I Don't Get AI

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by Nanners52674

Like I know what it is and I understand in the rare cases where it's a woman who has done exceptional things for an organization.

What I don't understand is the desire for post-collegiate women to join an organization whose foundation starts in college. Maybe I just don't know enough because I'm still active and in college but part of me feels like alumni life is more volunteering at chapters, advising and such. Things that seem like it would help to have gone through active collegiate membership.

I guess my ultimate thought is there are so many other ways to volunteer if that's what you're looking for why AI.

I disagree about the majority of alumnae activity centering around volunteering for collegiate chapters. I think more women are members of their alumnae chapters than are members of their local collegiate advisory panels. That's just all you see as a collegiate member.

[aopirose]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I disagree about the majority of alumnae activity centering around volunteering for collegiate chapters. I think more women are members of their alumnae chapters than are members of their local collegiate advisory panels. That's just all you see as a collegiate member.

I agree with that. It is a completely different world then collegiate membership. We don't have an active collegiate chapter in our city and the one that we adopted is at least 4 hours away. That collegiate chapter does have an advisory board and certainly none of those women are members of our alumnae chapter. Alumnae Chapters have activities and goals to meet the needs of their members. If it involves being more hands on with a collegiate chapter, fine. If it involves minimal involvement with a collegiate chapter, fine.

So, no, AI is not a vehicle to try and relive old college days. However, it can be a way for a member to reach out to that "sister without a badge" who shares the organization's values, ideals, and goals. I would never advocate throwing out a sign-up sheet in front of Wal-Mart, but if it is a woman who has demonstrated her faithfulness, it can be a great thing. One of AOII's International Presidents is an AI and we do have many more who have faithfully served the Fraternity and still do. Are they overflowing our ranks? Nope and never will. It is a special honor for a select few.

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I disagree about the majority of alumnae activity centering around volunteering for collegiate chapters. I think more women are members of their alumnae chapters than are members of their local collegiate advisory panels. That's just all you see as a collegiate member.

Thank you! My thought exactly. Only a couple of the women in my alumane chapter help out a collegiate chapter.

[DubaiSis]

And there are many alumnae chapters in cities where there isn't a collegiate chapter nearby.

[karibear]

I am an alumna initiate of Gamma Phi Beta. I did not have the opportunity to join a sorority in school. I worked my way through college going to a community college and then taking classes at night, weekends, and online for my Bachelors and my Masters. I found Gamma Phi Beta through a resume of an applicant. I identified with the ideals of the organization and joined as an alumna. I have been very active and have helped out with three college initiations and now I am AVP of my chapter. I am not trying to gain an experience of those who joined in college. But I think Gamma Phi is a wonderful organization with amazing women as members and I wanted to be part of an organization. I have enjoyed my time with Gamma Phi and wish that I could have joined when I was in college. I encourage all sisters to be active in their alumnae chapters. We are very active in supporting local charities as well as Camp Fire USA and help support two local colleges as well. Just my thoughts.