This question is for GREEKS only!

[prayerfull]

Wonderful Thread, Soror AKA2D'91!

This fall, my line was the first intake that my chapter has had in 7 years. To top that off, there were only two of us. The area that we live in is fairly small on the Cali central coast. My chapter has an intake only when it's decided that there are ladies worthy of membership. Many of the members that come through our chapter are Sorors whose spouses are in the Navy and come to this area to attend the Naval Post Graduate School. They may be stationed in the area for only a couple of years, but will affiliate with our chapter and work hard during that time. So, I see not only a need to emphasize reactiviting our lost pearls, but to encourage Sorors who may relocate often to stay active with a chapter and not just retain "general" status.

Also being in a small area, my chapter has a lot of "older" members. Many of the members of my chapter are the women that I grew up around. My mom is a charter member of my chapter and I grew up around all of these women and have the upmost respect for them. However, some younger Sorors may feel that the chapter is missing a "youthful vibe". After my LS and I crossed, one Soror who is financial but not always active, came up to us and said that now that we're members she will start being more active because the ideas that we're coming up with are fresh and new.

So, intake really is a good thing because it may add some "new blood" and "youth" to the chapter. However, we all know that AKA is a SERIOUS MATTER and we can't just jump up and let just anyone into our sisterhood. We must carefully screen interested women and make sure that they are AKA material - that they truly believe in the foundations that our Founders created; that they sincerely believe in the goals and targets; and that they want to WORK for AKA. I disagree that removing the "Pledge" process and implementing "MIP" takes away from bringing in dedicated Sorors, because I went through MIP and I am DEDICATED to AKA in absolutely every way.

I have to say one more thing....I just don't buy the whole excuse of not being active because of Dues. Quite frankly our dues are not really that much. If you think about how much you go out and spend on a couple of nice outfits and/or shoes for yourself, we can easily think about how to conserve some of that. When we dedicate ourselves to AKA we make a committment. Sorors all know how much their dues are and can plan for it throughout the year if it's really going to be a financial strain. Some Sorors have a separate bank account for AKA. That's a good way to plan. I'm just not buying that whole Dues issue, because I'm young (30), married, and have 2 kids. My husband and I both work hard. We've got the same financial burdens as everyone else. But I plan for AKA, just as we plan our budget and pay for our kid's private school tuition.

Sorry for the long post....but I just had a lot to say.

[sphinxpoet]

When it comes to Alumni Chapters the first problem is that we do not set high enough standards - my opinion has always been that it should be HARDER to gain membership in an Alumni Chapter than a college Chapter (I was made in a Alumni Chapter). Alumni chapters seem to push for friends to get in instead of the best people. No matter if you have intake every 1 year or every 10 years this will be a problem. If college chapters joined more alumni chapters and initiated more members(no blamed layed just points) then alumni chapters would not be making more people. (Biggest fiction is that Alumni chapters follow intake rules to the book and that most initiates are people who could not hang in undergrad).

College Chapters need to keep up high standards and there must be strong interaction in order to keep our college brothers and sisters active. 2.5 is the minimum not the STANDARD! There is a key time when a student graduates and joins a grad chapter that many of us are missing out on. Question - How many alumni members on GC know their college sorors and brothers on a personal level? What they like or dislike. How many college brothers and sorors name more than 4 people in their graduate chapters in their area? Any personal relationships outside of their advisor? A lot of areas the answer is no.

Pledging(not 100% hazing) is a good way to filter people but it is not 100% full proof. There are many people that came through an Alumni chapter with the intake process and DO MORE for thier chapters than those that claim pledging and vice versa is true as well(people who pledge do more for their chapters than people who do not).

We have to stop bringing in our friends into our orgs and start looking for the best PEOPLE. Those will be the people who will remain active.

The rewards for being a member is being a member! I always looked at being an Alpha Man as an exclusive privlage that not everyone can have! That sounds arrogant and some would say ignorant but that idea helps me keep my Neo Energy and do for my Org because DEEP IN MY HEART I LOVE MY A PHI A.

That was my 06 cents

Sphinxpoet

[Ideal08]

Originally posted by prayerfull
I have to say one more thing....I just don't buy the whole excuse of not being active because of Dues. Quite frankly our dues are not really that much. If you think about how much you go out and spend on a couple of nice outfits and/or shoes for yourself, we can easily think about how to conserve some of that. When we dedicate ourselves to AKA we make a committment. Sorors all know how much their dues are and can plan for it throughout the year if it's really going to be a financial strain. Some Sorors have a separate bank account for AKA. That's a good way to plan. I'm just not buying that whole Dues issue, because I'm young (30), married, and have 2 kids. My husband and I both work hard. We've got the same financial burdens as everyone else. But I plan for AKA, just as we plan our budget and pay for our kid's private school tuition.

