Blog post originally from the Alpha Phi Transitions Blog.

When I graduated in May, I was so scared to leave the comfort of my undergraduate university and the sisters and best friends I had made along the way. Then, when I got into the real world I realized it wasn’t so bad after all. To make the transition even easier, I joined the Cleveland West Alumnae Chapter and it was as good of a choice as when I first accepted my bid four years ago. Here are just five reasons why you should join an alumna chapter after graduation:

1. To expand your social calendar.
   I was always incredibly involved in college and one of my worries was that I would be bored come graduation. But getting involved in an alumna chapter has given me so many extra nights of fun gatherings with sisters that I didn’t have before.
2. You learn about your surroundings.
   The great thing about alumna chapters is that everyone lives around the same area. Although I didn’t move very far from my university, I still moved to a city I have never lived in. Making connections with women who live near my town has helped me learn more about the city I now call home.
3. Not all of your friends will be made in college.
   When I went to my first alumna event, I thought I would be the only recent graduate there, but luckily, I wasn’t. I met another sister fresh out of college who just moved from out of state to my same town. She was even more nervous than I was and we became fast friends, realizing we have a lot in common. We got together the next week and are going to continue exploring our new city together!
4. Networking, networking, networking.
   Sure, you’re tired of hearing it from every class in college but there’s a reason it’s engrained in your brain! Networking is just as important in the real world as it is in college. I work at a non-profit so I am always looking to meet new people and recruit volunteers for my organization. I posted on my alumna Facebook page about an event I had coming up at work and one of the women responded. She turned out to be the most wonderful volunteer and I am so glad I was able to share my work with her.
5. It reminds you that Alpha Phi is forever.
   The cliché saying “not four years, but a lifetime” could not be truer. During your undergraduate years it’s hard to believe you will ever have the same bond with Alpha Phi that you do during those four years. But, since I joined my alumna chapter I have felt as close to Alpha Phi as ever. It is a constant reminder that sisterhood extends far beyond your individual chapter, and it will always be in your heart.

So, put yourself out there and join an alumna chapter. You won’t regret it.

AOE ❤

Blog post originally from the Alpha Phi Transitions Blog.

1. Update Your Member Profile at alphaphi.org
Don’t become a lost sister! The most important way to stay involved with Alpha Phi is to update your contact information. Without this, you might miss out on upcoming reunions, news from your collegiate chapter and Alpha Phi International Fraternity and so much more. You can automatically update your record with Alpha Phi by signing into your personal Member Page on the Alpha Phi website.

If you have any issues, don’t hesitate to email alumnae@alphaphi.org.

2. Volunteer with Alpha Phi
Looking to stay involved? Make sure to fill out your PHI Form! Our organization is always looking for volunteers to help with our collegiate chapters, as well as our regional and international projects. Please browse available volunteer opportunities on the Volunteer Opportunities page of alphaphi.org — there’s bound to be something that fits your interests!

Do you have more questions about volunteering? Email us at volunteer@alphaphi.org.

3. Pay your Alumnae Dues
Alpha Phi needs your support. As an alumna member, you are responsible for paying International alumnae dues in order to remain in good standing with the Fraternity. International dues are paid to the Executive Office and directly support the Fraternity. Your payment ensures that the Fraternity can continue to grow and thrive.

Annual dues for July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 currently cost $38.44 and a lifetime dues payment is $450. A lifetime dues payment covers you for the rest of your life. Pay your alumnae dues today!

4. Locate your “lost” sisters.
Whenever you’re on the Alpha Phi website, you can help us locate alumnae who have ended up on our “lost” list. Help us update our database by visiting the Missing Members page of our website.

Does your chapter have an Alumnae Affinity Specialist (AAS)? This is a great way to volunteer for your chapter and help find your lost sisters!

5. Show your pride.
Continue to market Alpha Phi as an alumna: wear your red dress pin, sport your t-shirts at the gym, wear your badge or even buy new Alpha Phi accessories to compliment this new chapter of your life. You never know where you might run into an Alpha Phi sister! Check out the Alpha Phi Boutique for some new gear!

6. Join or start an alumnae chapter.
Connect with other Alpha Phi alumnae in your area, attend fun social events and participate in important philanthropic activities — all by joining an alumnae chapter. There are over 130 chapters across the country! Check out this list to find one near you. Not one in your area? Read up on how to start an alumnae chapter in your area. Email alumnae@alphaphi.org for more information!

7. Read Your Alpha Phi Quarterly!
Keep up to date on Alpha Phi news by reading your Alpha Phi Quarterly magazine. Make sure to pay your alumnae dues in order to receive all four issues of the magazine. Check out recent issues online today!

8. Check out our social media and blog!
Alpha Phi is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! It’s easier than ever to stay up to date on Fraternity happenings. Also, be sure to follow the Alpha Phi International Fraternity Blog – we’ll be updating frequently with “Alumnae Perspective” posts! Real experiences in the real world, shared by Alpha Phi graduates just like you.