Alumni Association

[thetygerlily]

Originally Posted by sisterdawn

I belong to small local sorority and even though our numbers aren't that large compared to other greeks we have plenty of alumni but over the past few years we've be losing touch with them and it's getting harder and harder for us to convince them to come out to events. Recently we were talking to a few other locals in the region and they mentioned having an alumni association. We thought that would be a great idea to keep the alumni active and help take some event planning off our shoulders. Were not exactly sure how to go about starting this and were looking for advice.

Your best bet is to get the alumnae involved in forming the alumnae association. Since you are actives you cannot be part of the alumnae association, therefore you aren't the best one to push it forward.

Do you have a newsletter? Think first about what you can do for them, rather than what they can do for you.

Re: the bolded, alumnae associations do not exist to plan events for actives. Alumnae associations exist to keep the bond of sisterhood strong, stay active in the group, and provide support as needed to active chapters. That normally means helping with recruitment, advising officers, etc. That does not mean planning events. Normally actives plan one or two events per year to honor the alumnae and thank them for their support.

[sisterdawn]

Originally Posted by thetygerlily

Normally actives plan one or two events per year to honor the alumnae and thank them for their support.

Well there is an organization on my campus where the alumni throw a big BBQ family type thing every year, that the actives take no part in planning. Obviously the actives plan on-campus events and anniversaries but since our alumni do NOTHING as it is and only complain about how they have families now that maybe they should plan a big family get together.

[33girl]

Then if they want to have that sort of function, that's up to THEM to plan it. It has nothing to do with the active chapter.

If they're all in Babyland and all they care about is diapers and strained peaches, let them be there for a while, because the last thing I'm sure you guys (collegians that is) want to hear about is teething issues. Plan a yearly reception at Homecoming, keep them involved with a listserv or Facebook group so they know what's happening in the ACTIVE CHAPTER, but don't break your backs if they aren't going to do shit for you. It's so much easier to keep in touch nowadays that the only way to not find someone is if they don't want to be found.