Getting younger alums involved

[BaylorBean]

In our Alumnae groups we have "Special Interest Groups" aka SIGS. We started an young alum one where we organize Happy Hours, lunches, shopping etc. It is open to anyone but is geared more towards those of us who are 23-35. Since organizing these events, it seems that the younger crowd starts to come to the more general chapter events as well. It comes and goes though. Some years there were only two of us at any of the young alum events and others we get anywhere from 5-12.

To help get the word out I use Evite to invite all those that are interested to all of the Young Alum events. PM me if you want more details!

Hope that helps!

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by BaylorBean

In our Alumnae groups we have "Special Interest Groups" aka SIGS. We started an young alum one where we organize Happy Hours, lunches, shopping etc. It is open to anyone but is geared more towards those of us who are 23-35. Since organizing these events, it seems that the younger crowd starts to come to the more general chapter events as well. It comes and goes though. Some years there were only two of us at any of the young alum events and others we get anywhere from 5-12.

To help get the word out I use Evite to invite all those that are interested to all of the Young Alum events. PM me if you want more details!

Hope that helps!

This is a great idea.

Break it down at least for a while until membership is built up of some of the younger people. Chapter events with any Alum invited back if they are near enough.

Try younger things. BBQ that may envolve young people with families. Singles night out local resturant, wine tastings, Victoria Secret Party( ), or what ever.

Then either once or twice a year have a full blown funtion of some semi-formal kind.

Kelly, I know what you mean and it is tough!

Good Luck!

[Jimmy Choo]

If you have their contact info on file you may want to send them a form asking what types of activities they would want to see. My AC has a form that I filled out when I paid my dues where we got to say what types of things we were particularly intersted in so they could better program! For instance if you wanted to be part of the young alum group or the mommy and me playgroup, etc.

[honeychile]

We rely on Evite, too - and meet at Panera Bread, as they offer a free meeting room. Geography plays a HUGE part in any organization in our area!

But we got younger members more by those of us who were in the middle saying, "ENOUGH! There's a limit to what we can do!" and stepping down. Then, a notice was sent out to the last 8 years of graduates, and they happily took over! We now have a much happier, much more alive Alumnae Association. Many of the things we now do, we wouldn't have considered five years ago. I am seriously convinced that it's all in the attitude!

Some Examples:

Five years ago: We sold candy for Ronald McDonald House, donating the proceeds.
Now: We make a meal every other month for RMH, and celebrate holidays with gingerbread houses, Easter Baskets, etc.

Five years ago: We met in each other houses, making newer alumnae uncomfortable, in pin attire only.
Now: We meet at Panera Bread's meeting room, in any sort of clothing.

Five years ago: It was pulling teeth to get anyone to attend the Panhellenic Luncheon.
Now: We had models in the Fashion Show.

Five years ago: TWO of us were reliably available for our senior ceremony (Jewel Degree).
Now: We actually had EIGHT alumnae at Jewel Degree, while another three prepared the Jewel Degree Brunch.

[SoCalGirl]

Kelly, do you have only one alumnae chapter in the area?

I ask because we have the SD chapter that is associated with State and the La Jolla chapter that is associated with UCSD. While there's no restrictions on who can join which chpater or how the alumnae chapters help the collegiate chapters there is definitely a divide between that ages. The LJ chapter more or less ranges from early 20s to early 60s with most in the 20-40 range. The SD chapter seems to start in the 60s. The SD chapter has bridge nights where as the LJ chapter has monthly happy hours.