Possibly a new AI?

Titchou · #1 06-16-2020, 02:16 PM

I'm not saying it's a bad idea. Would you go to the national org to join as a collegian? No. Same thing here. For my group, the alumnae chapter has to vote on an AI just like the collegiate chapter has to vote for their new members. And also for us, we're a group that requires a rec for all new members - AIs included. So where will you get that? The local group. There is certainly nothing wrong with inquiring at the national level if a group has an AI program/process. Just keep in mind that you will most likely have to go thru the local group so it's best to start there. And as said before, your very best bet is thru someone you know.

andthen · #2 06-16-2020, 02:54 PM

OP how you decide to approach it is entirely up to you at the end of the day. The lens I am looking at things through is more of, if you have friends you're in contact with they can more readily get the information about AI for their particular group(s) since they are members. While your friends might not be able to give you explicit details they can at least give you insight to the process at least for the group(s) they are a member of.

I would try and perhaps get as much information that might be available publicly from a group's website. If you do have additional questions I would strongly encourage to keep the questions pretty broad. Like don't ask XYZ, what are the specific requirements to be approved for AI. It sounds like you're older than the average college student so I would hope too that you've had experience in asking broad based questions to co-workers etc. Each group is going to have differing requirements as you've already seen first hand. At any rate I hope that helps.

navane · #3 06-16-2020, 03:50 PM

Lightaqua, if you have not earned a bachelor's degree and you are currently taking classes, you are an undergrad. This excludes you from consideration to a number sorority AI programs. That your classes are online or you are married to a member of the armed forces is not a factor. The main "pipeline" to membership in an NPC sorority is through collegiate membership. If you are still in college, that is your current option. That option may not be feasible due to your personal circumstances; but, it is what it is.

I am not familiar with any NPC sorority that will perform alumna initiation for current undergrad students; but, if you're saying that there is one that does, then that's cool, I guess. Usually, one would have to wait until graduation and then AI would be an option. In effect, you can start the interest process now, but might have to wait until your degree posts to get the final green light.

Also, I can't make heads or tails or your story with org 1, 2, 3, but then #2 not the first one, but then the other. LOL You should probably refer to them as Red, Blue and Green or something.

Lightaqua · #4 06-16-2020, 04:28 PM

Hi Navane. I'm aware not many (if any) orgs let undergrads do AI. When I met org 2 (who I'll refer to as red from now on) mentioned that my current situation with school doesn't prevent me from doing AI with them, and with how long the process takes I'll have graduated before any "next steps" whatever they may be.

Thank you to you and everyone else for the advice I really appreciated it!

navane · #5 06-16-2020, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightaqua

Hi Navane. I'm aware not many (if any) orgs let undergrads do AI. When I met org 2 (who I'll refer to as red from now on) mentioned that my current situation with school doesn't prevent me from doing AI with them, and with how long the process takes I'll have graduated before any "next steps" whatever they may be.

Thank you to you and everyone else for the advice I really appreciated it!

Ok. I guess my disconnect was because your story didn't provide a context. You said that you are an undergrad, but not really, but also that you are taking online courses. If, for example, you had said you are a 35 year old married woman who is picking up a few courses part-time online to finish your degree, that would have provided some context and helped us provide more helpful answers. Even so, some sororities require a degree regardless of how it's being achieved. At any rate, it sounds like you are on your way - so best wishes with "Red".

Lightaqua · #6 06-17-2020, 12:07 AM

I'm sorry for the confusion. I am fully online, I should be done by the end of this year. All 3 orgs have stated on their websites I do not need a degree, just that I "cannot be eligible to be a collegiate member." I'm in my early 20s if that helps. Which from what I've seen is definitely on the younger side of AI.

Also Hi 33girl. You're right, if 3 months from now or 2 years from now we have to move and Red doesn't have a chapter there, it would be upsetting. I'm pretty used to connecting to my friends and close family online though.

I also wonder if I should reach out to Green, because of my connection with some college members and their philanthropy. I like the connection I currently have with Red, but the few women I know in Green I get along well with, they just arent in my current state.