste their time, however, and GC is a great beacon of light to Googlers everywhere, encouraging them to call up sorority HQ's and inquire about AI when that isn't the way it is done. GC has become an unintentional and unwanted PR vehicle for a rare membership practice. It isn't up to us to judge who is a good fit on an internet message board, but it is in our interests as sorority women to see that our sorority practices are being properly implemented. AI is not a promotional tool or recruitment method. This forum, although started with the best of intentions, is just one of the many reasons our Council's look down on GC.

Sororities do not want to publicize their AI programs to non-members. This includes GC. This includes limiting solicitation by non-members to HQs and AAs.

Originally Posted by blueangel

In my opinion, the answer isn't shutting down these forums.. it's about universally enforcing the TOS throughout ALL the forums in Greek Chat.

Good luck with that. That isn't the culture of GC and it never will be so long as John is running this site. He allows each mod to mod their forums as they see fit.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Yes, and they got over it, moved on and got lives. Their life hasn't been one big, bad disaster because they didn't get to join a club in college. And yes, if someone is interested in AI, she will follow the proper channels and wait to be invited to membership because that is how the majority of NPC sororities do AI. Part of being a sorority member is following the sorority policies and practices. I would hope that a "Prospective" member hoping to join through AI would respect that the sorority has rules that have worked for well over 100 years because of their constant evolution at biannual voting conventions and the 1000s of members who adhere to these rules and the chain of command.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.

Exactly. Because NPC sororities are based on collegiate membership. That is how we bring in members. The AI program is limited to very, very few. It isn't recruitment and we have no need at this time to increase our membership base by such a large amount by developing a new component of membership programming/recruitment of new alumnae members through the AI programs.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization.

Please don't presume to tell my sorority or any other how to run our organizations. We do things a certain way for a certain reason. The vast majority of us have AI programs and initate women through this program in very, very limited numbers based on our inital reaching out to the new member. When we are prepared to increase alumnae programing, promote the AI program more aggressively or change our sorority focus, we will. Not before.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

There are a great many activities you could become involved with that you would enjoy. You can also mentor collegiate students in ways other than sorority membership. There are 100s of college activities requiring mentors and advisers. You can also join a service organization, a church group or a NON-COLLEGIATE SORORITY. Adopt a dog. Get a PT job to fill the void. Sit on the junior board of a philanthropic organization or join a professional society within your field.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

Bottom line, it shouldn't matter how your sorority gets these women or the methods that they go through. If an AA makes the call to accept them as a sister after many meetings and possibly interviews and that AI is a fully participating member and contributing to the organization, what $!%* difference does it make?

Exacltly right. If the AA wants to invite someone to join though AI, they can get the paperwork going and then it will pass through the approvals process. The bottom line is that once initated these women are sisters. However, in the meantime, we as sorority members follow the rules of our organization and we would expect that anyone wanting to join would respect that we have rules and standards in place for a reason. Please stop asserting what our sororities should or should not do. It is not your place to tell us to change our policies.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

Saying that a GC AI Forum will cause a flood of AI's to to bombard the nationals with phone calls is about as ridiculous as saying that if drugs were legalized tomorrow, everybody in America would be three sheets in the wind.

That isn't happening now b/c if it was, then the AA Chapters wouldn't appear puzzled and confused when AI is brought up.

I am a former alumnae officer. GC has created a lot more problems in this regard than you would imagine. Again, please don't presume to tell us what our organizations should or should not do. A sorority is a constantly evolving entity, and when and if the time is right, the AI programs and alumnae programming with evolve and change. In the meantime, please stop asserting how you believe we should run these programs. And get involved with another activity. AI comprises a very small percentage of a sorority's programming interests and your obsession with how and why it should change is not healthy. Clearly you have a lot to offer an organization. Why would you waste your time with a program that clearly states that a personal connection for sponsorship is required if that connection does not exist? It seems like a waste of time and effort, and it is holding you back from leading a rich and fulfilling life in service and friendship to others.

[ReachTheLimit]

adpiucf,

Are you making the claim that you are privy to the AI membership policies of other sororities? You shouldn't, everyone on here keeps stating that it's ritual and top secret, so I doubt you have this information.