That's easy to say soror, but you have to think of people who have unplanned hardships: death in the family, lay-offs, decrease in salary, etc. Some things can't be planned. While part of me agrees with you, the recently-laid-off part disagrees, LOL! I'm not making Excuses though, lol, I'm just sayin', life happens. Now, unusually loooong periods of inactivity, I'm not really sure what to say about that.

How do you all go about inviting inactive sorors to stuff? Cuz lemme tell yall, I have a friend who is inactive, and she is SO hesitant to go to social functions, because she doesn't want to be seen as the "inactive soror at the party/picnic/etc." But I've tried to tell her, she has to come to SOMETHING to feel the sisterly vibe and love, you know what I mean? To get back in touch with what made her fall in love with AKA in the first place,and to make her want to reactivate. And the other functions that we have are so few and far between. Then you try really hard at Founders' Day celebrations, but you have to HOPE that the word gets out to inactive sorors. I guess it's hard, because every chapter is different, some have cliques, some are "too old, not enough young sorors," I've heard it all.

I make sure when I meet a soror (and I know if she's active or not, cuz I woulda seen her at chapter) I ask her how long she's been in Columbus (peeps need time to get settled), then sooner or later, I will invite her to our next event. One, she may feel simply left out and not know any sorors or about our events. I even left one soror a note on her car after church inviting her to our chapter meeting that day. She didn't come, but she did at least call me. We have to at least reach out. And keep reaching. Sometimes I feel like I'm harassing sorors, lol, but shoot, so. Maybe they will get sick of hearing my mouth and come on back!

That's true what someone said about undergrads transferring into the grad chapter. I have a few friends who are inactive (for now!! ) that have qualms about coming into the grad chapter. Since it's something I didn't experience, I don't really understand.

[Happydaysf91]

I think Ms. McCoyred said it best -- people have to WANT to be active.

There are several chapters that have round-ups/ mixers and etc., but Sorors still won't become active. And until they decide to do so, if ever, they will!

We can't MAKE them become active. And I think it was Soror Ideal that said that we need to find out the root of the problem. Sometimes there are no answers. I have had sorors tell me all kinds of reasons for not being active: 1. The way they were treated while on line 2. Financial reasons 3. NOT INTERESTED anymore (Skeeriously) 4. That was undergrad 5. More things in life to deal with and etc.

I've learned...people are going to do what they want to do! The same ones that tell me that they are financially strap have prada bags, wear versace and etc (not knocking that stuff). The bottom line, they just don't want to get involved.

The best way to deal with all of this is to revamp/restructure our selection process. We could nip some of this in the bud at the beginning. And even with a tight process (not talking about hazing), you are going to still have ones that slip through the cracks. As I said previously in response to OA....just because you pledged didn't mean you were going to stay active. I think it may have/does stream line the number of applicants down to the ones that are serious about completing the process. However, that does not mean that Shelly, Kelly, and Lee Ann are going to be active after all that unless they want to be. I know this for a fact. People will show up for set, do their community service and be gone when dues are collected the next year (or when they go grad).

Million dollar question: How can we MAKE sorors/greeks stay active?

And I know I may be in the minority, but I don't mind grad chapters having lines every year. Personally, to me, sometimes I don't feel some of our organizations would survive if we just counted on the undergrads transferring to the grad chapters or members staying active. Now don't get me wrong...there are a lot of undergrads that do make that transition and a lot of members have stayed active. But when I look at the rosters in some of the graduate chapters, I'm astonished by the number of individuals that are in the chapters that were made grad.

[mccoyred]

True. For many of the reasons you listed and more, people become inactive. It will happen; we can reduce the occurrence but it will still happen.

One of the hardest things to do is to become active after a long period. Some people take a year or two off but I am talking about people like myself who were inactive for 10 years (after graduation and relocating). It was really rough because I knew a few sorors in one chapter and none in the chapter I eventually joined. I kept wanting to reactivate but the longer I waited for the 'opportunity' the harder it became. So I walked back in on faith and vowed to never 'relapse' again.

I would say that the Internet is a great reclaimation tool. It gives the local chapter a wider reach, esp. when sorors are relocating or graduating. I think that if the Internet had been as widespread in 1990, I could have come back home sooner.

Originally posted by Happydaysf91
I think Ms. McCoyred said it best -- people have to WANT to be active.

There are several chapters that have round-ups/ mixers and etc., but Sorors still won't become active. And until they decide to do so, if ever, they will!

We can't MAKE them become active. And I think it was Soror Ideal that said that we need to find out the root of the problem. Sometimes there are no answers. I have had sorors tell me all kinds of reasons for not being active: 1. The way they were treated while on line 2. Financial reasons 3. NOT INTERESTED anymore (Skeeriously) 4. That was undergrad 5. More things in life to deal with and etc.

