Is 40 to old to join a sorority?

[DZRose]

Originally Posted by skylark

Don't you have to be a college graduate to be an AI? That might be a misconception on my part, hence why I am asking the question.

Our code of regulations state nothing about having to graduate from college to be nominated as an AI. Only that a petition for the proposed member must be signed by the alumnae chapter contact person and a collegiate chapter president if a college chapter is within the vicinity of the alumnae chapter and then submitted to National Council or a committee if so authorized for approval.

A good example, Florence Henderson is an AI of Delta Zeta and I found no mention of her having graduated or even attended any kind of college or university. Obviously, that is an extreme example, but if we have one AI who did not attend any college/university (even though she is famous), I don't see how we could require it of other AI's.

I can't speak for other NPC's though. It might be different from group to group.

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by DZRose

Maybe you could contact local alumnae chapters of the sororities in your area and speak to them about possibly becoming an alumnae initiate? You would still be able to share the experience of sisterhood, but get the benefit of hanging out with women who most likely have more in common with you than the younger members.

No. Check out the thread "Interested Party Saying Hello!" in the AI forum for more info on that.

I would suggest joining a community sorority. My boyfriend's mother and sister joined one of those [the same one], and they love it. It gives them the experience but realizes that they have more time commitments. I would imagine that you have no idea how much time a traditional sorority really takes.

[DZRose]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

No. Check out the thread "Interested Party Saying Hello!" in the AI forum for more info on that.

I would suggest joining a community sorority. My boyfriend's mother and sister joined one of those [the same one], and they love it. It gives them the experience but realizes that they have more time commitments. I would imagine that you have no idea how much time a traditional sorority really takes.

I am a little confused as to your post. Are you suggesting that she not go AI? While we're suggesting other options, she could always seek out membership in a woman's Masonic organization. There are a bunch out there and I know they are always excited for new members.

[ThetaPrincess24]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

No. Check out the thread "Interested Party Saying Hello!" in the AI forum for more info on that.

I would suggest joining a community sorority. My boyfriend's mother and sister joined one of those [the same one], and they love it. It gives them the experience but realizes that they have more time commitments. I would imagine that you have no idea how much time a traditional sorority really takes.

I agree.

Beta Sigma Phi (www.betasigmaphi.org) is a wonderful example of a more community based sorority for women. You still have socials, service opportunities, and leadership opportunities available to you (the amount of which vary from chapter to chapter). There is still a time and financial commitment but it's no where near the time/financial commitment that a traditional college sorority will require of you. There is a lot more to sorority time than scheduled meetings(more of which would be required for you as a new member), social events, sisterhoods, service events, etc. Participation and attendence at these are often times mandatory as well.

[CutiePie2000]

On the heels of the "My Little Pony", see if you can solve this very difficult rebus:

+

[AOII_LB93]

Sorry in advance for the double post, but I saw this and wanted to hurl.

Originally Posted by DZRose

Maybe you could contact local alumnae chapters of the sororities in your area and speak to them about possibly becoming an alumnae initiate? You would still be able to share the experience of sisterhood, but get the benefit of hanging out with women who most likely have more in common with you than the younger members.

In my best Sigourney Weaver from Alien voice, "Kill me...please."

This is a bad idea...one should not solicit organizations for AI...AI is not for everyone, sorority life is not for everyone. This is why we are selective organizations.

[DZRose]

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

Sorry in advance for the double post, but I saw this and wanted to hurl.


In my best Sigourney Weaver from Alien voice, "Kill me...please."

This is a bad idea...one should not solicit organizations for AI...AI is not for everyone, sorority life is not for everyone. This is why we are selective organizations.

Ok, I'll bite, because I'm genuinely curious. So how is "soliciting" membership as an AI different from "soliciting" membership as a woman going through rush? Would seeking AI be any less selective?

This woman didn't get cut from rush earlier in her life, she never pledged or sought membership (or at least didn't state that she had in the original post) at another time. Because she decided to attend college later in her life, beyond an age someone would typically feel comfortable pledging a sororirity, we should penalize her for that by completely eliminating the opportunity to have sisterhood with women of her own age/common interests?

I realize that there are some VERY heated opinions on AI, and I'm really curious as to why that is. I know a couple women who were AI because they did not have the opportunity to be in a sorority as collegians but made excellent members after AI. I feel like the sorority is strengthened by the experiences and enthusiasm they brought with them.

Most of the posts on GC I've read opposing AI seem to indicate that NO ONE should be AI. Why is it there then?

[AOII_LB93]

Originally Posted by DZRose

Ok, I'll bite, because I'm genuinely curious. So how is "soliciting" membership as an AI different from "soliciting" membership as a woman going through rush? Would seeking AI be any less selective?

This woman didn't get cut from rush earlier in her life, she never pledged or sought membership (or at least didn't state that she had in the original post) at another time. Because she decided to attend college later in her life, beyond an age someone would typically feel comfortable pledging a sororirity, we should penalize her for that by completely eliminating the opportunity to have sisterhood with women of her own age/common interests?

