Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

alpha chi omega | page 6 E arlier this year, Alpha Chi National President Lynne Herndon announced that the National Council voted to eliminate the preferential treatment of legacies during recruitment effective fall 2021. "Alpha Chi Omega is committed to removing barriers as we strive to build a more accessible and inclusive membership experience, particularly for women whose families may have been excluded from sorority membership in the past," said Herndon. "Removal of this policy does not eliminate a chapter's ability to recruit a legacy. Instead, this decision creates a more equitable process and allows our chapters further autonomy to make membership selection decisions." In an email to all members for whom Alpha Chi has an email address, Herndon provided background for the decision: "After thoughtful evaluation, in-depth discussion and careful review of our policy and member perspectives, Alpha Chi Omega's National Council has voted to eliminate the preferential treatment of legacies during recruitment effective fall 2021. We acknowledge that this decision will be met with mixed emotions. We know it has been an honor and privilege for many alumnae members to send their legacies to college with the confidence that they will be welcomed into Alpha Chi Omega. Yet, as we look to the realities of women in today's world, we recognize that a change is needed to help our sisterhood grow into the future. "The removal of preferential treatment of legacies during recruitment will provide the same opportunity to join our sisterhood for every potential new member who meets the Alpha Chi Omega membership standards. Alpha Chi Omega is committed to removing barriers as we strive to build a more accessible and inclusive membership experience, particularly for women whose families may have been excluded from sorority membership in the past. Additionally, this decision creates a more equitable process and allows our chapters further autonomy to make membership selection decisions. "For those who have dreamed of welcoming their daughter, granddaughter or sister into Alpha Chi Omega, this decision may cause disappointment regarding the organization's value of legacies or their loved one's opportunity to join the sisterhood. We strongly affirm the special bond between a member and her legacy. Removal of this policy does not eliminate the special traditions of celebrating legacy relationships, and we encourage our alumnae members to share with their legacies the impact of Alpha Chi Omega on their lives. Further, the work of alumnae to submit recommendations on behalf of a legacy continues to be vital to the success of recruitment and the future of our organization. "We uphold our commitment to nurturing and developing a membership experience that is increasingly accessible, equitable and inclusive. We know our work in this space is constantly evolving, and we continue to learn and explore new avenues to create environments where members feel safe and confident to connect, lead, grow and serve both during recruitment and after as lifetime members. The National Council's decision to eliminate the preferential treatment of legacies during recruitment is informed by this commitment. "In 1885, seven young women created a sisterhood because they did not have a place to belong; more than 135 years later, that understanding of belonging has continued to expand as we invite more women into membership. Throughout our history, as our policies have changed, there have been questions whether those changes were necessary or rooted in trends or politics. From 1885 to today, our organization has evolved, not to align with trends or politics but to strive to apply our values and principles in ways that will enhance our sisterhood and help each woman grow with the support of her sisters. This decision came after much reflection as to how Alpha Chi Omega will continue to lead and thrive. We firmly believe that this change aligns with our vision of Alpha Chi Omega: to shape the future through the powerful, transformative and everlasting connections of real, strong women." FAQs l Who is considered a legacy? Alpha Chi Omega considers a legacy to be a sister, daughter, granddaughter or great- granddaughter of a member. The Alpha Chi Omega member and her family member define their legacy relationship, i.e., step relations, blended families, etc. No changes have been made to the way in which Alpha Chi Omega defines a legacy. l Are legacies no longer important in Alpha Chi Omega? No matter how our policy and practices regarding legacies have changed, Alpha Chi Omega will always celebrate our new members—both those with Alpha Chi Omega family members and those who are introduced to our sisterhood for the first time. Family members who are Alpha Chi Omegas will always be invited to participate in the Initiation ceremony with their new member. We will welcome outstanding alumnae into membership through our National Alumna Initiate Program. And we will continue to provide full support to our collegiate members as they select members who will help us build the future of our sisterhood. It is our goal that recruitment and membership as a collegian and as an alumna will be an enriching experience for the chapter, the legacy and the Alpha Chi Omega member with a legacy. l What does this mean for my legacy going through recruitment? Any potential new member who meets college/university requirements as well as the membership standards outlined in the policies of Alpha Chi Omega is eligible to receive a bid from Alpha Chi Omega. Beginning in fall 2021, chapters will no longer provide preferential treatment to legacies or any other potential new members in the recruitment process. l What preferential treatment was previously given to legacies? Previously, an undergraduate legacy who met the membership standards and eligibility requirements was automatically invited to the second round of events during the primary recruitment process or at least one recruitment event in an informal or continuous recruitment process. A legacy who attended a primary recruitment preference event was placed at the top of the collegiate chapter's bid list. l Are recommendations still important? Can I still submit a recommendation for a potential new member? Yes! We encourage alumnae to continue to submit recommendations for any and all potential new members they know are going through the recruitment process. Recommendations are still vital to the success of recruitment and the future of the organization. Chapters will use this information to build relationships with potential new members as they promote the sorority experience leading up to recruitment. l What is Alpha Chi Omega's recommendation policy? Each chapter shall develop its own internal process to review recommendations and is no longer required to invite all potential new members receiving a recommendation to the second round of recruitment. This removes AlphA Chi UpdAtes legACy poliCy

• Cover