Help me save my chapter, danger of losing it

[tkeman89]

Regarding our alums, we have had a couple of Alumni events with decent success. Most of the alums are really old .. from the 60-70-80s and none of them appear too rich or involved, none of them donated though we never asked regardless. Sorry - relying on alums isn't gonna help the chapter at all.

[lucgreek]

Originally Posted by tkeman89

Regarding our alums, we have had a couple of Alumni events with decent success. Most of the alums are really old .. from the 60-70-80s and none of them appear too rich or involved, none of them donated though we never asked regardless. Sorry - relying on alums isn't gonna help the chapter at all.

A strong alumni base is a backbone for a strong chapter. Saying that relying on the alumni base won't help the chapter makes it seem like you don't really want things to work out...

[33girl]

Originally Posted by lucgreek

A strong alumni base is a backbone for a strong chapter. Saying that relying on the alumni base won't help the chapter makes it seem like you don't really want things to work out...

I agree. A chapter up at my school is recolonizing and considering the history I NEVER thought the alums would get behind it...but the men recolonizing reached out and the alums definitely have. It was one instance where I was really happy to be proven wrong.

You (tkeman not lucgreek) sound like the only thing you think alumni are good for is monetary donations. Get out of this mindset immediately - especially since your problems have zero to do with money. TELL THEM WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE CHAPTER. Don't sugarcoat it. They want to help - they don't want their names on a chapter full of wabols and slackers. They may have more and better ideas than you could imagine.

[RaggedyAnn]

Originally Posted by tkeman89

Regarding our alums, we have had a couple of Alumni events with decent success. Most of the alums are really old .. from the 60-70-80s and none of them appear too rich or involved, none of them donated though we never asked regardless. Sorry - relying on alums isn't gonna help the chapter at all.

Those really old alum have business connections and life experience. They would have also been around when fraternities were called "secret societies" during the war, so had to struggle with their own recruitment issues. They may not contribute to a "social" fund, but they still can contribute to the chapter.

[SWTXBelle]

Your nationals needs to be part of the solution. I guarantee you they've dealt with similar situations, and can give you the support you need. They want their chapters to be strong - and I can't believe they will let you fail (especially so soon after chartering) without trying to help. Part of that support may be alumni advisor's - alumns with experience who are willing to mentor the officers and provide support (perhaps including financial, but perhaps not.)

One big difference I have noted between sororities and fraternities is the involvement of alumni advisors. Sororities tend to have alumnae boards - advisers for recruitment, finances, etc. - while quite often fraternities have one alum who is a faculty member who signs off on the required university paperwork, and that's all. Guidance from those who've been around the block a few times can be useful. 'Fess up to nationals and ask for help - that's my advice.