Why are you NOT involved in an Alumni/ae Association? - Page 3

DrPhil · #1 10-06-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Well, my point is that the local chapter isn't offering those things, so it doesn't appeal to me much.

Do you and your buddies offer those things? Is the alum chapter receptive to offering those things (are you sure they don't offer those things?)? Have you all tried to join and see what happens?

The local alum chapter is most likely offering the things that the chapter members want. They won't offer things that nonmembers want.

rhoyaltempest · #2 10-06-2010, 11:24 AM

There are so many women's organizations out here and community based sororities that don't even have collegiates and do great things (not just socialize) so I just don't get the whole, "I don't see a reason to be active in my sorority after college" or "What reason is there to do AI?" thing. Sure, you can join one of those other women's organizations to do community service and make a difference but why not do it with your sorority sisters and keep the committment you made in college? And as far as being too busy, I have seen women in the alumnae chapters of my org and other orgs go to school, take care of a family, work, and still find time to contribute something to their organization year after year, so I think people make time for what they choose to make time for. I think what some are not admitting here is that some/many only see their sorority as a college thing; hence, the popular "I used to be a _______ in college." Let's be real.

33girl · #3 10-06-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

Sure, you can join one of those other women's organizations to do community service and make a difference but why not do it with your sorority sisters and keep the committment you made in college?

Depending on the area of the country you are in, it may be that those other women's orgs carry more weight as far as professional or social associations than being in a sorority alumnae chapter does.

DrPhil · #4 10-06-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

Depending on the area of the country you are in, it may be that those other women's orgs carry more weight as far as professional or social associations than being in a sorority alumnae chapter does.

What does this mean?

rhoyaltempest · #5 10-06-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

Depending on the area of the country you are in, it may be that those other women's orgs carry more weight as far as professional or social associations than being in a sorority alumnae chapter does.

That's the point. And why doesn't their sorority carry as much weight? That's the question. It's nothing to be ashamed of if that's indeed the case but let's not lie about things. If it's true that after college, your sorority experience is over and the committment is not in fact lifetime as many claim, than people need to own up to that.

NinjaPoodle · #6 10-06-2010, 12:03 PM

My main reasons:
1. School & Time
2. $$
After I graduate, one of the first things I will do is reactivate.

rhoyaltempest · #7 10-06-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinjaPoodle

My main reasons:
1. School & Time
2. $$
After I graduate, one of the first things I will do is reactivate.

I was inactive before due to finances so I understand. The difference is that you plan to reactivate as I always did.

BluPhire · #8 10-06-2010, 12:25 PM

My main reason is finances. Grad chapter was cool and was still allowing me to come to meetings, but it felt like stealing. Raised enough money to get active again only to find out Nationals discounted the price.

Ha.

When Doves Cry · #9 10-06-2010, 08:14 PM

1. I know nothing about it!
2. Money

DubaiSis · #10 10-07-2010, 06:19 AM

Over the years, I've been a member, treasurer, president, blah blah of 3 different alumnae associations in different cities. They all couldn't have been more different. If they could all work the way Chicago did, life would be great. The city is so big that there are 5 or 6 alumnae chapters around the city. But the CITY chapter was a fresh out of college, nobody from there chapter, and we had SOOOO much fun. I can't imagine my time in Chicago without these friends, none of whom were collegiate sisters. Then Cedar Rapids was a very large super organized group that got the big foundation checks for philanthropy and did tons of cool, important stuff. Huge variety in ages, but all very fun and welcoming women.
I started the KC chapter, and I struggled with all the things mentioned up-thread. However, I actually found attendance was BETTER when it was at a private home instead of in public, even though FHQ recommended public gatherings.

What it took to get women to come was 1-FIND THEM, and this wasn't easy. Every woman I found I tasked with researching a portion of the 700+ eligible women. Some were more enthusiastic than others, but it helped a lot. 2-don't intimidate them with all kinds of structure right out of the shoot. The time for study hours and philanthropy hours is past. Do a variety of things, but none of it should be mandatory, at least in a new or struggling alumnae chapter. I heard a story just the other day from a Tri-Delt that she wasn't involved in her alumnae chapter because if you didn't wear your pin to the alum meetings you got fined! Seriously? Lighten up.

The reason I'm not involved now is because the nearest chapter is about 8 time zones away.

DubaiSis · #11 10-07-2010, 09:40 AM

I think mine have always been in the range of $50/year, but first year grads I think are always waived the fee.

Senusret I · #12 10-07-2010, 10:01 AM

^^^ All true, and is also informed by what opportunities for civic engagement and social action were available to black people in the segregated 1900s. In a nutshell, there were very few (if any) other organizations which served the community in those days outside of the black church and freemasonry.

DrPhil · #13 10-07-2010, 10:58 AM

Fast forward to now1, if you wish to be involved in civic engagement and social action that impacts racial and ethnic minorities, in many servicing areas you will often interact with a few older NPHCers and that includes alumnae/alumni/graduate chapters that have established a presence in the community. This also includes how some organizations contact NPHC graduate chapters for assistance with events and getting the word out to the larger community.

Fast forward to now2, those of us who are also involved in professional, social, and service organizations where minority members are largely underrepresented: We take part in these organizations AND maintain ties with our sororities/fraternities both through graduate chapters and interchapter events. This is a great way of keeping our sisterhood/brotherhood ties, having some input on what impacts certain service areas, and buffering some of the effects of constantly being "one of the chosen few" in the other organizations.

All of this works together and NPHCers (particularly younger NPHCers and those with family obligation) also struggle with money, time, and being disenchanted with alumnae/alumni/graduate chapters. We notice that the older members in our chapters often have much more money and much more time than we do. But, we also learn that change happens from within and there are chapters that appreciate younger members and are eager to make the necessary changes to incorporate younger members.