| What do alumni expect?
That's probably the best place to start talking about alumni/ae
relations. You are likely to want and expect some of the same things
as current alums. Think about it. When you’re an alum, how
often will you want to receive communication from the chapter? How
frequently will you expect to be invited back to chapter activities?
What activities should be planned for alumni/ae? What type of news
will you be most interested in reading about in your chapter newsletter?
News about the chapter, or news about other alumni/ae? How far in
advance will you want to know about important dates like Homecoming,
Founder's Day, ritual and initiation, rush or recruitment events,
etc.?
Perhaps it is a bit difficult for you to picture yourself after
your undergraduate membership, to envision what you might expect
or want from the chapter. Let's think more broadly then, focusing
on your likely priorities after graduating. They might resemble
the following:
1. Family (significant other, spouse, kids, relatives)
2. Job or profession (and related peers)
3. Religion and church involvement
4. Local community activities
5. Personal leisure
6. And then your fraternity or sorority
And in reality, #6 is probably a maybe. Most people probably leave
the chapter planning to stay involved, keep in touch, and be a good
alum. When the reality of the new time demands on their lives sets
in, however, their original commitment may be challenged more than
they had anticipated. Fraternity or sorority activity is likely
to take less of a priority and the time it does receive will probably
be spent communicating with those friends from the chapter with
whom they are closest.
Alumni/ae Layers of Interest
So what will be the interests of alumni/ae? Picture a bulls-eye.
The various levels of the bulls-eye can be likened to the various
layers of interests that alumni/ae are likely to have. The bulls-eye
represents the closest friends of an alum; the next layer represents
the chapter itself; the next layer represents the college or university;
and the final layer represents the inter/national organization.
Let's take a closer look at each of these layers of interest:
A desire to continue friendships in school:
When time is limited, we tend to keep in contact with those that
are most important to us or those individuals with whom we have
the strongest friendships. Alumni/ae are going to focus on the individuals
they joined the chapter with, their roommates in the house, the
other members who served as officers at the same time, and those
chapter members they consider their closest friends. Their connection
to these individuals will probably remain stronger than their connection
to the chapter overall.
An interest in the status of the chapter and a desire to see and
visit fraternity friends on special occasions:
Even though alumni may have a chapter closer to their home, their
own chapter will always be a special place for them. They are going
to be very interested in the stability of the chapter and see how
things have changed since they were in the chapter. They are probably
most concerned with academics, positive reputation on campus, safe
and fun events for the members, and a strong alumni relations program.
After members graduate from college, they find it increasingly difficult
to stay in contact with their old friends. They will want to connect
with their close chapter friends and the easier you can make this
happen, the more they will appreciate your efforts.
An interest in the institution
Alumni are proud of their alma mater. They will look for information
about the status of the college/university through the institution's
alumni newsletters and magazines. They will look through the alumni
update section to get caught up on the lives of their freinds. Intercollegiate
athletics, new buildings, academic programs, faculty, and new institutional
developments are of interest to alumni.
A willingness to actively serve the fraternity within certain
conditions:
Alumni remember what they gained from their chapter experience
and want to make sure they can help continue the legacy of the chapter.
They will be willing to serve the chapter but in their own terms.
They will want to know:
* How much time is involved?
* How much money will I need to invest?
* Will the undergraduates appreciate my efforts?
* Who else is helping out?
* How long is my term of involvement?
A year? Five years? Just until the completion of the project? You
will need to be prepared to answer these questions so the alumni
can make an informed decision on how to best serve the chapter.
Alumni/ae Turn Ons
*
A clean chapter house and a respectful attitude towards it
*
Adequate notice of events (4-6 weeks)
*
Events starting on time
*
Acknowledgments (thank yous, etc.)
*
Old scrapbooks, etc.
*
Being invited and involved with the ritual
*
Contact by other alumni/ae (as opposed by students)
*
Improving the image of the chapter/fraternity/sorority
*
Opportunity to help your members develop.
*
Pride in being a member
*
Being asked!
