Appoaching someone to be alumni initiated

Pi Kapp 142 · #1 07-13-2003, 10:29 PM

We are told that it is always a good idea to alumni initiate dads, members of the faculty, and members of the community. There are a lot of leaders I see that would be great to have as Pi Kapps and just members of a Fraternity in general, but how do I, an undergrad, approach a father, faculty member, community/businass leader about joining a Fraternity?
The reason I ask, is beause I see a genuine chance for my chapter becuase there are a lot of successful peole out of my school who work in San Francisco, who would have been in a fraternity, but greeks were not allowed until '80/81.

Tom Earp · #2 07-14-2003, 10:07 PM

Pi Kap:

I see a lot of lookers but No Takers!

I dont think a blanket AI is all that good of a thing!

LXA does not just want to AI new members but will give permission for good cause.

Faucalty Advisors are good only if they are Advising you and share your Fraternity with you. We love to have a Advisor but he has to show an interest in the Chapter.

We have AI 4 members but that was for contributions working with the Chapter and it was bestowed upon them. They still stayed interested and working with the Chapter till they passed on to Omega!

Initiating an AI is just like rushing a new assoctiate!

Hope this helps! Good luck!!

Pi Kapp 142 · #3 07-14-2003, 10:28 PM

Well, that is what I had in mind, is someone who either wants to be an advisor, or someone, such as a father, who has really help out in a lot of ways. I am just wonderng how one explains to someone what you are suggesting.

Tom Earp · #4 07-14-2003, 11:42 PM

You may have to approach them as individuals to see if they would be interested and explain what you had in mind. Like we are looking for someone who will be willing to work with us and help us grow.

OKAY they reply but what do I get out of it?

If in the Business community, then they have a chance to relive their school days. Aid young people learn what the real big world is like after college.

In college rhelm, help lead and advise in the proper way, socialy, and scholasticaly.

It looks good on a Faucilty resume down the road at the same time!

We at my Chapter had The Head of teh ROTC Dept who did a lot for us and enjoyed working with us but did not get initiated. Another and Current advisor was asked because his son was a Brother!

He attends all functions and does advise the Chapter.

I have sat with him on several mentoring occasion when we work wth the Chapter.

He does get a kick out of calling his Son his Brother!

In fact I think I will em Brother Chuck just to say hay Bro!

Funny, when we had lunch and sat with some of the Youngsters and chatted, we em back and forth and he thought it was a hoot to have the Oldest # me (1) and the Newest Initiate # him and we were about the same age!!!

LOL!

aopirose · #5 07-15-2003, 11:20 AM

Tom, as always, gave some pretty good information.

Rushing a person for AI is very similar to rushing any PNM. Invite them to things and get to know them. Explain to them how Pi Kapp can enhance their lives. You can also tell them how thier unique qualities can be an asset to the fraternity.

My husband's brother is a Pi Kapp AI and so is their former chapter advisor. The former CA is a dad of one of the brothers. He told me privately that he was so touched that his "little boy" needed him again. He saw it as an opportunity to share more deeply in his son's life and in return, got ~80 sons/brothers.

All it takes is to ask. Good luck.

Tom Earp · #6 07-15-2003, 10:46 PM

aopirose, thank you for the compiment!!

Pi Kap,

one way to get near these people, is to ask them to speak before you Chapter on certain things,: Business

College: What does the School feel about Greeks, Rape counseling, Getting Better grades.

Something along that line!

If you ask for help, then I am sure some will be very willing to help!

Be cool and subtle!

Kevin · #7 07-17-2003, 11:14 AM

Who told you this? I'd check it out with your HQ first.

At least for my fraternity, initiating someone as an alumni requires an act of the High Council.

That being said, I wrote a letter of rec that got our faculty advisor initiated when we recieved our charter. Don't really know how routine it is though.

aopirose · #8 07-17-2003, 01:37 PM

If I had to guess, it was probably a Leadership Consultant or an Area Governor. Pi Kapp is very pro-active in terms of Alumni Initiation. After all, an AI developed their national philanthropy.

I agree with ktsnake in that I would contact the Director of Alumni Services. This is to make sure that you are following correct procedure. AOII just amended its procedure at convention this year. Now, only candidates without the collegiate requirement have to be approved by the International Executive Board. All other candidates can be approved one level lower.