Quote:
Originally posted by SmartBlondeGPhB
No, I don't. If the chapter and the PNAM click, then it shouldn't take long at all. If the PNAM is going after something that isn't attainable, then it will be much more difficult. If a PNAM has been to 4 or 5 events and the chapter still can't make a decision on her, well that to me is as good as a no. As my sister said, commitment on the part of the PNAM is VERY important. "Actions speak louder than words" as they say......
Show me that you're committed to my group and I will do everything I can to help you join. Lead me to believe that you aren't committed, and I will do the opposite.
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I think you're making sweeping assumptions. Just because you say it is quick to get into your GLO, does not mean that it is that easy in others.
You are also making the assumption that the length of time a PNAM has to wait has to do with whether the sorority is or is not able to make a decision on her. The waiting time also does not necessarily depend on whether she has proven she wants to be a committed member.
Many GLO's have a very long and complicated process which only BEGINS once it is decided that the chapter wants the PNAM. Very often, Executive Council must vote on her-- but they may only meet once or twice a year. Then, the PNAM may have to wait another six months for the collegiate chapter to hold initiation. There may also be a required waiting period. It varies with each GLO.
In ZTA, for example, AIs are extremely rare. There are fewer than ten special initiations for the entire fraternity per year. Because it is so infrequent, and is only done under certain circumstances, it takes a very, very long time. It is further complicated by the fact that because it is so rare, many of the local chapters don't know what paperwork to submit. Once they finally obtain it and submit it, they may not have filled it out correctly. That can be a further hold-up.
Again, I speak for me.. but in my case... I contacted Zeta more than three years ago not even knowing there was such a thing as AI. I had been a pledge in college, and absolutely loved it! But due to my judo training, I was unable to devote the time to the fraternity. All these years, I had thought of Zeta and missed it so much, and wanted to reconnect in some way.. never dreaming that there was a possibility I could ever be initiated.
I contacted the local chapter president to see if I might be able to mentor a Zeta in broadcasting, maybe teach the collegiates self defense, or help out with the philanthropy. The District President called me to say that, yes, I could reconnect.. but she knocked me for a loop when she suggested I could even be initiated. I remember nearly dropping the phone in total shock. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be initiated! I had never heard of someone my age getting initiated! I thought that once you were out of college, that was it. So, you see.. they knew I was committed to Zeta from the start.
If you read the stories of others here, you will find that it took many AIs one, two, three, and four years... and even longer. Off the top of my head, I can name Trojangel for KD, and Lake for TriDelta who waited a long time. Gwen is still waiting for TriSigma-- they want her... they know how committed she is... but it is taking a long time.
I disagree that AI is normally a quick process. Yes, there are exceptions... but in most cases, it takes a long time. I think it is only fair for those thinking of AI, to know that once they get on the PNAM road, they better buckle up for what will probably be a bumpy and very long ride.