Your thoughts on AI: discussion goes here.

[ReachTheLimit]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Let's NOT zero in on women who have prior connections, because I clearly stated that was NOT who the question is directed at. If you HAVE prior connections, then I wouldn't HAVE to ask "Why a sorority?" because the answer is "Because I have a prior connection to Greek life". I'm talking about those who DON'T have a prior connection....and again I ask the "collective you of PNAI who decided OMG I NEED TO BE IN A SORORITY EVEN THOUGH I GOT REJECTED 80 TIMES BUT THERE'S STILL AI!!111!!eleventyone!!!!11"

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.

You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

Bottom line, it shouldn't matter how your sorority gets these women or the methods that they go through. If an AA makes the call to accept them as a sister after many meetings and possibly interviews and that AI is a fully participating member and contributing to the organization, what $!%* difference does it make?

Saying that a GC AI Forum will cause a flood of AI's to to bombard the nationals with phone calls is about as ridiculous as saying that if drugs were legalized tomorrow, everybody in America would be three sheets in the wind.

That isn't happening now b/c if it was, then the AA Chapters wouldn't appear puzzled and confused when AI is brought up.

I just think it's incredibly insulting that you just ASSUME that every single person that inquires about AI was rejected for membership.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.

I work in Admin at a plumbing company. Most of our plumbers would make damn ugly sorority women.

[ReachTheLimit]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I work in Admin at a plumbing company. Most of our plumbers would make damn ugly sorority women.

Ok...LOL...you win on that one.

[greekalum]

[QUOTE=ReachTheLimit;1339794]You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.
Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

[ReachTheLimit]

[QUOTE=greekalum;1340052]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.
Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

Greek, the post was directed toward Alphafrog, not you.

[ReachTheLimit]

[quote=greekalum;1340052][quote=ReachTheLimit;1339794]

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

I didn't know anything about sororities before I actually arrived at college. Wasn't sure what they were for, didn't know what they did. I selected my college on curriculum and major selection, not whether or not it had an extensive Greek System. Now, if you can tell me where one comes up with the money to pay for the pledge period, badge, initiation fees, and everything else, when you aren't permitted to work, I would love to hear it. I ruled out stealing.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.

I never said they did, I was drawing a reference that these schools are too large to take everyone that may be otherwise fully qualified.

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.

I never said any organization relied on AI and have never seen an AI post stating that. In fact, I have repetively stated that I was aware they didn't.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

I don't consider working 60+ hours per week in a very demanding career nothing else to do. When you are able to manage your time well, you find the time to do things that are important. I have done volunteer work in the past in my area and wanted a change that was significant. The local AA here doesn't seem to object.

[AlexMack]

[QUOTE=ReachTheLimit;1340086][quote=greekalum;1340052]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

You bring this up alot.

Why do you assume that everyone that wants to AI got rejected in college? That is not at all true. When your parents are paying all the bills because you have a difficult major, or if you attend a school that has no Greek system, those are very valid reasons for not joining. I was told I couldn't work, and as long as they are paying the bills, they get to make the rules. When you are not working, your parents control the cash flow and not all of them can see the benefit of sorority membership.

Many women here joined sororities while working and/or over parental objections and/or with difficult majors. Women who want to join sororities should look into whether or not their college has a Greek system before applying. None of those are "valid reasons for not joining." Theya re individual EXCUSES, and they do not grant the person using them a free pass to join when it is more convenient for them.

I didn't know anything about sororities before I actually arrived at college. Wasn't sure what they were for, didn't know what they did. I selected my college on curriculum and major selection, not whether or not it had an extensive Greek System. Now, if you can tell me where one comes up with the money to pay for the pledge period, badge, initiation fees, and everything else, when you aren't permitted to work, I would love to hear it. I ruled out stealing.