I realize that there are some VERY heated opinions on AI, and I'm really curious as to why that is. I know a couple women who were AI because they did not have the opportunity to be in a sorority as collegians but made excellent members after AI. I feel like the sorority is strengthened by the experiences and enthusiasm they brought with them.

Most of the posts on GC I've read opposing AI seem to indicate that NO ONE should be AI. Why is it there then?

I've never said that no one should AI - I know a lot of wonderful women who are AIs in my own organization, but I think if one is going to go through the process they should have a connection with the organization in some way as opposed to just "seeking" membership in a sorority or fraternity because they feel like they missed out earlier in life. In my opinion, (not my fraternity's, or anyone elses - just want to be clear), a potential member for AI should be friends with a member, relatives with a member, or be helping the organization or perhaps philanthropy that the organization supports so that it would be a more meaningful invitation - plus most AIs are women who are already established in life (again, fine) but what can they bring to the table if they just decide on a whim, "I want to be in a sorority!" ?

It's not possible to compare "normal" recruitment with AI...it's apples and oranges. If anything, AI is more selective and a much more difficult and involved process. Suggesting AI to everyone who wants to join is a poor idea that many people on GC frown upon, myself included.

I wouldn't suggest to just anyone to join OES, JL, or any other organization, why would I suggest willy nilly to some random person that I have never met, don't know from Adam to go AI?

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by DZRose

Ok, I'll bite, because I'm genuinely curious. So how is "soliciting" membership as an AI different from "soliciting" membership as a woman going through rush? Would seeking AI be any less selective?

This woman didn't get cut from rush earlier in her life, she never pledged or sought membership (or at least didn't state that she had in the original post) at another time. Because she decided to attend college later in her life, beyond an age someone would typically feel comfortable pledging a sororirity, we should penalize her for that by completely eliminating the opportunity to have sisterhood with women of her own age/common interests?

I realize that there are some VERY heated opinions on AI, and I'm really curious as to why that is. I know a couple women who were AI because they did not have the opportunity to be in a sorority as collegians but made excellent members after AI. I feel like the sorority is strengthened by the experiences and enthusiasm they brought with them.

Most of the posts on GC I've read opposing AI seem to indicate that NO ONE should be AI. Why is it there then?

I don't understand that whole thing either. It really depends on the type of organization this woman is trying to join. Among the NPHC, alumnae initiation (although we don't refer to it as "AI," just alumnae or grad) is encouraged and supported. While the interested persons might be more carefully selected for membership, there is nothing weird or odd about joining an NPHC org at the alumnae level. In fact Alumnae chapters (which include undergrad and grad initiates) are highly valued so much so that new undergrad chapters cannot be chartered unless there is an alumnae chapter close by to advise them. So it's important for the alumnae chapters to increase in membership. Ultimately it's the alumnae chapters that manage the business of the organizations at the local level.

So my advice...if she's interested in an NPHC org and she's 40 years old, I would suggest that she do her research and pursue membership at the grad level once she has achieved her bachelor's degree unless she can tolerate being around a bunch of young'uns all the time. I'm in an alumnae chapter (inducted as an undergrad) and we advise 5 undergrad chapters and we are very close to them. I love them dearly but I can't imagine being around them 24/7 now that I'm 30+.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by afrikanscholar

Well I'm 40 years old and just decided that i want to go back to school. The only problem is I dont want to show up to school and apply for a sorority if it's not permitted to my age group. So please help me not make a fool of myself.

I think you should do your research about the organizations you want to join and see if it is something that is critically important for your life at this time.

Your primary reason for going to college is to get an education. When you join any organization, it should also go along with your values that you support.

Good luck on your endeavors.

[fantASTic]

I am saying that she should not attempt to go AI, ESPECIALLY by approaching the sorority herself.

[DZRose]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

I am saying that she should not attempt to go AI, ESPECIALLY by approaching the sorority herself.

After reading the other thread you mentioned, I can see shy you suggested she not go AI. HOWEVER, as a member of an alumnae chapter, if this woman approached me and explained her situation, I would at least consider her as a possible AI. I just don't share the same opinion about what AI is for as some of the other posters who are as passionate as they are.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

I am saying that she should not attempt to go AI, ESPECIALLY by approaching the sorority herself.

Realistically, if she approaches the sorority, the worst she'll get is a no. I'm not encouraging it, but there isn't harm in her talking to the local alum chapters with the hope of finding out more information. They'll tell her what's up.

[NutBrnHair]

Twenty-five responses -- all this great advice -- wonder if she'll ever sign back on to see the answers?!

[skylark]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

Twenty-five responses -- all this great advice -- wonder if she'll ever sign back on to see the answers?!

Very much doubt it... I think we should abandon this one and the AI one going on since the OPs don't seem to be at all as interested in hearing the advice compared to how interested we are in doling it out.