Ready to Launch

“Wave Makers™ see the unseen opportunity when they start their change. They aren’t limited by today or stuck in the status quo. They are open to ‘what if?’ and they are committed to reaching their goals. These practical dreamers believe in what they can see, even when others can’t.” - Patti Johnson, “Make Waves”

It’s May. Many of our sorority women will graduate from colleges and universities this month. It’s time to launch. And our alumnae chapters in cities coast to coast and throughout the world will welcome them with open arms.

Our sorority women are equipped with skill sets well beyond their peers who have not had the sorority experience. Gallup Research outcomes on college graduates linked to fraternity and sorority experiences are anticipated to verify this fact when results are released this month. We know that our sorority women will leave campuses with experiences in leadership, community engagement, event planning, mediation, team building and in some cases, financial management of chapters that operate like small businesses. These are competencies that will translate well into the business world and other settings.

Grounded with values found in our rituals, sorority women are empowered to start the next chapter in their lives. We intuitively teach them to be Wave Makers.

In her book “Make Waves,” Patti Johnson, Pi Beta Phi, talks about people who step up and initiate change in work and life. She notes common themes found in Wave Makers — they think, act and engage with others. And they ask What if? What can I do? How can I help? Johnson contends that just one person can start important changes.

Our founders were Wave Makers with their vision for our inter/national organizations. They fixed their eyes on the future for generations to come. It is truly amazing to think how these women ignited the interest of others to join them. They accomplished it by building a strong network through meaningful relationships.

We know how to build strong networks. The alumnae experience “on the other side” is abundant with new opportunities for friendships. Collectively, there are 3,887 alumnae associations in NPC.

How can sororities engage emerging alumnae?

We can share the intergenerational benefits of our membership. Through alumnae networks, our sorority members find mentors and role models who inspire them to rise to their full potential and give back to their inter/national organization and communities. Each year new alumnae join our ranks and connect within our large sisterhood circle. This enriches the overall experience and perpetuates our vision to advocate and advance the sorority experience together.

Here’s how we can model the way:

• Share stories and talk about the benefits of being an active alumna.
• Personally invite new graduates to alumnae gatherings.
• Encourage emerging alumnae to update their profile and contact information with their inter/national organization.
• Assist our college graduates as they launch into their professional careers or post-graduate studies by simply asking How can I help?

Each one of us can make a difference. Let’s begin now.

For more information about Johnson and her new book:

Patti Johnson - PeopleResults
Author of "Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work & in Life"

Author link:
pattibjohnson.com

Book link:
bit.ly/MakeWaves-PJ