Curious

[TexasRose]

Thank you KSUViolet. I don't expect to have the collegiate experience at all and I would expect my involvement (should I ever get in anywhere) would start like a regular alumnae with joining a local chapter, fund raising, support, and other such things. No intentions here of trying to go to all the active events and formals and such.

Perhaps I did express myself poorly. When I spoke about recommending, I was thinking more of "I know our sorority ABC does this" or "my friend got in touch with XYZ this way" and so on. I'm sorry, I don't mean to have people randomly tell me that XYZs the way to go when they're an ABC, but to hopefully offer their knowledge and experiences.

And when I call them cold, I do understand that it's their group and rules and so forth. But from my perspective it would have been nice to have some type of encouragement from them, maybe that if I was really interested in them I could meet with members, make some friends, and begin to see if I would be a good PNAM. If that's not the way they do things, then that's fine, I get it, it's just a little sad for me.

Thanks again!

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by TexasRose

And when I call them cold, I do understand that it's their group and rules and so forth. But from my perspective it would have been nice to have some type of encouragement from them, maybe that if I was really interested in them I could meet with members, make some friends, and begin to see if I would be a good PNAM. If that's not the way they do things, then that's fine, I get it, it's just a little sad for me.

Thanks again!

I'm going to be a little honest here, maybe you an appreciate that:

If you are looking for sorority HQs to pat you on the back, point you in the direction of alumnae chapters so you can meet them, and say "good luck," then AI is not for you. The sororities are not going to take your hand and spoonfeed you.

Perhaps you misunderstand AI. It is intended to honor specific women who have contributed to the sorority but may not have had the opportunity to join a sorority in college. Or to give the opportunity for members to recommened specific women in the community whom they know could be great members (but did not go Greek in college).

When sororities initiate an AI, it says that "this woman is so special that we feel the need to make an EXCEPTION to our normal recruitment methods to initiate this woman as an alumna."

It's not like traditional recruitment, which is the way 99% of women join sororities. AI is not a typical mode for joining a sorority, it's more the exception and not the rule. It does not function as collegiate recruitment does. Which is why HQs respond the way they do. It's not promoted like recruitment is, because it is so rare and very few women are chosen for it.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by TexasRose

I did say that I was aware that AI is completely different from rush, and never said they were similar - I expect it to be thoroughly more difficult in fact. I don't see this situation as shopping as much as looking to find who I might be a good fit with - and obviously if I don't meet their eligibility requirements, then I'm not going to be a good fit.

Originally Posted by TexasRose

My first issue is, I'm not sure who it is "okay" to contact. I don't know any greek women (and please, I beg you, before anyone gives me hate comments about how I shouldn't want to join a sorority if I don't know anyone in it, please consider that many people don't know any greeks when they are regular PNMs, so I don't feel like this is a crazy idea).

I think this is why people have stated that collegiate sorority recruitment and AI are two completely different things. Because yes, you did compare them, but generally they work in two entirely different ways.

You asked if you should just "give up" because it's not the normal path. It's not that it isn't a normal path, it's the fact that it's not the proper procedure. From what I know about AI (some information also coming from members of other sororities that partake in it), it is a process that is initiated by collegiate and/or alumnae members of the sorority. It is considered an honor that you present to a person, often times without them expecting it. 99% of the time, I hear about non-member advisors, house moms, and mothers of members, who selflessly contribute large amounts of their time and/or money to the sorority, being asked to join through AI. For the most part, it is offered to people who think of the sorority and its members above all else... membership is just a bonus.

Just keep in mind that it generally isn't a simple process of introducing yourself to members, socializing with them, and having them extend you a bid. And yes, with at least some sororities, you do need some college credit under your belt before you're even considered for membership.

Not trying to be mean... just realistic.

[33girl]

How old are you?? If you are normal college age, you're not going to enjoy alumnae life very much.

And if you are an adult student, where were you planning to go to school & rush?

I'm not being overly nosy, just trying to understand what your expectations were to begin with.