*
Staying in touch with old fraternity/sorority friends
*
Making new fraternity/sorority friends
*
Enthusiasm of other involved alumni
*
Regular communication (newsletter, etc.)
*
Personal and professional networking opportunities
*
Reminiscing about fraternity/sorority experiences Alumni/ae Turn
Offs
*
Loud music
*
Opposite of all the above
*
Last-minute invitations
*
Not being paid attention to at alumni/ae events
*
Requests for money, especially if this is the only contact that
alumnus has had in a long time
*
Banquets
*
Not being thanked for time or money
*
Going somewhere without significant other or children
*
Local jokes
*
Foul language/off color humor
What do we know about alumni/ae?
While individual differences always exist we can draw some general
conclusions about the time and money that alums have available to
use with the chapter. If we examine the various age groups of our
alumni/ae, we might discover findings that resemble the following
chart.
Age 20-25 26-30 31-50 51-60 61+
Disposable time 25% 10% 5% 25% 75%
Disposable Income 5% 5% 2% 20% 50%
Generally, the most recent graduates will have little money to
give to the chapter, but may be more likely to share their time
through attendance at, and participation in, chapter events, as
well as serving as informal or formal advisors to the chapter and
individual officers. As they settle into their careers, have families,
and get involved in their local communities, the time they are willing
to share with the chapter is likely to diminish. They may only return
for Homecoming or another annual event, or simply keep abreast of
the chapter and their alum brothers or sisters through the chapter
newsletter. As they approach retirement, however, their time becomes
freer, and they potentially become excellent prospects for increased
involvement with the chapter. Because more and more individuals
continue to work part-time even after they retire, it remains to
be seen whether or not this will affect the involvement of older
alums in the chapter.
Finances are a bit different. Most people are leaving college
with large amounts of debt, and are likely to have significant start-up
expenses upon graduation. Thus, their ability to contribute financially
to the chapter or the national organization is more limited. Small
donations and a pattern of frequent giving to the chapter is more
important with these alums, than trying to get significant contributions.
If they begin a pattern of donating while younger, they are probably
more likely to make larger contributions when their financial resources
are sufficient. Generally, financial giving will increase after
one becomes successful in their chosen career and family expenses
are more manageable. Again, however, alumni/ae living longer than
ever before. Because of this, they will need more money after they
retire, so giving may not be as generous as might be anticipated.
Regardless, it is generally considered best to have alumni/ae
contact other alumni/ae, both for financial contributions and for
involvement of their time. Peers talking to peers almost always
result in a better response. Certainly, the chapter can and should
reach out to potential advisors. When push comes to shove though,
an alum is more likely to influence another alum's decision to get
involved. The same is true for finances. Alumni/ae are more likely
to donate to the house corporation or a local foundation than simply
turning a check over to the undergraduate treasurer. They get greater
security knowing that the funds will be used appropriately when
another alum makes the request and oversees the disbursement of
the funds.
A Good Alumni Relation Program Can:
*
Illustrate the value of life-long membership in the fraternity/sorority
*
Develop a stronger sense of history for the undergraduate members
*
Provide advice and guidance to chapter leaders
*
Assist the chapter in obtaining more alumni support and involvement
*
Assist the chapter in utilizing alumni resources
*
Assist individual members with career counseling
*
Create new relationships between undergraduate chapter members and
alumni
*
Supplement the chapter's recruitment program by providing testimonials
*
Provide a more well-rounded chapter experience for your members
Planning Alumni/ae Programs
Basic tips for planning an alumni event/program
1.Define the purpose of the event. Why is it being considered? Why
would people want to attend? Ideally the event could:
* Identify alumni volunteers
* Promote communication among all members
* Show the value of life-long membership
* Match individual interests with programs proposed
* Result in a collection of suggested events/activities which meet
the needs of the alumni
* Establish some positive relationships between undergraduates and
alumni 2.Think about the event coordination responsibilities.
