Joining a Different NPC?

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Interesting observation.

However, I think… it really just depends.

I came from one of those small chapters. I also joined as a second semester sophomore and in the time I was active I held the positions of Bylaws, Secretary, New Member Educator, Panhellenic VP, and Panhellenic President. For the most part, we only had between 8-12 sisters (not including new members), so we were holding two or more positions at once. And everyone had to pitch in and help each other when big events came up (recruitment, formal, pageant, etc.).

I found your post fascinating. I, too, came from one of those small chapters - there were around 20 while I was in school; it dropped to as few as 12 before rebounding. There were a lot of functions and events on campus where we literally couldn't participate due to manpower. Frequently, our sisters would (as individuals) join forces with one of the fraternities so they could be involved.

None of my chapter sisters is truly involved. Some of us belong to alumnae chapters, but we found our experiences to be so different from what most did that we have little in common. Yet almost all my sisters are fully invested in something else, from community organizations to state organizations to national organizations. Because as young alumnae we had only our symbols in common with other alumnae, it seems we looked elsewhere. I'm not saying that's a good thing.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by ColdInCanada11

I believe we do! However, the alumnae chapter requirements seem to be a lot more than Junior Circle requirements, and I don't know that the 4 of us can maintain it. The requirements are all on our member services, it's just being able to meet them haha

Originally Posted by ColdInCanada11

There would be no International Reunion Day, or anniversaries. I know that I won't be allowed to be an advisor right now, but I don't want to burn any bridges and ruin the chances of being one later by getting the current advisors upset I do enjoy planning events, but it does seem a little unfair.

We need to talk I'll PM you, but there are differences between alumnae clubs and alumnae chapters and you have options and there are people on VST available to help you. And there are plenty of collegiate chapters who plan their own IRD.

[LAblondeGPhi]

Originally Posted by DGTess

None of my chapter sisters is truly involved. Some of us belong to alumnae chapters, but we found our experiences to be so different from what most did that we have little in common. Yet almost all my sisters are fully invested in something else, from community organizations to state organizations to national organizations. Because as young alumnae we had only our symbols in common with other alumnae, it seems we looked elsewhere. I'm not saying that's a good thing.

I think this speaks to the real problem with getting members to stay active in their alumnae years: there's just such a diversity of members at the alumnae level, and our groups are primarily social organizations. The philanthropy, programming, and support for collegiate chapters is all wonderful, but I think most sorority women join for the friendship. But the alumnae groups typically bring together women of a wide age range, and from very different types of chapters, not to mention with different demands and interests (careers, family, etc.). Besides the shared ritual and history, there is sometimes not much else that really binds these women together.

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by LAblondeGPhi

I think this speaks to the real problem with getting members to stay active in their alumnae years: there's just such a diversity of members at the alumnae level, and our groups are primarily social organizations. The philanthropy, programming, and support for collegiate chapters is all wonderful, but I think most sorority women join for the friendship. But the alumnae groups typically bring together women of a wide age range, and from very different types of chapters, not to mention with different demands and interests (careers, family, etc.). Besides the shared ritual and history, there is sometimes not much else that really binds these women together.

Quite possible.

I've noted over the years, though, that our school tends to produce people who are go-getters, who do something important. If graduates find an alumnae group full of women from a handful of schools that are nothing like the one they went to, they see little in common except , as you say, ritual -- and even that varies a bit. Just as an example, I can't recall any time in my four years that a sister went to a varsity sporting event, but at most large schools, that kind of thing is a significant part of life - so significant that rush is an afterthought around it.

So they get involved in something else -- my chapter sisters are in university administration, politics, DAR, performing arts -- and take leadership roles. Those take over. I have to admit, though, that when we get together every couple of years, the conversations are fascinating because each has done some very impressive things!