What about super-competitive SEC schools where if you don't get in as a Freshman you can pretty much give it up? These boards are full of women that went through as Freshman, that are beautiful, had recs, graduated with honors, but the bid matching system didn't give them a home. It happens! Are you saying these women can never be a valued member of your organization or have to wait on the random chance that they will meet an Alumnae member who will magically know their interest, and then even THINK about recruiting them for AI?

Not everyone has to go to an SEC school.

I never said they did, I was drawing a reference that these schools are too large to take everyone that may be otherwise fully qualified.

Do you go to work every day looking for women to join your organization? It's just not something that comes up when you are out of college and working a real job.


No, because my organization does not rely on AI. We do not need AIs. It is an honor and a privelege for SOME organizations but not the sorority's lifeblood.

I never said any organization relied on AI and have never seen an AI post stating that. In fact, I have repetively stated that I was aware they didn't.


You are overlooking a very valuable resource that can be very valuable to your organization. I'm a single person with no other obligations. I am finally in a place in my career where I need something more, and this is what I have decided to do. If funds allow later, I would love to assist women financially in their persuit, I would also like to assist new college grads in finding jobs, which is getting to be more and more difficult.

No one is overlooking the fact that there are many single women in their twenties with lots of free time! Sororities just have different membership criteria than "someone with nothing else to do.

I don't consider working 60+ hours per week in a very demanding career nothing else to do. When you are able to manage your time well, you find the time to do things that are important. I have done volunteer work in the past in my area and wanted a change that was significant. The local AA here doesn't seem to object.

Look, no one here is objecting to the fact that you are pursuing AI. Good for you, seriously. This forum could exist peacefully if people like yourself find out about AI through the correct channels and then use this forum to talk about their journey and frustrations. That's why this forum should exist. It should not exist to be a resource for PNAMs.
If we can put the lid on enquiries and the means to pursuing AI and leave this forum for people like yourself who are already in the process then it could work.

[ReachTheLimit]

[quote=centaur532;1340100][quote=ReachTheLimit;1340086]

Originally Posted by greekalum

Look, no one here is objecting to the fact that you are pursuing AI. Good for you, seriously. This forum could exist peacefully if people like yourself find out about AI through the correct channels and then use this forum to talk about their journey and frustrations. That's why this forum should exist. It should not exist to be a resource for PNAMs.
If we can put the lid on enquiries and the means to pursuing AI and leave this forum for people like yourself who are already in the process then it could work.

I only used the GC board for a few basic things..to find out if the sororities (and I'll admit here, there were two on my list) I was interested in, even did AI.

1) I learned from reading the posts that the National office was the place to make the contact.
2) Don't post the name of the sorority until you are extended an invitation to join, or better yet, intiated.
3) Don't solicit other members for sponsorship, because of #1.
4) That it could take weeks, months, years, if at all.
5) Was rare and every sorority did it differently and had different requirements.

Yes, there were a few sororities that were listed that said they AI'd under specific circumstances. These were not on my list, but even if they had been, I wouldn't have contacted them at all because what "special circumstances" did I have? Nothing! I obviously didn't know what they were b/c I'm not a member, but I don't think one has to be very smart to be able to answer your own question that if you don't have a previous tie, then that is probably not the one to contact.

I was able to gather all of that info without posting anything. I consider this information, extremely basic. That is the part that I would like to see continue, and I don't see anything wrong with a sticky to make sure that the information given is accurate

I would also support the deletion of any threads or posts where someone didn't bother to read the sticky.

Now, do you get some crazies inquiring about AI? Absolutely! I'm not going to disagree with anyone regarding that.

However, there may not be many, but I am sure there are a few women like me, who want to join for the right reasons, are willing to be a very present, hardworking member, and "do the sorority justice" in representing it and giving back. I don't think it would be the worst thing in the world if HQ was contacted by these women. How many could there possibly be? This forum is very, very small.

I also believe, in regards to the crazies, let's say they did contact your HQ. If you can figure out they are nuts in a few posts, don't you think a group of women can figure out the same thing?