Since the event is being hosted by the chapter for the alumni, undergraduate
members should be involved in the planning. It is important to discuss
from the very beginning the roles and responsibilities of all committee
members. The alumni may want to be responsible for the advance communication,
promotion, and on-site hosting. The undergraduate members may want
to take care of the logistics, special touches, and the entertainment.
This discussion is extremely important for good communication and
there are no loose ends on the day of the event.
3.Determine the attendance.
Who should participate? Is this an anniversary event? Should specific
alumni be invited in person rather than merely mailing the alumni
newsletter? Will this be a fundraising event? Should significant
donors be involved in the planning?
4.Decide on the activities.
Involve alumni at every possible opportunity. They will know what
interests their peers. They will know what type of event will best
suit the personalities of the alumni. Think about what you want
to accomplish. Carefully examine all of the options and activities
and set a date for the event. Make sure to promote the event numerous
times throughout the year.
Sample activities: *
Campus sporting event
*
Special recognition banquet
*
Chapter anniversaries
*
Annual alumni house corporation meeting
*
Alumni Weekend
*
Homecoming
*
Initiation
*
Guest speakers
*
Ritual
*
Officer training and transition
*
Wine and cheese parties
*
Golf tournament
*
Pot-luck pitch in dinner
*
Cook-out
*
Little siblings weekend
*
Campus Greek week
*
Alumni update/fundraising phone-a-thon
*
Resume writing/job search workshops
*
Alumni club start-up
*
Senior banquet inviting senior participation in alumni activities
5.Determine the length and time of the event.
When will the program be held? Fall, winter, or spring? How far
will alumni have to travel? Is the event long enough and important
enough to be perceived as valuable (especially for alumni who must
travel a long distance to get there). Will the chapter event be
held in conjunction with a university/college event (athletic event,
homecoming, etc.)
6.Choose a place for the event.
Where is the best location for the program? Is it the chapter
facility? Is it on campus? Do you take the event to the city where
the greatest concentration of alumni live? Go to a location which
is conducive to the theme and tone of the activity. Consider the
distance and suitability of facilities for your purpose. Determine
your costs associated with the event site. Work out the necessary
details for food, beverage, valet service, etc. Again, remember
to involve the alumni in planning the event so they will feel like
they have a stake in whether or not it succeeds.
7. Think about all of the communication opportunities to promote
the event.
Does the chapter newsletter have a lead article on the event?
Are there testimonials and quotes from individuals planning on attending?
Are the coordinating committee members listed in the promotional
materials? Think about creative ways to get the attention of alumni.
Special invitations, post-cards, small gifts, and novelty items
could add a fun element to the event planning and build anticipation
for the program. Many chapters have had great success with alumni/ae
phone trees for promotion. They can create some fun challenge for
alums to call peers from their years in the chapter. Alumni will
enjoy talking directly with other alumni and those called will appreciate
the personal invitation.
8.Gather your materials
Think through the event from beginning to end. What materials
will you need on-site? Remember the basics: *
Name tags
*
Pens
*
Address update forms
*
Place card settings
*
Scrapbooks with photos from chapter events
*
Historical photos
*
Thank you gifts for alumni volunteers
*
Calendar of upcoming events
*
The members
9. Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate.
In order to continually improve your alumni relations programming,
take time to evaluate the hits and misses of the program. Keep the
evaluation in a file on record for the next alumni relations chairman.
Alumni Relations Committee Chairman
Basic Responsibility:
The Alumni Relations Committee Chairman promotes positive alumni/chapter
relationships, fostering goodwill and cooperation between alumni
and members, works in conjunction with alumni volunteers planning
events, and supervises the maintenance of the chapter's alumni relations
programs.
The Alumni Relations Committee Chairman shall:
1. Attend alumni event planning meetings as the chapter representative.
2. Read all leadership materials pertaining to this office.
3. Promote goodwill and cooperation between alumni and collegians.
4. Be responsible for publishing an alumni newsletter that will
be sent to all alumni at least once a year.
5. Coordinate specific alumni functions (Founder's Day, homecoming,
etc.)
