Has the tradition of Legacies outgrown its usefulness?

[violetpretty]

As far as the legacy relative being deceased, what did she do for the sorority before she died? Just because she is not alive at the time of her recruitment doesn't mean she couldn't be involved when she was alive.

Sure, it should be a chapter by chapter decision, depending on the number of legacies going through and the number of women a chapter has to release per RFM. Chapters who have space to invite all of their legacies back for round 2 absolutely should. It's only going to get worse 20 years from now. I'm sure in the case of a legacy that a chapter is iffy about the involvement of the alumna is taken into consideration. It absolutely should be noted publicly that legacies of involved members are given even more careful consideration.

Ultimately, it needs to be communicated that legacies are not guaranteed bids. Anywhere.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

As far as the legacy relative being deceased, what did she do for the sorority before she died? Just because she is not alive at the time of her recruitment doesn't mean she couldn't be involved when she was alive.

A woman who passes away at a young age is not going to be able to compile a record of involvement on the same level as someone who works for/with the sorority for 20+ years. I don't see how you could "weight" that.

As you said, it just needs to be made clear that legacies are not guaranteed bids and YES, THIS DOES MEAN YOU. I just reread wcsweet's post and it makes a lot of sense...the PNMs might have a lot less stress and strain if they didn't have to worry about legacies either way.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by 33girl

A woman who passes away at a young age is not going to be able to compile a record of involvement on the same level as someone who works for/with the sorority for 20+ years. I don't see how you could "weight" that.

As you said, it just needs to be made clear that legacies are not guaranteed bids and YES, THIS DOES MEAN YOU. I just reread wcsweet's post and it makes a lot of sense...the PNMs might have a lot less stress and strain if they didn't have to worry about legacies either way.

But what v_p and I have both described is not weighting x years vs y dollars but contrasting active with inactive. I think there's a big difference between the two.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

But what v_p and I have both described is not weighting x years vs y dollars but contrasting active with inactive. I think there's a big difference between the two.

But even with that, I think there are just way too many ways it can be stretched, bent, twisted etc.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by 33girl

But even with that, I think there are just way too many ways it can be stretched, bent, twisted etc.

No more so than any other policy, though. It just needs defining for a particular sorority like any other policy. We have plenty of those that seem vague on the surface but have been given really grounded rules in practice.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by 33girl

A woman who passes away at a young age is not going to be able to compile a record of involvement on the same level as someone who works for/with the sorority for 20+ years. I don't see how you could "weight" that.

Originally Posted by Drolefille

But what v_p and I have both described is not weighting x years vs y dollars but contrasting active with inactive. I think there's a big difference between the two.

Exactly, all I am saying is has the alumna done SOMETHING to give back to the sorority since graduation? I don't care about how much, just have you done what you can with what you have?

Let's not forget that whether a legacy is going to be invited back/given a bid is going to/SHOULD be based on her merits first. Considering her legacy relative's involvement should be secondary.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

Exactly, all I am saying is has the alumna done SOMETHING to give back to the sorority since graduation? I don't care about how much, just have you done what you can with what you have?

Let's not forget that whether a legacy is going to be invited back/given a bid is going to/SHOULD be based on her merits first. Considering her legacy relative's involvement should be secondary.

/co-signs vp for the rest of the thread.