Joining Omega Phi Alpha in college as an active member is sure to create relationships and bonds. From bid day buddies, big/little pairings, sisterhood events… there’s no end to the ways in which sisterhood can take shape within our active chapters. But, there’s a whole other side to sisterhood that reaches across campuses and states and can be beneficial to each chapter and member in various ways.
Joining a sorority gives you not only a sisterhood, but an immense network you can leverage to your advantage as you are planning a career, applying to jobs, or looking into graduate schools.
We hear from alumni frequently that they wish they were more involved in the success and mentorship of their home chapter. They often say that they rarely hear about events or activities going on at their home chapter and their attempts to reach out go unanswered. Membership is the lifeblood of our chapters and that includes alumni.
Our active members often say they aren’t sure how to best include alumni. Here are some tips for how your chapter can engage alumni:
Founder’s Day Celebration
Founding a chapter of Omega Phi Alpha is a lot of work and it’s fun to celebrate the accomplishments of the chapter. Founding members love to see how the chapter has blossomed since its induction. Plan a family-friendly picnic, dinner, or lunch and invite all actives and alumni to join. To get the best turnout, plan this at least 2 months in advance. Send a save the date as soon as your chapter has selected a date and then follow up with more information. Consider sending invitations in the mail and via email.
Homecoming
Does your school have a homecoming week each year? This is a great time to organize an event and invite all alumni to join.
Fundraisers
Alumni know that there are some expenses associated with running an active chapter including sending delegates to convention and hosting district summit. Leverage your alumni network to raise funds for these national requirements!
Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
Consider compiling all that your chapter has been up to, especially related to service, and send an update either monthly or quarterly to your alumni. Keeping alumni in the loop regularly will result in bigger outcomes when fundraising or hosting in person events because they will feel connected.
OPAportal Websites
Did you know that you can create a chapter website on OPAportal? You can post pictures of your chapter activities and even share events. All members of your chapter – both active and alumni – can see the website when logging into OPAportal. Chapter meeting minutes can also be posted for all members to see and review at their leisure.
Service Projects
Invite all alumni (both local and chapter) to your service projects as space allows!
Our organization relies on both active and alumni members to be successful! Use the networks that have been established within your chapter to encourage alumni engagement. Have you heard ideas for events from your local alumni? Share those with our Alumni Engagement Coordinator Julia Bosco by emailing [email protected].