6. Coordinate activities and programs for alumni by preparing yearly
and monthly chapter calendars making copies for members as well
as the alumni.
7. Work closely with alumni to develop a career networking opportunity
for the chapter.
8. Maintain the alumni mailing list and personal files on alumni.
Alumni Relations Committee
The purpose of the committee is to develop a year-round program
designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships with the chapter's
alumni. The committee also works to support the activities and programs
for alumni.
Some common responsibilities of an alumni relations committee include:
1. Develop and maintain a chapter alumni relations program. The
program should be designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships
with the chapter's alumni. With these goals in mind, the committee
should develop short and long-term objectives for this area of chapter
programming.
2. Plan and organize special alumni events (Founder's Day,
homecoming, etc.)
3. Help with developing, printing and distributing the alumni
newsletter.
4. Present awards to alumni members who positively contribute
to the chapter's
experiences.
5. Maintain a database including:Name
Address
Phone
Birthdate
Job information
Nickname
Significant other/spouse
Children
Initiation date (if applicable)
Special interest areas: (allow them to list) 6. Maintain programming
records in a notebook. The alumni relations committee chairman notebook
should contain:Alumni Relations Officer and committee job description
Updated copy of the chapter by-laws
Short/long term goals
Copies of the chapter/alumni newsletter
Budget
Event descriptions and program evaluation
Calendar of events Miscellaneous Ideas
Have seniors attend alumni board/house corporation meetings.
Seniors should start thinking about ways in which they would like
to serve the chapter. Take advantage of this time while their interest
is still high and they are thinking about how they can help the
younger members that they know personally. n Share job descriptions
for various alumni volunteer roles from advisory positions to house
corporation leadership positions.
Have alumni board/house corporation take seniors to dinner (or other)
to start networking.
Seniors are probably feeling a little anxious about their impending
graduation and the beginning of a new life outside of college. Help
them in this transition period by creating opportunities for them
to start networking. They may meet some terrific alumni members
that may soon become professional colleagues or even future supervisors.
Send seniors to alumni chapter meetings in the area.
Encourage seniors to visit alumni chapters or interest groups
of the inter/national organization. Some alumni groups are
based out of a particular interest such as the Alpha Beta Golf Club.
Others have varied interests, programs, projects, and activities
and continue to connect members with each other. The seniors will
feel more comfortable with the alumni chapter if they get to know
some of the members before they graduate.
Peers influence peers.
Alumni are interested in ways to positively affect the chapter.
Ideally, all alumni programming should be suggested by, coordinated
by, and promoted by alumni. Remember, alumni want to reconnect with
their chapter brothers/sisters in addition to meeting the undergraduate
members. Alumni will be your best promoters and recruiters for alumni
events and activities.
Involve all past presidents in a specific project or other similar
grouping.
Many organizations benefit from a Past President's Club. These individuals
feel particularly invested in the organization because they once
helped guide the leadership team of the chapter. They have similar
experiences, challenges, and leadership lessons to share. Think
of creative ways to involve these influential and proud members.
Ask them what interests them most about alumni involvement. They
will surprise you with their time, money, and re-commitment to the
organization.
Display pictures or prominent and/or involved alumni in the house.
One way to make alumni feel immediately comfortable when they
visit the house is to display various pictures representing the
history of the chapter. Think about looking through your old high
school year books. You probably immediately began to look for friends
and teachers that you knew. Alumni will do the same with posted
photographs. They will be able to share the stories behind the photos
as well! Remember, if they do know the individuals and the chapter
has lost contact with the alumni, be sure to write down the names
of each member in the photograph and include that photo in the next
chapter newsletter.
Adopt an alum.
Some chapters have a meaningful "pen pal" program. Others
match individual undergraduates with alumni members. Alumni will
appreciate the personal connection that a single undergraduate member
can provide. Most upperclassmen enjoy this program because their
career pursuits are clear and, if matched with alums in their profession,
they can ask them what to expect in the first job, recommended internships,
and talk about challenges of the profession. Some chapters match
new members with alumni so they can understand the true value of
life-time membership.
