Mutual selection?

[SWTXBelle]

We have a great number of younger alumnae, too. I think it is a result of an increased emphasis on lifetime membership, and maybe through things like sisterlink - it's easier to keep in touch, so it's easier to keep alumnae active.

[AGDee]

DoctorD has posted some details somewhere on this board about our new Delta program for collegiate seniors. It focuses both on meeting programming needs specific to seniors as well as some opportunities to "opt out" of some collegiate events to "opt in" to alumnae chapter/club or Junior Circle events instead. Our Junior Circle program is also designed to keep young alumnae involved. Junior Circles are alumnae clubs geared toward women 35 and under and are usually sponsored by alumnae chapters or clubs, but not always. I don't know about other groups, but we're seeing a real trend in which collegiate chapters experience significant decreases in participation by the seniors. The Delta program is aimed at turning that around. More like "We know you're busy and you're focusing on finding a job or grad school apps and here is what we can offer you to help" rather than "These are the collegiate activities and you have to participate" If women start "checking out" in their senior year, I really think they're not likely to be active as alumnae.

ETA: And yes, our new member program is going to be our "Alpha" program and special programming for Sophomores/Juniors is being developed to be the "Gamma" program, creating the Alpha Gamma Delta experience.

[QueenCity]

I agree that it's important to mutually choose one another. I am currently in the AI process with a sorority that I carefully researched. Even though I had friends in this given sorority in college and wanted to rush (as it was still called in those days), I knew nothing about them.

As an adult, it turns out that my own personal goals and beliefs align nicely with this particular sorority at the local and national level. That's important. I had researched and met with another group of women as well, and though they were great women of substance, this group is better suited toward me (and I toward them).