I've learned...people are going to do what they want to do! The same ones that tell me that they are financially strap have prada bags, wear versace and etc (not knocking that stuff). The bottom line, they just don't want to get involved.

Million dollar question: How can we MAKE sorors/greeks stay active?

And I know I may be in the minority, but I don't mind grad chapters having lines every year. Personally, to me, sometimes I don't feel some of our organizations would survive if we just counted on the undergrads transferring to the grad chapters or members staying active. Now don't get me wrong...there are a lot of undergrads that do make that transition and a lot of members have stayed active. But when I look at the rosters in some of the graduate chapters, I'm astonished by the number of individuals that are in the chapters that were made grad.

[kstyle281]

I deal with inactive members everyday because I am the Reclamation and Retention chairperson for my Alumnae Chapter. Let me tell you, I feel sometimes like I need to be paid! It's more work than my job. I'm constantly calling, e-mailing, mailing, passing out business cards, developing social activities and programs. My goal this year is to reclaim 50, so far I only have 7 (year ends in July). At every chapter meeting, visitors get a gift bag filled with all kinds of information and a gift. The ones reclaimed paid dues at their first meeting or the next.

I have a lot that I contact monthly and they are like, I can't make it to this meeting, let me know about the next, and still I never see them. My next thing is to do a survey to find out why they choose to stay inactive.

Excuses I get include money, time commitment, they have small children, they don't get along with so-and-so, they travel too much, etc. My thing is, you pledged this as a LIFETIME COMMITTMENT, your life ain't up yet, get to work! Sorry, I had to go there.

[prayerfull]

My chapter doesn't have a formal committee responsible for Reclamation and Retention. That would be a good idea for chapters to consider doing.

Y'all are right. A Soror has to want to be active. Otherwise we'd be beating ourselves black and blue trying to encourage someone to be active. Sometimes, that's just the way it is and you have to decide when it's just hopeless and move your attention on to Sorors who want to be active but have "issues".

Soror Ideal08 - I do agree about having real excuses. Sometimes in life, things do come up and we get into a financial slump. It would be nice if Sorors could maybe help each other out in that siuation. Maybe if a Soror can't pay dues and that's why she's inactive, maybe all of the Sorors can pitch in and help. Depending on how many Sorors are in the chapter, that may be only $5, $10 or $20 per Soror. Isn't that what Sisterhood is all about ("We help each other...for we know there's no other....") I think that any Soror who was in a financial situation like that and her Sorors helped her out like that would genuinely feel gratitude and would really try and stay active as a result.

[skeeliteful]

One of my line sister's and I were just speaking about this the other day. Currently, I am a general member and she just graduated. Fortunately for her, she has the money to reactivate into the grad chapter (a graduation gift), where as I do not. The initial fee is fine... BUT this chapter does not do fundraisers, which is what I am used to in my undergrad chapter. ALL members are assessed fees for every event they do (approx. $500 for the scholarship pageant alone for each member). That's the stuff that I can't afford. And for me to reactivate but to not be able to participate in anything doesn't make too much sense to me. I'm not trying to make excuses, but life happens. Financial strains pop up. My parents STILL have to send me money to help me make ends meet. But as I was told by my former grad advisor "AKA is a luxury, not a necessity".

Now, I don't plan on being a general member forever. But right now, it's what I can afford and I am still able to participate in some activities with the grad chapter.

And for attending functions... I personally have no problem going. But when I'm introduced to soror's it's "HELLO SOROR!" Then when they find out I'm not active it turns into "OH... hey soror" and they turn and walk away. Now, what kind of welcome is that for someone whose interested in reactivating?

Sorry for the long post.....but as you can see this is a soft subject for me right now.

[stillwater15]

personally, i don't think it's wise to for grad chapters to continue having lines, in an effort to increase their number of active members. i know of chapters who have lines every year and i also know of chapters who have lines every five years or so. prior to this year, my chapter last had a line 7 years ago. of the 20 or so on that line, only 4(at the most) are still active.

there will always be members who for whatever reason don't remain financially active. it's important to realize that as people get older, maybe their priorities change.

our chapter doesn't have reclamation specific activities. instead, when we have different functions, most of us will bring someone who we know is inactive. this takes the "spotlight" off those who may be inactive and still allows them a chance to see what the chapter is doing.

[RowdyRed]

Originally posted by sphinxpoet
We have to stop bringing in our friends into our orgs and start looking for the best PEOPLE. Those will be the people who will remain active.