The bottom line is that women women make the initial contact, the AA are calling these women and setting up meetings. So your argument that "most sororities" are not open or hate this method doesn't hold water because I have heard, and experienced, the same.

Alpha Delta Pi is one of the NPC Organizations where it is more rare than in other sororities, so please don't assume that all of the other sororities work like yours, because it has been stated many times by other GLO Members, YOU WOULDN'T KNOW!

[ReachTheLimit]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Let's NOT zero in on women who have prior connections, because I clearly stated that was NOT who the question is directed at. If you HAVE prior connections, then I wouldn't HAVE to ask "Why a sorority?" because the answer is "Because I have a prior connection to Greek life". I'm talking about those who DON'T have a prior connection....and again I ask the "collective you of PNAI who decided OMG I NEED TO BE IN A SORORITY EVEN THOUGH I GOT REJECTED 80 TIMES BUT THERE'S STILL AI!!111!!eleventyone!!!!11"

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.

You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

Bottom line, it shouldn't matter how your sorority gets these women or the methods that they go through. If an AA makes the call to accept them as a sister after many meetings and possibly interviews and that AI is a fully participating member and contributing to the organization, what $!%* difference does it make?

Saying that a GC AI Forum will cause a flood of AI's to to bombard the nationals with phone calls is about as ridiculous as saying that if drugs were legalized tomorrow, everybody in America would be three sheets in the wind.

That isn't happening now b/c if it was, then the AA Chapters wouldn't appear puzzled and confused when AI is brought up.

I just think it's incredibly insulting that you just ASSUME that every single person that inquires about AI was rejected for membership.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.

I work in Admin at a plumbing company. Most of our plumbers would make damn ugly sorority women.

[ReachTheLimit]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I work in Admin at a plumbing company. Most of our plumbers would make damn ugly sorority women.

Ok...LOL...you win on that one.

[greekalum]

[QUOTE=ReachTheLimit;1339794]You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.
Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

[ReachTheLimit]

[QUOTE=greekalum;1340052]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.
Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

Greek, the post was directed toward Alphafrog, not you.

[ReachTheLimit]

[quote=greekalum;1340052][quote=ReachTheLimit;1339794]

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

I didn't know anything about sororities before I actually arrived at college. Wasn't sure what they were for, didn't know what they did. I selected my college on curriculum and major selection, not whether or not it had an extensive Greek System. Now, if you can tell me where one comes up with the money to pay for the pledge period, badge, initiation fees, and everything else, when you aren't permitted to work, I would love to hear it. I ruled out stealing.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.

I never said they did, I was drawing a reference that these schools are too large to take everyone that may be otherwise fully qualified.

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.

I never said any organization relied on AI and have never seen an AI post stating that. In fact, I have repetively stated that I was aware they didn't.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

I don't consider working 60+ hours per week in a very demanding career nothing else to do. When you are able to manage your time well, you find the time to do things that are important. I have done volunteer work in the past in my area and wanted a change that was significant. The local AA here doesn't seem to object.

[AlexMack]

[QUOTE=ReachTheLimit;1340086][quote=greekalum;1340052]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

I didn't know anything about sororities before I actually arrived at college. Wasn't sure what they were for, didn't know what they did. I selected my college on curriculum and major selection, not whether or not it had an extensive Greek System. Now, if you can tell me where one comes up with the money to pay for the pledge period, badge, initiation fees, and everything else, when you aren't permitted to work, I would love to hear it. I ruled out stealing.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.

I never said they did, I was drawing a reference that these schools are too large to take everyone that may be otherwise fully qualified.

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.

I never said any organization relied on AI and have never seen an AI post stating that. In fact, I have repetively stated that I was aware they didn't.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

I don't consider working 60+ hours per week in a very demanding career nothing else to do. When you are able to manage your time well, you find the time to do things that are important. I have done volunteer work in the past in my area and wanted a change that was significant. The local AA here doesn't seem to object.

Look, no one here is objecting to the fact that you are pursuing AI. Good for you, seriously. This forum could exist peacefully if people like yourself find out about AI through the correct channels and then use this forum to talk about their journey and frustrations. That's why this forum should exist. It should not exist to be a resource for PNAMs.
If we can put the lid on enquiries and the means to pursuing AI and leave this forum for people like yourself who are already in the process then it could work.