Quote:
Originally posted by blueangel
Strap in, you're about to go on the roller coaster ride of your life! Anybody who tells you AI is easy doesn't know what they're talking about. It is an emotionally draining process with many ups and downs.
Like you, I had pledged in college. I was not initiated because I transferred schools where there was no chapter. I never depledged.
Three years ago, I contacted a local alumnae chapter and national to see if I could help out. I didn't even know it was possible to be initiated once you were out of college. I had only called because I wanted to see if I could help mentor some of the collegiates in my profession, and also, to help out the philanthropy But an officer called me and told me it was possible to become a "special initiate" (the term this group uses for AI). As you can imagine, I was thrilled!
But, it took three years since that first phone call. There were many times I thought it would never happen.
Because AI is only now becoming more common, the system is filled with speed bumps. The ball often gets dropped along the way by accident because someone trying to help you may not know the proper forms to fill out, or that something needs a vote.
My best advice to you is to find yourself a mentor in the sorority you're seeking to become initiated with. And most of all... BE PROACTIVE!
If things have stalled, don't take it as a "no".... take it as a "whoops, someone must have forgotten a step, I better inquire what's going on!"
It's so easy to think, "Oh, they don't want me afterall. They just aren't coming out and telling me" when the real reason is that someone is waiting for paperwork, approval, or a vote.
For me, the hardest part of this was not knowing if I was crossing the line of being a "pain" or being "pro-active." I would say, err on the side of being pro-active.
And.. don't forget to use GC as a resource. Some wonderful women helped get the ball rolling again for me when things stalled and looked hopeless. It turned out that one very important step had not been followed by the people trying to get approval for me. They didn't realize it, but my mentor found out and was able to get things moving again.
Was it difficult? You betcha! Was it worth it? You betcha! 
Good luck!
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Sage advice from someone who has been there!
Remember, nothing that is easy to get is worth attaining.
I am sure with the help of many of The Ladys on GC, you will be guided well in your travels.
As was mentioned, AI is New to many, and is a source of People who are willing to work with an Oganization for the betterment.
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