HELP! terrible alumni relations!! need ideas!

[DrPhil]

Wow @ this last page

Discussions like these remind me of how grateful I am that many organizations put a lot of emphasis on the chapter never becoming bigger than the organization. This is why alumni activity is extremely important, and preferably with an alumnae/graduate chapter where you get to interact with alumnae initiates and collegiate initiates (who have graduated).

Everyone's busy. But, what I gathered from OPhi's earlier comments is not just being busy/having priorities (who woulda thunk adults have priorities? ) but almost an unwillingness or inability to connect. A specific call to action for the chapter shouldn't come before knowing who you are working with. Instead of going into it thinking that it is impossible, try it and go into with an open mind.

Sorors who move to new areas know how to meet Sorors in professional and personal settings. I think it is really not as difficult as people insist on making it. With every busy person, there are often two people who really think it is worth the time and commitment to maintain bonds/plan programs/attend meetings/etc. I have seen MANY home chapter Sorors reunited this way and many Sorors motivated to give back to their home chapters.

[OPhiAGinger]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

....many organizations put a lot of emphasis on the chapter never becoming bigger than the organization....

Everyone's busy. But, what I gathered from OPhi's earlier comments is not just being busy/having priorities (who woulda thunk adults have priorities? ) but almost an unwillingness or inability to connect. A specific call to action for the chapter shouldn't come before knowing who you are working with....

I like that concept of the chapter never becoming bigger than the organization. Easier said than done, though, since so many members never meet sisters beyond the boundaries of their own chapter. Still, it's a worthy goal and something my org could improve upon.

As for your other point, the unwillingness to connect made me smile. I have been active on the national level for so long that my bonds with sisters from other chapters far outshadow the ones I formed back in college. My point is and has always been about setting priorities among opportunities in OPA. It's a special treat for me to get to catch up with a dear sister that I served on our national board years ago when our lives were simpler. Those are the invitations that really tug at my heart and motivate me to shift things around! I am not closed off to new relationships -- just very time constrained.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by OPhiAGinger

I like that concept of the chapter never becoming bigger than the organization. Easier said than done, though, since so many members never meet sisters beyond the boundaries of their own chapter. Still, it's a worthy goal and something my org could improve upon.

It's all about how you are brought in. It isn't "easier said than done" for organizations that frown upon members not interacting with members outside of their chapter.

Most NPHCers learn that your chapter of initiation is GREAT (and shouldn't be completely abandoned, even as an alum) but you suck if your chapter will be/is your only interaction and endeavor as a member.

Originally Posted by OPhiAGinger

As for your other point, the unwillingness to connect made me smile. I have been active on the national level for so long that my bonds with sisters from other chapters far outshadow the ones I formed back in college. My point is and has always been about setting priorities among opportunities in OPA. It's a special treat for me to get to catch up with a dear sister that I served on our national board years ago when our lives were simpler. Those are the invitations that really tug at my heart and motivate me to shift things around! I am not closed off to new relationships -- just very time constrained.

Thanks for more descriptively expressing your point. Got it now.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by OPhiAGinger

I like that concept of the chapter never becoming bigger than the organization. Easier said than done, though, since so many members never meet sisters beyond the boundaries of their own chapter. Still, it's a worthy goal and something my org could improve upon.

Originally Posted by DrPhil

It's all about how you are brought in. It isn't "easier said than done" for organizations that frown upon members not interacting with members outside of their chapter.

Exactly. For example, even at the collegiate level, we encourage lots of interaction among chapters in the same province, so that even before you become an alum, you regularly experience the fraternity as bigger than your own chapter.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Exactly. For example, even at the collegiate level, we encourage lots of interaction among chapters in the same province, so that even before you become an alum, you regularly experience the fraternity as bigger than your own chapter.

You mean XYZ exists outside of this campus and we all share things in common?! OMG!

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

You mean XYZ exists outside of this campus and we all share things in common?! OMG!

Try to contain your shockment, but yes, 'tis true.