Is it time to change who we think of as legacies?

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum

In the second situation, I would assume that the girl was interested in the chapter because her mom sent the notice, but that she didn't want other chapters to see her legacy status in case she got cut by your chapter. I would assume she was a savvy PNM who was being careful.

I just don't think that the average reference chair would make the same assumption. I think that it may seem as though mom was pushing the PNM, even though the PNM wasn't really interested.

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I just don't think that the average reference chair would make the same assumption. I think that it may seem as though mom was pushing the PNM, even though the PNM wasn't really interested.

How could the PM correct that? Could she include a personal note to the chapter explaining how happy she is to meet the group that's been such a big part of her mom's life?

(I know that sounds cheesy, but if the stories about legacies to other chapters being released with the assumption that they will pledge the legacy chapter are true, it's a huge gamble to list it on a form other chapters will see.)

[AOII Angel]

I don't think we need to re-evaluate legacy considerations at all. Most groups offer a courtesy to their sisters to give their family members extra consideration during recruitment. We all know that doesn't mean a free pass. I sure want to know that my niece will be given a second chance should she decide to rush in the future. AOII means something special to her mother, and her mother means something special to AOII and many of her members. I see nothing wrong with politely taking a special look at these women. If they don't fit in, or don't want your chapter, you are under no obligation to bid.

[NutBrnHair]

AOIIAngel, I totally agree with you.

The only thing we need to improve is educating the collegiate chapters and the alumnae as to the policy, the benefits of pledging legacies and the reality that the members of the current active chapter are the only ones who have a vote.

Legacies are like gravy -- a little something extra.

A past National President of Chi Omega wrote a wonderful article years ago entitled: Legacies: Diamonds in our own backyard.

Some of the posters in this thread are from NPC groups which are not even represented at the schools where a large number of legacies can present a problem for some groups. If I were you -- I'd focus on another topic. It doesn't directly affect you.

[bejazd]

I graduated from a large west coast univ and was a rush advisor at another large west coast school where the chapters are between 40-60 years old. While the number of legacies in recruitment does not equal or exceed quota it could in the future I suppose. The fact of the matter is that legacies were held to a different standard than the average PNM. In the long run, I can't say the legacies we pledged were better or worse members than anyone else...the only time they were identified as "legacies" really was during their own recruitment. It bugs me to think that a legacy is scrutinized more carefully or has her options limited because of her relatives' affiliations. I want every PNM to be treated equally and to have the same opportunity to choose and be chosen by the sisterhood that is right for her...so she can enjoy her own experience.

Gamma Phi does not have a special legacy badge but I really like that idea...especially if there was a special recognition pin the new initiate could present to her mom/sister/grandma when she is initiated.

[carnation]

This had some great discussion!

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by bejazd

Gamma Phi does not have a special legacy badge but I really like that idea...especially if there was a special recognition pin the new initiate could present to her mom/sister/grandma when she is initiated.

Well, there IS a Mother's pin!