Interested in Graduate Membership of a BGLO?

[@alishaeubanks3025]

I would like to say thank you for putting this information out. I've been wanting to join a sorority for some time now. When I was an undergraduate I had so much on my mind and on my plate. Now that I am older, wiser and I graduated college I feel like I'm ready.

[@kandace.withak]

Alisha Eubanks you are welcome. I am glad this resonated with you!

[@AmbersWorld]

I had to come back to this video and tell you thank you for all your advice Soror. June 6, 2021 I became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated! 💗💚💗💚🙏🏾 #skeewee

[@kandace.withak]

Congratulations Soror !!! Welcome to the sisterhood. We will have to connect at boule once it’s in person.

[@AmbersWorld]

@@kandace.withak omg I would love that!

[@mretaughtus2152]

Solid advice. I like how you mentioned "getting to know the chapter". That is important, your chapter can define your experience within the organization. Unfortunately, some orgs have more stipulations such as only being eligible for membership by zip code. And when I tell people to do their research i'm referring to getting to know the brothers. See if we are guys you want to hang around. A huge part of membership is fellowship.

[@mw9710]

I feel like you’ve read my mind. I’ve been interested in joining a organization for a long while but I feel like I’m not mature enough yet. Not as in childish but as in I want to be able to bring something to the organization not just join so say oh I’m this or that. I just haven’t figured out what my talents are and don’t feel successful in what I’m doing right now in my life.

[@kandace.withak]

Marisa Waters you know yourself better than anyone else. As you are finding yourself, you can still strive toward your intended organization. There’s no harm in fostering friendships. Wishing you the best.

[@mw9710]

kandacewithak Thankyou

[@rikea_]

Thank you so much for making this video. I’ve been wanting to join a sorority for 8 years now! I tried twice in undergrad but unfortunately I missed the mark, but I also know timing is everything! I feel like now that I’m more mature I will be a better member than I would’ve been 8 years ago!!

[@kandace.withak]

Exactly! Maturity is definitely a blessing. Wishing you the best on your journey!

[@rikea_]

@@kandace.withak thank you so much!

[@vernonwells3142]

This is a good video and have some gold gems in it with your video and thank you fellow Greek.

[@pippilongstocking3421]

First, CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a member!! I graduated in 2011 with my Bachelors. There are two chapters in my city. One consists of mostly older ladies and the other is mostly younger. I have frequented events since 2011 with the older ladies and still nothing. I will say, I know a few ladies in the chapter of older ladies and they are only pulling in their nieces, sisters, etc. And as soon as they are in, they aren’t active anymore. 😩😩 So I fell back with attending events. Now, I’ve come across a chapter that’s about 45 mins away on the outside of the city that I’ve been watching and I’ll say, I like what I’ve seen thus far. They are much smaller (created in 2015) and appear to be doing great things. I think I’m going to start networking and participating with that chapter and see how things go. Do you all think it will be looked at as “shopping” around?

[@charlottedujourmorris7297]

what city and state are you in?

[@pippilongstocking3421]

CharlotteDujour Morris Atlanta GA

[@cyyrious]

No you must find a chapter that connects with you most chapters want you in their area. So you don’t go through intake then transfer to another chapter. Remember they want ladies who will DO THE WORK!

[@Genae20]

Network with the members by attending events, make your face seen. Any other pearls of wisdom I missed?

[@rogers5622]

Good tips,Soror💕💚

[@tchocolate1000]

You dropped some very essential gems sis taking notes ❤️

[@shanntahinds4335]

Thank you! Staying focus.

[@kandace.withak]

Shannta Hinds wishing you the best in your pursuits

[@shanntahinds4335]

kandacewithak thank boo

[@yolandamason270]

Congratulations. Thank you for posting this video.

[@AngelMendoza-to4gd]

Can you do a 2023 showing interest for grad chapter update video pls

[@kandace.withak]

Expect it soon 💚

[@daphnedavis2819]

Thank you Kandice, much love Diva!

[@jasminewoods9801]

Thank you so much! Very good and helpful advice.

[@caoliver99]

This is wonderful! My undergrad did not have the sorority that I wanted to join 💕💚. I began going to events before the pandemic, but now I don't know how to stay connected since everything has slowed down. Is it inappropriate to email one if the chairs to ask how I can be helpful?

[@kandace.withak]

I don’t think so. Perhaps ask if you can be on an events mailing list (?). Wishing you the best

[@tammisummers]

Thank you so much for giving this perspective 🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏

[@kandace.withak]

TammiLynn you are welcome 🤗

[@tammisummers]

@@kandace.withak 💛💛💛 1 year later and I came back ☺💛☺

[@tumekaallen3538]

Hello, is it appropriate to send an email to the grad chapter of interest? I have read all of the information on the chapters page, I have narrowed down the AKA chapter I want to join. However they do not have any events right now . Please advise. Thanks so much Queen.

[@KrysStyle]

I am in the same boat. I actually did email the president showing interest & making when the next events but I did not get an answer. However a friend of mine did with another chapter

[@csj403]

From what I’ve gathered based on the website, your not supposed to pursue membership. You’re to be invited only and not encouraged to pursue

[@WanderlustIndie]

Anyone know of any younger chapters in the Atlanta area? I was a Deb for a chapter back in the day, and I feel like at this point In my life (30) I am interested in pursuing membership.