Sample Alumni Letter
Date
Mr. Fraternity/Ms. Sorority
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear Mr. Fraternity/Ms. Sorority:
The Alpha Beta chapter members hope this letter finds you doing
well. My name is Pat Lee and I live in Philadelphia, PA. I joined
the chapter two years ago and now serve as the treasurer. Our chapter
is creating a new program where individual chapter members "adopt"
an alumnus. I will be sending you chapter updates on occasion, inform
you of upcoming chapter/alumni events, and personally inviting you
to our upcoming spring alumni weekend. I wanted to make sure I introduced
myself before we met in person.
Our chapter is doing well this year. We completed our first wave
of recruitment and have 20 new members with strong grade point averages
and a desire to keep Alpha Beta an important part of campus life.
The chapter has changed since I joined. We are much more focused
on service-learning and leadership development. Our executive board
has encouraged all of us to participate in another campus organization
in addition to the chapter. With this added emphasis on campus leadership,
we've found that many of our members are now leaders in those organizations.
As treasurer I'm very proud to say that our accounts receivable
are the lowest in three years. Our members have a better understanding
of the financial responsibilities in addition to the friendships
they are developing in the chapter.
I wanted to give you a quick glimpse into the Alpha Beta of today.
I am very interested in hearing about your chapter experience and
look forward to the day we can talk in person.
I hope to see you at the Alumni Weekend on April 4. I will call
you before that time to make sure that you have received the promotional
materials and registration forms. I am really looking forward to
meeting you Mr. Fraternity/Ms. Sorority. I can be reached at 317-111-2222.
Yours very truly,
Pat Lee
Treasurer, Alpha Beta Chapter
One call, one alum, one day.
Call one alum every day and communicate information about the
chapter. It is an easy task to accomplish. Ask each member to call
just one alumnus every week to establish a relationship and to get
a two-way communication going. This can be more effective than sending
out newsletters. Alumni will feel valued. They will know one more
person in the chapter. And, they will get their questions answered
about upcoming alumni events.
Ideas for Alumni/ae Newsletters
Purposes of an Alumni/ae Newsletter
1. To help alumni communicate with each other
2. Provide chapter updates
3. Create a pool of interested and contributing alumni members
4. Provide a leadership opportunity for undergraduate members
to become involved in alumni programming
5. Complement chapter fund raising efforts
6. Communicate upcoming chapter events and activities
7. Introduce the alumni to the undergraduate members
8. Show the alumni that the undergraduate members value them
Besides specific programs, most chapter alumni/ae efforts involve
an active newsletter program. Remember who makes up your target
audience and tailor your content to meet their needs and interests.
Too many chapter newsletters contain an abundance of news about
the undergraduate chapter and little to no information about alumni/ae.
At least 70% of your newsletter should contain information of direct
relevance to alums.
So, how do you do that? Here are some simple ways to bolster the
level of alumni/ae content in your publication: *
Establish an alum profile in each issue. Have an undergraduate
member briefly interview a successful alumnus and write up an interview
summary for publication.
*
Include an Alum Update self-addressed reply card or sheet in every
issue. This is an easy and excellent way to gather current information
about alums. The cards could ask for:
* News about me
* My favorite chapter memory
* The thing the fraternity or sorority did most for me
* News I have about other chapter alums
A sample reply sheet can be found later in this section. Once you
get responses, publish them in a running list organized by either
last name or year in school. This will make it easier for alums
to find their friends.
*
Include a Career Capsules section including brief notes or career
tips relevant to alums. Get content for this section from the campus
career center, newspapers, business magazines, etc.
*
Always include a calendar of upcoming events. Remember, most alumni
have limited time and need advance notice to plan their participation
in university or chapter activities. Announce dates for events a
least a semester in advance.
*
Include some news about general Greek life activities and trends
on campus. Many alumni/ae experienced a different campus environment;
help them understand the one in which you operate.
