How Common Now?

[carnation]

I do know that several organizations are looking into their potential AIs much more carefully. I know of several situations in which NPCs initiated local women to help with new chapters and regretted it for years, even having to drop some of them for the harm they did.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by carnation

I do know that several organizations are looking into their potential AIs much more carefully. I know of several situations in which NPCs initiated local women to help with new chapters and regretted it for years, even having to drop some of them for the harm they did.

I know that I often compared AI for this reason (either for new chapters or for regions that for whatever reason, had a dearth of volunteers) to having a baby to save a troubled marriage. Try to reinvigorate the interest of the Alumnae you have rather than initiating new people. I think social media and the growth of the Internet has been fabulous in this regard. Two of my chapter sisters are now chapter advisors, after going 20 plus years with no involvement at all. The new-old blood, as far as I'm concerned, is much more healthy for an organization than just going straight to AI.

[Sen's Revenge]

Originally Posted by carnation

I do know that several organizations are looking into their potential AIs much more carefully. I know of several situations in which NPCs initiated local women to help with new chapters and regretted it for years, even having to drop some of them for the harm they did.

Yikes. It's unfortunate that a well-meaning program would be abused and well-meaning sponsors essentially be taken advantage of/embarrassed by harmful AIs.

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

For us, I think it's about the same. Having sponsored an AI, I think our vetting process is quite rigorous. It still tends to be mostly close friends and relatives of current members.

Gotcha. Thanks for responding.

Originally Posted by littlesquirrel

I feel like we talk about AI far more than we actually follow through with AI. But, I'm a fairly recent alumna still, so that may be a part of it. I think I know 2 women who have been AI'd in the time I've been an Alpha Gam: one who is a mother of a woman in my chapter and another who worked at our IHQ and was incredibly dedicated.

You can't go wrong with moms!

Originally Posted by 33girl

I know that I often compared AI for this reason (either for new chapters or for regions that for whatever reason, had a dearth of volunteers) to having a baby to save a troubled marriage. Try to reinvigorate the interest of the Alumnae you have rather than initiating new people. I think social media and the growth of the Internet has been fabulous in this regard. Two of my chapter sisters are now chapter advisors, after going 20 plus years with no involvement at all. The new-old blood, as far as I'm concerned, is much more healthy for an organization than just going straight to AI.

Great thoughts.