I truly agree with that sentiment - it reminds me of a workshop I participated in several years ago when I was in a chapter that was planning a spring line - at the chapter retreat in the fall we had a workshop where we had to list the names of "friends or relatives" that we thought would make "good" Deltas. We then had to review that list and keep the names on the list if we would pay their dues if we wrote a recommendation letter for that person and they became non-financial within 5 years of initiation. Needless to say, the lists dwindled down significantly.

[Happydaysf91]

Soror...I pm'ed you....please read such

[AKAtude]

Originally posted by kstyle281
I deal with inactive members everyday because I am the Reclamation and Retention chairperson for my Alumnae Chapter. Let me tell you, I feel sometimes like I need to be paid! It's more work than my job. I'm constantly calling, e-mailing, mailing, passing out business cards, developing social activities and programs. My goal this year is to reclaim 50, so far I only have 7 (year ends in July). At every chapter meeting, visitors get a gift bag filled with all kinds of information and a gift. The ones reclaimed paid dues at their first meeting or the next.

I have a lot that I contact monthly and they are like, I can't make it to this meeting, let me know about the next, and still I never see them. My next thing is to do a survey to find out why they choose to stay inactive.

Excuses I get include money, time commitment, they have small children, they don't get along with so-and-so, they travel too much, etc. My thing is, you pledged this as a LIFETIME COMMITTMENT, your life ain't up yet, get to work! Sorry, I had to go there.

Such a committe is an excellent idea!

I'm also a General Member. When I graduated, it was the best I could do financially.

I know since I've gotten married and relocated, I've attended one grad chapter meeting. I filled out a chapter interest form and noted that I was interested in transferring into the chapter. I was sent an e-mail that a soror from the chapter would follow-up with me, but I never heard from anyone.

Fortunately, I saved that e-mail and after awhile I wrote her back and told her I never heard from anyone, and I was still interested. She gave me the names and numbers of sorors I needed to contact. Their meeting is a week from today and that is when dues are due.

The only suggestion I have is that when sorors are visiting your chapter, make them feel welcome. Just don't stare at them. Go introduce yourself and extend a handshake or a hug.

Fortunately, I knew several sorors in the chapter and were familiar with several others so I didn't feel so uncomfortable. Three of my line sisters were there so I felt more at ease. So, I got them to introduce me to the other sorors in attendance.

[RedAngel]

I agree financial for some people is a problem. I know I set aside money for my dues and my chapter has a payment plan to help with those who want to stay financial.

I agree with Akatude about making visiting Sorority members feel comfortable and also about treating a non-financial sorors as sorors.

One thing that hasn't been brought up yet is validation. When I run into a non-financial soror they often feel that the a grad chapter doesn't need them or a chapter will get more members through another intake. It might help if you find common ground outside of the sorority/fraternity with that person--maybe they are into sports, music, or another mutual interest. It's another way of saying that we are about you and you are not just a number. One time I sent a soror a thinking of you card and she drove with three other sorors three hours to a meeting. She ended up reactivating and we stay in touch.

Red Angel
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Albany (NY) Alumnae Chapter
#11Spr'96

[Diamond007]

It is important to become very selective at all levels for intake. It is important to bring inactive sorors home. I have heard I don't have the money, I don't want to be bothered...just every excuse you can think of. In fact I have an email distribution list that I send out everytime I hear of anything my sorority is having to invite any inactive soror I know. Rarely do they respond or attend. Yet I continue because I am going to do my part. I will always do my share and love my sorors.

[Virtual Violet]

Originally posted by mccoyred
People have to WANT to be active.

Of course we really can't make people pay their dues but if we look at the philosophy that the larger the number of members who pay their dues, the less dues will cost. This can quiet some of those 'excuses'.

I also think that if there are more 'open' activities where it doesn't matter whether you are active or financial, then I believe people will remember what attracted them to the org in the first place. This should cause many to reactivate and become financial.

As far as lines/intake, it all comes down to the screening process. I have mentioned this elsewhere so I will not go into it again here.

Basically, I agree with mccoyred. Our "lost" members have to WANT to be active. When we pledge we make a promise to commit to the sorority/fraternity. I think that if you take a vow, you must do what you need to to to maintain the promise.

Personally, I have never been unfinancial since the day I crossed, and yes, it was difficult to pay dues (especially when I was a full time law student---NO MONEY), but I had to BUDGET and plan for something I was committed to---DST.

People will always "cry" broke, but basically someone will spend money on what the want to, and if they don't WANT to pay their dues they won't. Besides, some of us greeks believe they already got what the wanted.....the letters on their chests, and they aren't (or never were) interested in being active and finanacial after the year they crossed.

I'm not that hyped about intake, because the planning and implementation of MIT is very difficult and time consuming, and in the end you can never tell from the applicant's credentials who the dedicated individuals will be. It is much easier to focus on reclaiming the members we have already made, especially those transitioning from collegiate to alumnae chapters and our lost sands.