Chartering a New Alumnae Chapter

It's as Easy as 1, 2, 3!While Sigma Sigma Sigma alumnae chapters are located in most major metropolitan areas across the United States, new chapters in areas where none are located are always welcomed. There are many benefits of alumnae chapter membership. Alumnae chapters have the opportunity to operate and function much as the members wish, with very few stipulations. Requirements and obligations of members are much less than that of collegiate chapter membership. Opportunities for sisterhood activities, local service projects, social events and long-term friendships are just some of the things belonging to an alumnae chapter can provide. Sigma sisters of all ages and collegiate affiliations are welcome to belong to any alumnae chapter.

Career networking, providing AAB help to a nearby collegiate chapter, offering membership in Sigma through the Alumnae Initiation process: these are even more things that make our alumnae chapters an important part of our national sisterhood. Are you ready and interested in pursuing the 1-2-3 steps to start a new alumnae chapter for Sigma Sigma Sigma?

1. Contact National Headquarters. The staff, through the Alumnae Membership Coordinator, will alert the Alumnae Department, who will determine if enough alumnae reside in your area to support a chapter. Once the determination is made that sufficient numbers of alumnae reside in your area, the Alumnae Coordinator for your state will work directly with you in the process of chartering a new chapter.
2. The Alumnae Coordinator will assist you in planning an interest meeting for area alumnae. A geographical listing of all alumnae will be provided for you, and National Headquarters will generate the first mailing for the interest meeting. You may also want to use the E-mail addresses that are on file as well to contact people that way.
3. Submit a petition. If the alumnae in the area wish to petition Executive Council to become an official alumnae chapter, National Headquarters will provide a petition for these alumnae who wish to be part of the new chapter. A minimum of 10 women is required to sign this petition; they should have paid their annual alumnae dues, and they should all live in the area where the chapter will be formed.

After the petition is submitted to National Headquarters, Executive Council accepts the petition, and an Alumnae Department National Officer will plan a visit with the new chapter to officially present the charter and conduct the new chapter workshop. From that point on, the chapter will rely on the guidance and support of the National Organization through the Alumnae Coordinator, who will assist the new chapter in recruitment and program development.

The new chapter is then on its way to building a support system of sisterhood for all Sigma alumnae residing in the area.