Legacy Policy

PinkSkyAtNight · #2 08-28-2014, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azureblue

I came across this article about Tri Delta's Legacy Policy and found it very interesting. All groups have different qualifications on what is considered a legacy, and different policies in membership selection. The way that they describe legacies as "a special joy and a special problem" is true.

I think that it is also interesting that the legacy situation is up to each chapter's discretion, and that there is no national rule of thumb.

Thoughts?

http://www.tridelta.org/trident/stor...aslegacypolicy

Fascinating, well written piece. It is probably the best explanation of a national organization's position that I've read on the subject. And it is honest, which is great. I actually agree with all the statements in the article.

It is disappointing that approximately 4% of their alumnae pay alumnae dues, which are often very little. However, I've heard that most orgs have similar participation rates. I would wonder if you would see a spike in alumnae due particpation if a legacy were only truly considered a legacy if say her legacy relative had paid dues within the last five consecutive years? Just a thought

Not all legacies and all alumnae are considered equal in my mind. If a PNM's mom, sister or grandma has been loyal to the organization, contributed to building campaigns (even if just a small amount), and participated in her alumnae organization, I would give that a lot of weight. It shows a family commitment to the organization, and I would believe that she would be far more likely to stick with her membership for 4 years, than say the woman whose relative hasn't done anything since she graduated 25 years ago.

But I'm not a collegian, and I think it is the role of advisers to explain why not all legacies are necessarily considered equal. I think education and research about the legacy is very important. Above all, every PNM and legacy should be treated with respect when going through recruitment. Unfortunately some people assume that respect means and automatic invite, and it shouldn't.