Calling Alumnae

[jh124]

I just joined and here I am starting my own thread. But I'm known to dive right into everything ADPi.

To give a little background about me, I am from California. I attended California State University at Chico. People on the East Coast tend to nod and say "Good School". People from the West Coast tend to scream "CHICO STATE!!!" Just a little something I've noticed. I moved to Washington, DC six years ago, and currently work as a lobbyist for the animal health industry. I married a nice man from Kansas (University of Kansas alumni) a year and a half ago. We have two dogs, and just bought our second home. We will probably be starting a family in the next few months (we hope ).

ADPi has been a part of my life for the last fourteen years. I was 17 when I joined, and am older than 17 now . I joined the alumae association out here and have met some wonderful women - one is dating my coworker, though I had nothing to do with it. However, I feel that the alumnae association doesn't really serve my needs at the moment. The Washington organization seems to have mostly single women in their 20's. The Northern Virginia organization is mostly women my mother's age. There seems to be no happy medium for me (I hope I don't sound too whiny).

I have suggested that the DC group offer some activities for women such as myself. I even offered to do the organizing. My suggestion didn't go over well. I am happy to go to happy hours to meet other women, but I would really like a book club. I would love to meet young mothers in this area. Our group has mixers with fraternity associations and other events that (as a married women) don't interest me and that aren't appropriate to bring my husband to. I'm not unhappy with the group, I'm just in a different stage in my life.

I feel like I'm in a gap right now. Has anyone else encountered this? Any suggestions? Keep submitting my ideas until I'm taken up on one? Are my expectations too high?

Thanks for listening!

[adpiucf]

jh124

The LA Alumnae have pride groups-- all you have to do is announce an event and plan it --- if 5 people show up, it is a pride activity (going to a movie or play, a nice dinner, a trip to the zoo or a theme park)

Why don't you submit a blurb to the association newsletter? You are forming a book enjoyment group. Email XYZADPi for more details.

Also, if the association is not doing it for you, you really should talk to the president. you are obviously interested in being a part of it, and it can be discouraging when they are not hitting all the age groups.

I would also recommend you look at Pride Online and find the contact information for your District's Alumnae Development Director and ask her for other things your association can do to appeal to more diverse age groups. You can also ask her how else you can be involved as an ADPi-- maybe a short term project or taskforce, a volunteer effort, advising, etc.... There are TONS of ways to be involved!!!

Good luck. Feel free to PM me. I am an alumnae director for the west coast. Your chico girls have a special place in my heart. Their current president is a wonderful lady!

[jh124]

Hi adpiucf - Thanks for the ideas. I have spoken to the President, and wasn't really "heard". I don't think they feel the DC group has the demographic for something like that. I think may just end up transferring to the Virginia group, but they usually meet during the weekday. I hate to give up on ADPi right now, but I have to admit, I'm pretty discouraged.

[adpiucf]

jh124

Are there events you can help chair? By taking a more active role as a leader in the group, you have the opportunity to get more involved and hear what other members' think. I am sure there are those out there who feel like you do! An event like Founders' Day, a tea, supporting the collegiate chapter through Jewel Degree... find your way in and help effect the change you want to see! Good luck, and again, I am here to help if you need anything!

[valpogal99]

I like the idea of Alumnae Association Pride activities. The two KC area groups try to have something once a month but they are often on Weekday evenings when it is hard for me to get away. The Pride activities are a great idea. I am going to pass that along to the Association Presidents here. Thanks for the tip!

[jh124]

I like the idea of Alumnae Association Pride activities.

Ditto! That's a great idea!

[texas*princess]

Originally posted by valpogal99
I like the idea of Alumnae Association Pride activities.

I like that idea too!