Has anyone ever advised a chapter besides their own?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

undergrad members are expected to transfer into an alumnae chapter once they graduate.

I absolutely think that this is where most NPCs dropped the ball.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I absolutely think that this is where most NPCs dropped the ball.

But if we did that, we would definitely have to make chartering an alum chapter more like chartering a collegiate chapter.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by 33girl

But if we did that, we would definitely have to make chartering an alum chapter more like chartering a collegiate chapter.

I'm not seeing the downside to that....

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by 33girl

But if we did that, we would definitely have to make chartering an alum chapter more like chartering a collegiate chapter.

That's exactly how it is for us. Most alumnae chapters are chartered by undergrad members who graduated (not necessarily from the same school but living in the same area) and/or by transfers from another alumnae chapter(s). We also initiate new members at the alumnae level so alumnae chapters are comprised of members that initiated as undergrads and grads. Ofcourse all members must possess a bachelor's degree.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I absolutely think that this is where most NPCs dropped the ball.

Be fair though, that would entirely change recruitment of members to bring them into alumna chapters. Not something that has a ton of support.

Honestly I'd like to see our organizations treat alum chapters much the same as NPHC chapters. More as fully functional chapters if you know what I mean.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Be fair though, that would entirely change recruitment of members to bring them into alumna chapters. Not something that has a ton of support.

Honestly I'd like to see our organizations treat alum chapters much the same as NPHC chapters. More as fully functional chapters if you know what I mean.

Even though we induct new members at the alumnae level, the majority of alumnae members are transfers from undergrad chapters because our undergrad members know that they are expected and highly encouraged to stay active and honor their lifetime committment. Also our alumnae chapters don't actively recruit (neither do our undergrads). Instead most people that seek grad membership wanted to be a part of the organization as an undergrad or was interested but didn't pursue at that time for whatever reason.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

Even though we induct new members at the alumnae level, the majority of alumnae members are transfers from undergrad chapters because our undergrad members know that they are expected and highly encouraged to stay active and honor their lifetime committment. Also our alumnae chapters don't actively recruit (neither do our undergrads). Instead most people that seek grad membership wanted to be a part of the organization as an undergrad or was interested but didn't pursue at that time for whatever reason.

Indeed, your entire style of recruiting is completely different, and I'm not suggesting "grown up rush" for NPC alum chapters. However, the current GC view of "AI should be offered not sought" would need to change if we were pushing our alum chapters into being more active. (IMO it should be sought as well as offered (or denied).)

Part of the reason, again IMO, there's such disconnect between NPC collegiate and alum chapters is the fact that they're too often a generation removed from the members who just graduated college. It's become systemic.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Indeed, your entire style of recruiting is completely different, and I'm not suggesting "grown up rush" for NPC alum chapters. However, the current GC view of "AI should be offered not sought" would need to change if we were pushing our alum chapters into being more active. (IMO it should be sought as well as offered (or denied).)

Part of the reason, again IMO, there's such disconnect between NPC collegiate and alum chapters is the fact that they're too often a generation removed from the members who just graduated college. It's become systemic.

I see your point but I think the disconnect would not exist if you regarded your alumni chapters as regular chapters within the sorority, instead of viewing them as alumni associations. Then the undergrads would view alumni membership as the next level to aspire to within the sorority and some of the undergrads would want to transfer to an alumni chapter immediately following graduation. This way there would always be all ages in the chapters and believe it or not, this is a great benefit as long as everyone respects and values one another. In my alumnae chapter, the members range in age from 20 to 94. The older members let the younger members run things but they are there to provide their insight and wisdom. Although I have heard of chapters where the older members just don't want to "pass the torch" and then of course there are problems and disconnect. But overall it can work and it does. It's just about what you all want as a sorority.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

I see your point but I think the disconnect would not exist if you regarded your alumni chapters as regular chapters within the sorority, instead of viewing them as alumni associations. Then the undergrads would view alumni membership as the next level to aspire to within the sorority and some of the undergrads would want to transfer to an alumni chapter immediately following graduation. This way there would always be all ages in the chapters and believe it or not, this is a great benefit as long as everyone respects and values one another. In my alumnae chapter, the members range in age from 20 to 94. The older members let the younger members run things but they are there to provide their insight and wisdom. Although I have heard of chapters where the older members just don't want to "pass the torch" and then of course there are problems and disconnect. But overall it can work and it does. It's just about what you all want as a sorority.

Hence my desire for our alum chapters to be seen and treated in that way. It would require a great change in the way our orgs transition members and run the alum chapters.