Back From My Second Meeting

[BookishBabe]

Hi All,

I just got home from my second meeting with a chapter here in Vancouver. Once again, I had a fantastic time with these women who made me feel so welcome -- I just can't believe it. However, I have to say that being a member of this chapter would make me feel out of place. Not only am I lots younger than the women in the chapter, most of the women are very well-off compared to me. Just sitting in their business meeting and listening to the kinds of plans and social events they have made me feel like a pauper. I'm trying to think of a delicate way to bring this up, but I can't seem to think of one. The women in this chapter have been gracious and have welcomed me with open arms. I even got the unofficial invitation to join them tonight (I'm going home for Christmas and won't see them until January; they were planning to invite me at the December meeting).

I'm torn. I really want to be a part of Beta Sigma Phi, but I'd love it if I were in a chapter with women who are starting out in life, just as I am. I've tried sending letters to the women on the prospective members list, but so far no one has responded to my letter. I can't seem to drum up any interest at all on campus, and I don't know anyone else in town to pursue for membership.

Even though I had a wonderful night tonight, I'm feeling very conflicted and very sad. Any kind words or suggestions you can offer would be appreciated.

looks like we're in the same position, Bookishbabe. I hope you don't give up... I'm trying not to either.

Sending lots of future-Beta love your way!

[wvapogirl]

Ok, gals, I'm gonna share my Beta story...

When I first moved to Maryland (almost a year ago), I was *very* interested in joining Beta. I looked on the internet, and was somewhat disappointed to find out that the nearest chapter to me was a good 45 minutes away. But, I e-mailed them anyhow, told them I was interested.
Well, I got an e-mail back, saying "We'd love to have you come to a meeting; My name is Linda, meet me at the McDonalds in Prince Frederick at 6pm on such-and-such-a-date". So I went. The women were very nice, but I just felt... uncomfortable. They were a bit to "business stuffy" for me (if that makes sense). So after the meeting I told Linda that I would get back to her later, and a few days later, I e-mailed her saying that I wouldn't be coming back to any more meetings because it wouldn't fit into my schedule.
A few months pass. I am still very interested in Beta, so I call the national headquarters and speak to a very friendly and helpful woman in the membership department who informs me that there is a chapter in Lusby, which is just 10 minutes away from where I live! So I e-mail this chapter, get a quick response back, and attend my first meeting. I am the youngest person in the room (I'm 24, the other women's ages range from mid-30s to late 60s). But everyone was so relaxed, and inviting, and nice, and friendly... I knew that I had found my Beta home. A few more months have passed, and I am now a proud pledge of the Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.
The moral of my story: don't give up! There is a home for you in Beta! Keep looking, keep asking questions, keep contacting people, and you will find it!

~Nicole

[erica812]

I was also contacted by a chapter that was not a good fit. The Beta who called was so nice. She even said that her chapter was a bunch of "old ladies." She encouraged me to pursue my idea of starting a new chapter.

Trust me! It was not easy, and I had to wait a lot longer than I expected. I gave my name to International in April. I was contacted by a chapter in June, and I had to wait until September to even start recruiting. I imagined that we could be a chapter by mid-September maybe the beginning of October, but it was the second week of November before we were finally chartered. But you know what? It was worth the wait. My chapter includes 10 sisters who are truly dedicated to making this work. Each of them has had to go through the wishing and the waiting right along with me.

Ginger & BookishBabe--Please don't give up! You can make it work. Send out random e-mails and letters. I know it sounds weird, but it just might work. Look at your college/university website, and contact any woman who has a listed e-mail address. Look at student organizations and contact their officers. There are only three girls in my chapter that I knew before I got started, and they were my former students! I never dreamed they would actually want to hang out with their old teacher.

Good luck! And remember...we are on your side!!!!!!!!

Erica