*
Always include a chapter report section in the newsletter offering
brief highlights of significant chapter activities and accomplishments.
*
Have a Help Wanted section listing ways alumni/ae can support the
chapter or get involved.
*
Solicit alumni/ae to write brief columns for the newsletter.
*
Include a report from your chapter advisors and house corporation
officers.
*
Acknowledge any alumni/ae who have recently donated time or money
to the chapter.
*
Include address updates provided by alums. Help them keep in contact
with each other.
*
Develop a "yellow-pages" directory of your alumni. Ask
them to write down their interests, areas in which they would like
to help the chapter and internships available in their workplace.
*
Share this with all alumni as well as undergraduate members.
*
Create an e-mail version of your newsletter to send electronically
to your alumni/ae and provide an e-mail address for responses and
news from your alumni/ae.
Sample Alumni/ae Reply Sheet
Here's some news from an _______ alum!
Date submitted: _________________________ Graduating Year: ___
Name: _________________________________________________________
Last Name First Name Maiden Name (if applicable)
Home Address: __________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________
Home Phone: ___________________________________________________
Personal E-mail: _________________________________________________
Present Occupation: ______________________________________________
Title: __________________________________________________________
Firm/Company: __________________________________________________
Business Address: _______________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________
Community involvement (please describe):
Spouse's Name: __________________________
Married in what year?: ______________
Children's names, ages, special activities:
Personal achievements, honors, remarks:
News about other chapter members that you can share:
Names and addresses of graduating high schools students we should
contact about rush/recruitment activities:
Please return to:
Alumni Relations Chairman
Chapter name
Address
City, State, Zip
FAX #
Alumni/ae Programming: Some Questions for Consideration
Do you: *
Publish a newsletter for alumni/ae 3-4 times per year?
*
Invite alumni/ae to serve as speakers at chapter meetings, retreats,
or workshops?
*
Recognize alumni/ae with awards?
*
Sponsor events for alumni/ae during Homecoming and other major university
events?
*
Invite alumni/ae to attend initiation?
*
Meet with alumni/ae advisors and house corporation officers regularly?
*
Send chapter minutes to alumni/ae advisors?
*
Hold an annual Founders Day event and invite alumni/ae?
*
Acknowledge longevity of alumni/ae (10-years, 25-year, 50-year,
etc.)?
*
Use alumni/ae when appropriate to speak with parents of prospective
members?
*
Work with your chapter's Alumni Association to plan alumni/ae activities?
*
Profile alumni/ae in your newsletters?
*
Promptly acknowledge alumni/ae who support the chapter?
*
Appropriate greet and host alumni/ae who visit the chapter?
*
Have undergraduate members "Adopt an Alum," in which they
are assigned a few alumni/ae to personally communicate with throughout
the year?
Recruiting and Working with Alumni/ae Advisors
Alumni offer the potential for maintaining the excellence of a chapter
by providing continuity, explaining positive traditions, and offering
their experience and guidance for chapter operations. Many have
been chapter leaders and can help you learn from their mistakes.
Their professional experience can translate well into particular
chapter advisory positions. Alumni can provide assistance
in planing and carrying out the chapter's alumni communication and
activities program. They can help with telephone calls, mass mailings,
and recruiting other alumni to be involved with the chapter.
Alumni can provide experienced supervision of chapter housing, including
related legal and financial affairs. Individuals who own their own
homes are great resources for corporation boards.
They have the knowledge and experience in dealing with challenging
housing maintenance and repair issues, taxes, insurance, etc. Alumni
members can also provide special support for the chapter in emergency
situations.
As the chapter considers who they would like to recruit for alumni
volunteers positions, remember some characteristics of those willing
to serve the chapter: 1. They believe their time and service is
wanted.
Alumni want to feel wanted. They will not readily volunteer their
time and efforts if they feel that the chapter does not want them
involved. We need to remember to work as hard "rushing"
our alumni as we work for new members.
2. They feel there is a need.
Alumni want to help the chapter in significant ways. While they
may not have a lot of time to donate, they do want to feel like
the can contribute in some productive way.