Trust your local AA. I am sure they turn down alot.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

I only used the GC board for a few basic things..to find out if the sororities (and I'll admit here, there were two on my list) I was interested in, even did AI.

THERE SHOULD BE NO LIST.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

3) Don't solicit other members for sponsorship, because of #1.

IF YOU HAD TO "LEARN" THAT ON GC...THEN THAT IS A GREAT REASON FOR THE AI FORUM NOT TO EXISIT.

[greekalum]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

However, there may not be many, but I am sure there are a few women like me, who want to join for the right reasons, are willing to be a very present, hardworking member, and "do the sorority justice" in representing it and giving back. I don't think it would be the worst thing in the world if HQ was contacted by these women. How many could there possibly be? This forum is very, very small.

I also believe, in regards to the crazies, let's say they did contact your HQ. If you can figure out they are nuts in a few posts, don't you think a group of women can figure out the same thing?

Trust your local AA. I am sure they turn down alot.

Hon, you seem to be missing the fact that what you consider the "right reasons" is not the same as what most sororities consider "the right reasons."

[ReachTheLimit]

Originally Posted by greekalum

Hon, you seem to be missing the fact that what you consider the "right reasons" is not the same as what most sororities consider "the right reasons."

I stated the reasons to the local AA, and that is up to them to decide. Considering I sent them this information up front, and met them, and they invited me to further activities, obviously, they don't have an issue with why I want to join.

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

2) Don't post the name of the sorority until you are extended an invitation to join, or better yet, intiated.

I would be in favor of PNAIs posting the name of the sorority. I would be in favor of you posting your sorority of choice.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

I was able to gather all of that info without posting anything. I consider this information, extremely basic. That is the part that I would like to see continue, and I don't see anything wrong with a sticky to make sure that the information given is accurate

I don't understand how a "sticky" would ensure that information is accurate.

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

However, there may not be many, but I am sure there are a few women like me, who want to join for the right reasons, are willing to be a very present, hardworking member, and "do the sorority justice" in representing it and giving back. I don't think it would be the worst thing in the world if HQ was contacted by these women. How many could there possibly be? This forum is very, very small.

In my opinion, this is where things really start to go downhill for you. You obviously believe that your reasons for wanting to AI are the "right" reasons. But really, AI is not a mutual selection process. It is the GLO's reasons that are assessed, not the PNAI's. I don't intend for that to sound offensive - really, I don't. AI is not intended to be fair or unfair. The GLO decides who they want or need and if the woman accepts it is a go. The PNAI really is virtually powerless except for the obvious ability to go along with the process, decline, or accept. That is why AI is a tougher reality than collegiate recruitment, where there is more of a mutual selection. (Although it is still heavily weighted on the GLO's side, in my opinion.)

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

I don't think people that are Anti-AI should be posting in the AI forum at all.

Keep in mind that this is a greek messageboard. Whether ladies are pro or anti-AI, they are actually members of Greek Letter Organizations. I have no problem with non-greeks posting here, but to restrict a greek forum and allow non-greeks (PNAIs) to post and not actual greeks seems a bit off.

[AChiOhSnap]

Reach The Limit, can I ask you a serious, honest to God question?

Why would someone in your position choose to go through the gauntlet of AI in an NPC organization -- which is much more tricky without like having a good friend or relative in an organization -- instead of attempting to join a community sorority that is designed to intake adult women?

Actually, that's my biggest question for all PNAMs....why aren't you looking at community sororities that are designed for adult intake? I certainly don't want to speak for any of the members of these community sororities or imply that it's somehow "easier" to gain membership into them, but seriously...WHY NPC???

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

The post was addressed to Alphafrog, not you hon.

Don't use hon when you don't mean it. Not only does it imply that you're looking down on her but also that you're dishonest and old.[/quote]

/Or a waitress.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ReachTheLimit

The post was addressed to Alphafrog, not you hon.

So???

greekalum, great points. I cosign.