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First I want to address ADPiViolets concern... it is very natural to feel a sense of "burn-out" sometimes. During Recruitment things can become even more strained. It is a hard time when some sisters want to extend offers to certain ladies and others are not as excited about them. It is important to keep in mind that some of the best friends you will have are those you wouldn't expect. Try to make the best of it and take some time away. It works wonders.
Secondly I want to address the Alumnae issues that have come up in this discussion. If your Alumnae members are really making the Recruitment decisions, there is a problem. ADPi has a great solution to this problem being that only Delta (Active) members are able to participate in the actual selection process. For those of you who do not appreciate the participation of Alumnae in your organization, please keep in mind that it was their hard work that brought and kept the chapter there so you can participate as part of the sorority. It is also the Alumnae that voluntarily give money to your National/International Organization to keep it running (at least it is voluntary in ADPi).
Thirdly, it is not that the Alumnae members do not have life so at 40 they want to live vicariously through collegiate members. It is the fact that they have found the true meaning of the sorority. To many actives, a sorority is something to do (or the thing to do), something to put on a resume, or just a college thing. Alumnae members have found the deeper meaning. They realize that a sorority is a lifelong sisterhood. With Alpha Delta Pi, we say that, "it is a way of life". In college I thought, that sounds good. But after I took Alumnae status I didn't continue my involvement with the sorority. When I moved to the Kansas City area, I didn't know a lot of people. One of the first things I did was contact our area Alumnae Associations and asked how to get involved. The group gave me instant connections and I had people to talk to and do things with. Now that I have established my career and I have found my direction, I feel I should give something back to the sorority that gave me so much. While I am not 40, I hope to continue the same level of involvement when I am. I don't want to control a chapter but I don't mind to step up when I see collegiates making decissions because they, "have someplace better to be." I remember when I would give in to just get out of the meetings. As Alumnae members, we strive to ensure that decisions are made based on what is best for the LONG TERM survival of the chapter and sorority as a whole. Our motto is, "make ADPi the better place to be". Again, I don't think Alumnae have any business making recruitment decisions, they do have a place in helping manage money and overseeing (chaperoning) certain events.
<> Jen <>
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