3. A reasonable structure within which to operate.
Help the alumni know, up front, how much estimated time is involved
with their project, program, or advising position. They will want
to know if there is a committee structure. They will want to know
if they have to submit written reports. They will want to know how
they fit into the chapter and alumni structure.
4. Not too time consuming
Think back to the time when you ran for a leadership position in
the chapter. Or, think of the time when an older member started
convincing you that you would be an effective leader for a particular
chairmanship or officer position. You wanted to know how much time
was involved so you could balance your academics, job, relationships
with friends, family, other organizations, future job search, etc.
Alums also want to know how much time is involved in their chapter
volunteer role so they can balance the competing demands in their
lives.
5. Enjoy the companionship of others also engaged in the activity
Alumni want to enjoy the company of those that are also working
on the committee, advisory board, or project. They want to rekindle
their love for their organization and participate in meaningful
ways. They will not want their volunteer responsibilities to be
a heavy burden in their lives. The following questions are good
discussion-starters for potential and existing advisors.
Alumni Volunteer Discussion Questions: 1. What experiences in the
fraternity/sorority motivated you to become an alumni volunteer?
2. What rewards do you find continue to motivate you to be
involved as an alumni volunteer?
3. What challenges do you find in your working with undergraduates
you advise?
4. What positive changes have happened in your role as an alumni
volunteer since you first became involved? What positive changes
did you expect to have happen that have not yet been realized?
5. What talents or strengths do chapters appreciate you sharing
with them?
6. What talents or strengths would you like to develop in your
continued involvement with the fraternity/sorority? In what ways
can the fraternity/sorority support that development?
7. Do you feel poor chapter performance reflects negatively on your
performance as an alumni volunteer?
8. What area of advising students is the most difficult?
9. Which alumni can help you or the fraternity/sorority achieve
your goals for serving undergraduate members?
10. Since you graduated from college/what lessons have you learned
about yourself, your work style, or your management practices as
a fraternity man/sorority woman?
Sample Letter to Solicit Alumni Involvement
Date
Mr. Fraternity/ Ms. Sorority
Street address
City, State, Zip
Dear Mr./Ms._________:
For years the members of Alpha Beta chapter of __________ have valued
the continued involvement of our alumni members. We have had the
good fortune of contributing alumni volunteers such as:
Pat Gamma, initiated spring 1970, graduated '74
Chris Delta, initiated fall 1957, graduated '59
(List volunteers here, initiation date, and graduation date)
We are continually looking for outstanding alumni members who care
about our chapter, are experienced leaders, and who want to reconnect
with undergraduate brothers/sisters. There are several opportunities
for short-term and long-term involvement with the Alpha Beta chapter.
We know you are very busy and we know that you have a great deal
to offer our members. We want to make sure that the time you invest
in our chapter is worthwhile to you.
These benefits are not just for the undergraduate member. You will
gain a great deal in return:
*
Opportunities for working with other alumni and continue friendships
gained in school
*
Opportunities to develop new friendships with other brothers/sisters
*
Being personally fulfilled by watching the chapter grow and develop
under your influence
*
Serving as a positive role model for young brothers/sisters
*
Sharing your fraternal experiences with those whom you share the
initiation bond.
If you are interested in working alongside with us, or know of
other alumni members who would be interested, please let us know.
We have provided a feedback form for your convenience. We
would enjoy talking directly with you about the various involvement
opportunities that Alpha Beta can offer you. We can be reached at
317-111-2222 through the chapter voice mail system.
Yours very truly,
Chris Adams
Alumni Relations Chairperson
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_ _ _
_____ Yes, I am available and interested in serving the chaper.
Please call me at these times for more details on how I can become
involved.
__________ 8:00am-12:00 pm
__________ 12:00-1:00pm
__________ 1:00-4:00pm
__________ 7:00-8:00pm
_____ No, I am unable to serve the chapter at this time. I would
like to recommend another brother/sister however.
