Should I try to participate in colonization?

[maybepnm]

Thanks for the age reassurance! Do you think going through rush and not matching would look bad? I'm not entirely sure how colonization works...would it be local alumnae or active sisters from another chapter choosing the new members?

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by maybepnm

Thanks for the age reassurance! Do you think going through rush and not matching would look bad? I'm not entirely sure how colonization works...would it be local alumnae or active sisters from another chapter choosing the new members?

Each chapter is different. You will be invited to more than one party and you will have both alum and collegians from another chapter present. Always put on your best face regardless of who you are speaking with, just like they were all actives. Chances are high that they don't know anything of what on during recruitment with you other than that you participated and didn't receive a bid. They don't know if you dropped out or cut by all during the first round.

Do a little research on the chapter ahead of time so that you are knowledgable enough to ask questions about their philanthropy and presence in local areas. This will help you to jump in whenever there is dead silence in a conversation.

[Thetagirl218]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

Each chapter is different. You will be invited to more than one party and you will have both alum and collegians from another chapter present. Always put on your best face regardless of who you are speaking with, just like they were all actives. Chances are high that they don't know anything of what on during recruitment with you other than that you participated and didn't receive a bid. They don't know if you dropped out or cut by all during the first round.

Do a little research on the chapter ahead of time so that you are knowledgable enough to ask questions about their philanthropy and presence in local areas. This will help you to jump in whenever there is dead silence in a conversation.

This was very true in my colonization experience and it is great advice!!!!

[BadCat25]

Do it. At my college they started a colony last year and it was a big success. They took in over 100 new members including 2 seniors. Don't mention your prior rush. They probably will not even ask. Just go in there and knock them dead.

[klk112]

To answer your original question and ditto everyone else: YES! Definitely do it! It's such a different experience to be a charter member than to take part in a chapter that's been around for decades already.

Originally Posted by maybepnm

Thanks for the age reassurance! Do you think going through rush and not matching would look bad? I'm not entirely sure how colonization works...would it be local alumnae or active sisters from another chapter choosing the new members?

It differs for each org, but from my experience, it would be more of an interview format. You would interview with some national representatives (regional staff, etc.), and probably the local chapter advisor and resident consultant. They will be looking for women who meet their membership criteria and will ask you questions based on that.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.