I can speak for two chapters in regards to Fall 2019 vs Fall 2020 dues. For both chapters, the only difference was the slight lowering of the per-capita fees from nationals. In each case, dues were voted on in the spring—when they believed they would have a “normal” fall. Each chapter voted to keep the budget planned for a normal slate of events.
House/parlor fees didn’t change. In fact, actual facility expenses rose due to all the extra cleaning/sanitizing that has to be done.
Yes, a lot of the traditional events were cancelled, but we’ve been creative in figuring out new events. One chapter now has weekly sisterhood events. The chapter is purchasing the supplies for each event, the actives come and pick up their bag of goodies and then do the craft/cook the items at home on zoom.
Chapter meals are individually packaged meals from local places that the girls pick up via a “drive-by” party. Scholarship banquet turned into a gift card party where girls randomly received $10 and $20 dining cards to local restaurants.
My guess is that the author’s chapter isn’t being quite as creative or that she didn’t include all of these smaller expenses that are adding up to the regular costs for date parties, mixers and semis.
If there is money left at the end of the semester, the chapter can vote to have it refunded to the members. That happened in the spring for both chapters and I imagine it will happen this fall as well.
So, to answer your question, the chapters I know are still charging the same amount in dues, it is just being spent in new ways or refunded.
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