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
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Recognizing Outstanding Alumni/ae
The chapter can never recognize and thank its own alumni enough.
Think about what would be most meaningful to the alumni volunteers.
Would they want to be recognized at a special chapter event? Would
they like to be recognized in the college/university alumni publication?
The alumni relations committee should take some careful time thinking
about the many ways the chapter can thank alumni for their contributions.
Here are a few to consider:
*
Outstanding Alumni Volunteer- This can be for an alumnus leader
who contributes time, energy, and talents on behalf of the chapter.
*
Outstanding House Corporation Officer- Specifically for those volunteers
working with housing issues.
*
Outstanding Advisory Board Member- For individuals serving in advisory
capacities.
*
Outstanding Committee Member- For active involvement in implementing
and executing specific tasks and responsibilities.
*
Contributorship Award- for individuals who do not hold a formal
leadership position as an alumnus but contributes time, money, and
expertise on behalf of the chapter.
*
Seniors in Newsletter- Recognize all seniors and a listing of their
major and preferred professionals endeavors.
*
Distinguished Service Award- For long term service on behalf of
the chapter. This may also go to an alumnus who represents the chapter
at the inter/national level.
*
Interfraternalism Award- For an alumnus who contributes to the entire
Greek community on campus.
101 Ways to Create A Good Volunteer 1. Meet them
2. Greet them
3. Orient them
4. Introduce them
5. Appreciate them
6. Acknowledge them
7. Educate them
8. Inform them
9. Enrich them
10. Make them feel welcome
11. Make them feel needed
12. Make them fee worthwhile
13. Make them feel wanted
14. Make them feel interesting
15. Make them feel capable
16. Make them feel talented
17. Make them feel comfortable
18. Make them feel valued
19. Make them feel heard
20. Make them feel helpful
21. Facilitate their learning
22. Offer them assistance
23. Offer them training
24. Offer them your friendship
25. Offer them your help
26. Be prepared
27. Be knowledgeable
28. Be interested
29. Be organized
30. Be open
31. Be receptive
32. Be honest
33. Be non-judgmental
34. Administer wisely
35. Seek their opinions
36. Seek their ideas
37. Seek their biases
38. Seek their knowledge
39. Seek their cooperation
40. Acknowledge their ideas
41. Know yourself
42. Develop your skills
43. Orchestrate skillfully
44. Implement workable suggestions
45. Provide reasons to feel proud
46. Provide growth experiences
47. Provide avenues for accomplishment
48. Provide for public acclaim
49. Provide a chance to socialize
50. Provide support for their efforts
51. Use their skills
52. Use their intelligence
53. Use their motivation
54. Use their enthusiasm
55. Use their offerings
56. Use their time (wisely)
57. Use their interest
58. Use their capabilities
59. Use their knowledge
60. Provide an opportunity to make friends
61. Let them have fun
62. Show consideration
63. Acknowledge their individual needs
64. Don't abuse them
65. Don't abuse their time
66. Don't abuse their intelligence
67. Don't abuse their friendship
68. Don't abuse their priorities
69. Don't abuse their good will
70. Don't abuse their good intentions
71. Give them a chance to have an impact
72. Give them a chance to demonstrate commitment
73. Offer a listening ear
74. Offer your time
75. Offer your guidance
76. Help them to grow
77. Help them meet new people
78. Help them face new challenges
79. Help them feel involved
80. Help them feel a part of things
81. Help them learn new skills
82. Help them feel significant
83. Help them to become self-directed
84. Help them to understand themselves
85. Help them sort out their values
86. Respect their need to be heard
87. Respect their need to have some control
88. Respect their need to be recognized
89. Respect their need to be praised
90. Respect their need to experience success
91. Respect their need to fit in
92. Respect their need to contribute
93. Respect their need to be acknowledged
94. Respect their need to have a say in decisions
95. Respect their need to prepare for other roles
96. Respect their need to be respected
97. Respect their need to be admired
98. Respect their need to be seen as valuable
99. Develop their leadership skills
100. Recognize them as individuals
101. Believe in them
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