POLL - Why do YOU belong to an Alumnae Chapter?

SnowLady · #1 07-09-2004, 03:20 PM

Of course we've all read the great reasons and benefits of membership in our Alumnae Chapters. But for those of you that belong why do you return each fall and pay dues to be a member?

For those collegians out there - why will you join an Alumnae Chapter upon graduation?

Can you tell I'm working on the reorganization of the Columbus AC?

OleMissGlitter · #2 07-09-2004, 04:30 PM

Okay, I am a member of the Oxford Area Alumnae Club for AOII. I think there are 6 of us who are dues paying members. Oxford isn't that big and most people don't stick around in town after graduation. Anyway, I joined the Oxford Area Alumnae club because I wanted to meet women who weren't my age. And that was just what I got! We have two members who were at Nu Beta when the chapter was new in the late 1950s and early 1960s and it is absolutely amazing to hear their stories! I also joined because I wanted to help the chapter but because my sister was a collegian at Nu Beta I had to wait until she graduated (or in her case she transferred because of her major). Anyway, I enjoyed helping the chapter through goodies bag for recruitment and roses for new initiates after initiation.

Anyway, I think what is good is when the alumnae chapter comes and speaks to the new alumnae and let's them know what they do. It is also good that if you are close to a collegiate chapter that you are visible for recruitment and other AOII activities. I know the chapter invites are alumnae in Oxford to sit down dinner once a month. I think when the new alumnae see what you do for the chapter and the community they will want to join and get involved.

I know that the Oxford Area Alumnae Club is going through some changes right now with making sure we have enough members and doing more, but as long as the collegiate members know you exist that is wondering. Also, I had a new alumnae ask me if the alumnae chapters do ritual! I was like yes!

Anyway, perhaps, just passing out a newsletter to the new alumnae of the chapter nearest you telling them what you do for the chapter, the community and AOII and letting them know you all do have fun. I know we try to have lunch here in Oxford as alumnae and I have said no to including Oxford Area Alumnae Meetings into my AAC meetings, no need to mix the two (granted most AAC members are in the Oxford Area Alumnae, except for two who live in Memphis). Anyway that is what I think. Just my two roses thrown in.

AOIIsilver · #3 07-09-2004, 05:21 PM

Mother and I are in different Alumnae Chapters. We each love our chapter dearly for the friendship and support that come with AOII Alumnae chapter membership. I personally feel that Alumnae Chapters provide a way to network, cultivate friendships with women across age barriers, and provide a social outlet often removed from the lives of women after college. I agree with OleMissGlitter (Roses to you) that Ritual thrives in a loving Alumnae Chapter.

Silver

aopirose · #4 07-10-2004, 12:24 AM

I don't have much to add because OleMissGlitter and AOIISilver did a great job. I will say that I am involved because the people are awesome! Our AC is 88-years-old and we have 60(+)-year members to recent graduates. Several, including myself, volunteer for the Fraternity.

Although our chapter programming is varied, we also offer interest groups. Our Arts & Entertainment group will be having Make Overs and Martinis at the end of this month and next month we are going to a Zephyrs game. IIOAs and kids are welcome to the game. The Cooking Club has gotten off to a rocky start but I have faith.

OleMissGlitter, we need to get your mom to come out.

SnowLady · #5 07-10-2004, 09:18 AM

I should answer my own question...

When I first graduated from college I joined the Cleveland AC and I found women my age to my grandmother's age or older. I felt such a connection to these women that were various life stages. There was one that was the same age as my grandmother that I looked forward to seeing each meeting.

When I moved back home for another job I found myself over an hour away from the closest chapter and unfortunately was unable to make their meetings.

Then when I moved to Columbus five years ago I was saddened to hear that the AC was closed but then excited when I got an email inviting me to a reorganization meeting. One thing lead to another and I was working with the collegiate chapter, still hoping that the CAC would begin so I could re-embrace those feelings I had in Cleveland.

And now *poof* the Columbus AC will be re-installed in November. My father taught my by example the value of community service and the leadership skills to be obtained while working on those groups. He also taught me that I was very lucky as a student to be able to have so many groups to be involved in that when I became an adult it was my duty to make sure those groups still offered quality programming. I've worked with Job's Daughters, my church, theatre groups and even served on the board of the American Heart Association. But for some reason the passion I have for AOII still reigns supreme.

There is so much to get out of an AC - leadership skills, friendships across the ages, philanthropic opportunities and being able to live Ritual.

I hope that the Columbus AC can have the affect on me that my first AC had.

OleMissGlitter · #6 07-10-2004, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aopirose

OleMissGlitter, we need to get your mom to come out.

Yes we do, she is friends with Sky so I know she would want to go. My mom is shy, unlike me!!! Anyway, I'll PM you her address if you have anything you can mail her be/c she needs to be in the NOLA AOII Alumnae Chapter