I have been meaning to post in this thread for forever!
Being a chapter advisor has been one of the greatest things I have ever done. I love it!
I certainly don't have all the answers, and am not perfect but here are my thoughts...
It's a position where you have many hats. Friend, sister, counselor, sometimes a little bit of parent. It's difficult to balance and you will make mistakes.
I go to chapter meetings every few weeks. I've been lucky enough to be there for every night of recruitment and I do their bid matching. Each semester I attend their L-team retreat, I also stop by every once in a while.
I'm not going to lie, sometimes it's very difficult. It's hard for me to remember what it's like to be 19 and I'm only 25!
I think I've had it pretty easy with the group I work with, it really depends on how they are operating as well. I'm so proud of my girls, words couldn't possibly explain it.
I will say however that while the list of responsibilities is a good start and outline for the chapter advisor position the two greatest things you can give them are:
1) time - time to vent, to get to know you, to let them know you are available and timely responses on questions they have and 2) perspective - sometimes it's hard for chapters to see outside of their world, and sometimes they get stuck in a rut, as long as you aren't overwhelming then you'll be fine. I've found that the easiest way of convincing anyone about changing anything in life is to look at how it will benefit them and present it from that view point.
I will say this. Our previous chapter advisor was fantastic. Even when she couldn't get in face time, she was always "there" for us, and it definitely made ALL the difference.
You'll have happy and sad moments. I don't think I ever was as nervous as I was at convention awards, I knew that the group that I work with had worked extremely hard and really deserved some recognition (and they got it
).
Good luck! If you need anything PM me!
PS - read your manual!
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