Frequently Asked Questions about OAC Membership
Who is eligible for membership?
Any alumna member or unaffiliated collegiate member in good standing* with Delta Delta Delta can become a member of the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter. Alumna members do not have to have gone through the circle degree of initiation to be a member in the alumnae chapter. (*Good standing indicates someone who has never been terminated or resigned their membership.)
How do I become a member of the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter?
To become a member of the chapter, you must pay dues to the chapter. In general, the executive will begin requesting dues in the summer, and all dues are due by October 15. The dues form and information will be sent to all those who have indicated they would like to be on the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter e-mail list.
What do our dues go towards?
Your dues pay for supporting local alumnae chapter priorities. This past year, a portion of the dues went toward gifts for seniors, food items for collegiate events, and also helped subsidize summer events. The chapter voted to put aside a portion of the dues from this past year to help defray costs for a representative at Convention, and also agreed to put aside a small portion for our next reunion. The cost to join the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter is minimal, but, as you can see, this money goes a long way and, in particular, helps us support our local collegiate chapter.
Do I have to live in Ottawa to be an Ottawa Alumnae Chapter member?
Not at all! We have members as far away as Australia! While members outside of Ottawa benefit less from the local chapter events, we work hard to try to make them feel as included as possible. Additionally, a good portion of the dues are used to support our local collegiate chapter as well as events that interest all members, like reunions. Therefore our members, whether near or far, are always contributing to the ongoing vitality of Delta Delta Delta in Ottawa.
How many activities does the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter have every year?
The chapter must have minimum of 4 activities per year (according to our bylaws), but we often hold more. This past year we planned an event for every month from September to June/July (10 events). They were centered around 3 themes: alumnae sisters only, family friendly events, and Collegiate-Alumnae events.
What can I expect to get out of membership in the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter?
As with membership in anything, you will only get as much out of it as you put into it. Attending events, however, is not the only way to benefit from being an alumna. You can get involved by volunteering to assist the alumnae chapter or the collegiate chapter as an advisor. You can also stay connected through our Ottawa Alumnae Chapter Facebook group! You can write articles for the Pansy Press (our chapter newsletter), or you can reach out to sisters both near and far and connect with people individually.
Does the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter have an Executive?
Yes. There are currently 3 executive positions in the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter: President, Treasurer and Communications Chair. The chapter recently voted to have 2-year executive terms and spring elections. The next Executive election will take place in Spring 2016. A nominating committee (appointed by the executive committee), will put out a call for leadership profiles prior to elections.
The alumnae chapter also has chair positions that, according to the bylaws, are appointed by the president of the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter. These chair positions vary according the priorities and interests of the members. If you are interested in being a chair, please contact one of the executive members! The alumnae chapter is always willing to have more volunteers!
The alumnae chapter also has chair positions that, according to the bylaws, are appointed by the president of the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter. These chair positions vary according the priorities and interests of the members. If you are interested in being a chair, please contact one of the executive members! The alumnae chapter is always willing to have more volunteers!
Does the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter have policies, bylaws, or other?
The alumnae chapter has bylaws that are reviewed by the executive annually. There are no other specific bylaws, nor is there a standards committee like in the collegiate chapter.