AI process has begun...
 

My other thread is locked, so new one here!

I submitted the packet recently for my friend "Jane" (as called in my other thread) to be considered for AI.

Now that the ball is rolling I just need to wait for my nationals to take the next step. So excited! I figure it is worth a shot, and I've told Jane that I think a no is more likely than a yes, but we will see. I also know the advisor at the campus where it would make the most sense logistically to initiate her, so that would ensure a smooth process as far as letting the collegiates know in advance and that kind of thing. I've also spoken with this advisor recently about AI so she knows I'd been thinking of nominating Jane.

Mods: can you do me a favor and leave this unlocked? I'd like to be able to keep all updates here!

Your other thread is not locked, at least not right now.....

Good luck to you AIHelper!
When I checked into it some time ago, AI was just about impossible in my org. You had to have a degree, gone to a school where there was no chapter and severl other things, including being sponsored by an alum group. You certanly couldn't just petition on your own.
But the past few years, I've seen many women initiated. A couple of weeks ago, someone contacted me out of the blue on Facebook - nobody I know. I contacted the regional officers for that area who are now picking up the ball. One of them told me she had worked with a woman who sat across from her on the bus one day!
I'm glad we now have a path to membership that's much easier to take!

I recently went and looked at the DG path to AI. It most certainly has changed since I was initiated (and when, for some reason, I looked at what we then called "patroness" closely.)

I think many organizations have modified their AI. It's nice to know that the right women can be invited without arbitrary rules, but that the process is selective. Wishing best of luck to you and your nominee, AIHelper!

It was seriously locked when I checked, but now it's not. Strange.

Yeah, I think it's frowned upon by my org to petition or pursue on your own. You must have a member fill out a form on your behalf at the minimum.

My org did NOT have a chapter at either school she attended (transferred from one to another). However, one colonized at her second undergrad school following her graduation!

Following. I love AI stories. :)

You guys will not believe this! I already heard back from our nationals and they have extended a bid to Jane! That was a lot quicker than I was expecting. It took nine days from submission to approval. They emailed both her and I this morning.

However, now there will be more waiting. She will have to initiate in the spring, because a cluster of fall ones locally are scheduled this week and there just isn't time to make it happen logistically.

I will write more once I know more! She needs to pay fees to nationals and then I have to coordinate the initiation aspect.

EDITED TO ADD: now I want to do what we did in college and give her a bag of goodies, but I didn't expect it to be this fast, and I was not expecting a YES either, so now I will need to shop and get a block letter tee for her or something!!! :)

Wonderful news! And you should be pleased as Punch with your role too!

Right?! I am so glad I submitted the recommendation form!

I'm dying to share our group but I am not going to do it until she is initiated. Just because the bid came out doesn't mean she won't change her mind or etc. so I will spill the beans later on!

Definitely get her letters! It's traditional, after all. Maybe a nice lavaliere? I know of many chapters of different orgs have a tradition where the big sis (that's you ;) ) gives their little sis a lavaliere right before initiation.

Yes! I wanted to get her a lettered tee and maybe a couple of sorority gift items (like maybe a picture frame, drink tumbler, car decal?) but I also wanted her fees to be paid before I do, because at least if they are paid I know for sure she will get initiated.

The minute they're paid, I'm going to do some online shopping and make a gift pack for her! It would be cool if I could do it as her Christmas gift...we shall see how timing plays out...

Also this past week I attended a collegiate initiation for our group and that makes me super excited to be there when she is initiated. :D

With the lettered shirt, just keep in mind that you're not in college anymore. I don't think I would buy her a traditional letter shirt to start. Some alumnae are weird about wearing them, and in the NPC world, they're generally seen more as a collegiate thing. Her age may also dictate what she would like.

A shirt that's more "adult" with the sorority name spelled out might be a better option.

Just my 2 cents!

We are early 30's so not too old. :) I still wear a lettered hoodie all the time around the house and for casual errands sometimes, but other than that I don't have like a full wardrobe of stuff like in college.

I think one lettered tee will be fine, and then 2-3 non-clothing items. My alum chapter did spirit wear recently that we could order that said "Org Name Alumna" but that is closed now (it was a few months ago). I would have done that for her if the timing had lined up!

Edit: also I may be a little overzealous/excited about doing this because in college I never got to take a little and I'm considered her big, since I sponsored her, in terms of AI. :)

Aw. She is your de facto little. :D