[@alexusmarshall2574]

I’m wondering the same

[@jazmynmonet]

Hi! When doing letters of recommendation, do they have to be from someone of the chapter you're pursuing or can it be from other active members as well? I'm currently in this situation where my aunt is an active member, and I'd like for her to write my LOR.

[@kandace.withak]

Jazmyn McGruder I am not too certain about this. I believe it is okay but your best option would be to ask someone from the chapter to clarify.

[@yolandaseals4103]

How do you engage graduate chapters that do not have events to “get to know” others? All virtual meetings are guest muted and public events are once a year in person.

[@kandace.withak]

This is a hard one and I wish I had a viable answer for you. My only suggestion is to identify one member that you can connect with outside of chapter activities. Hope this helps 💚

[@Cicishere5]

is AKA membership still frozen? :'(

[@k.c.overseas6344]

I love this! Thank you so much!

[@kandace.withak]

kc. overseas no problem!

[@happygolucky8869]

Is it bad to message the chapter to express interest? I moved to an area that has only one graduate chapter and they don't often have events. I do not know anyone in the chapter but I am still interested.

[@kandace.withak]

Mika Marie I wouldn’t say “bad”. By emailing them, they can potentially put you on the email list or direct you to a Facebook page to help you find events. My suggestion is to be mindful of your words.

[@beautyteen15]

kandacewithak what words should we use 👀

[@kamikani08]

Thank you for your information. I live in a small town where the organization doesn't have a presence in the community. How do you get to know someone if the organization doesn't do alot community events for the public?

[@kandace.withak]

When I was looking for events I utilized Facebook to friend members in desires chapter, since they would share events that might not be on the orgs page

[@Nda54Gem]

Thank You for this advice.

[@princess287love]

Are there any AKA members willing to help an undergraduate out please?

[@SharonReadsStories]

I’m in my last semester of college. I’m going to a local university online. There’s a small grad chapter in my area but the women in that chapter are WAY older than me. I would love to join a chapter with women that are closer to my age. I live in a small town outside of Atlanta. Should I start joining now, or should I wait to Join at grad level?

[@kandace.withak]

Hi! To be fair, it will be out of your control on when to join so if you are interested in membership establish those connections now.

[@csj403]

Does the graduate GPA replace undergrad? Is it still 2.5 for undergrad regardless of having an advanced degree? The website states 2.5 undergrad GPA OR advanced degree

[@kandace.withak]

I won’t say replace but, if I remember correctly, a graduate degree will outweigh the undergraduate degree

[@ironqueenfanful]

Any tips on how to express interest with discretion?

[@kandace.withak]

Try to connect with a member(s) that you can confide in and attend events

[@disrupshionmagtv6612]

How do you go to the events without overstepping your boundaries? Like I have attended a view and the co President is already rooting for me. But I feel like that’s not enough. Help.

[@disrupshionmagtv6612]

Few^* sorry for the error

[@kandace.withak]

My advice would be to not overthink it. Showing up and being noticed is a step in the right direction. Speak to the members. Get to know them. Be welcoming. Hope that helps.

[@12345678910979]

Hey, I have a question regarding graduate requirements. I have a masters degree. May I use my graduate transcript or do I have to use my undergrad and grad transcript when applying to a grad chapter. I’m asking because my graduate gpa is much higher. Thanks.

[@kandace.withak]

If I recall correctly, I had to submit transcripts for both.

[@12345678910979]

kandacewithak thank you!

[@cyyrious]

@@12345678910979 we go off your most recent transcript

[@brendarhymes4378]

Hello, I got a call from someone who said she would be my sponsor and I really want to join however I am interested in going to cosmetology school from 5-10 M-T. I was wondering if the membership intake process is similar to the undergraduate process. Would I have to be "on line" every day? Do you think my cosmetology schedule would conflict with trying to pursue membership?

[@kandace.withak]

Brenda Rhymes hi. Everyone’s process is different. Since you have someone that is willing to be your sponsor look to her to best advise you on moving forward.

[@royla11]

When you went to the events for 4 years straight did you already have your bachelors?? Or you was still in school?

[@kandace.withak]

I already had my bachelors and master's

[@C-R-E-A-M]

I am asking because I really don’t know. How does the sorority give back to you as an individual? Based on what I can understand, you pay dues and give service to the community in the name of the sorority. Though you can just as easily give service to the community in the name of Jesus as an individual and gives tithes and offerings to a church as an individual. You can network within meetup groups , conferences , etc. as an individual. How does being BGLO improve one’s life? The only thing l couldn’t find online was the fee to apply or join which was a little sus to me because how would one know that a chapter was not making up a higher number for you to pay if they know you can afford more than the normal cost? I’m actually neutral asking these questions so I’m not anti or pro sorority, just curious. Many thanks in advance

[@kandace.withak]

My reasons are my own but broadly thanks to my AKA I have acquired some of my best friends. Everyone’s reasons are different just as the cost associates are different per chapter. Hope that helps.

[@ms.l6150]

1) Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha are women of integrity. Let me speak for my chapter. There is a ton of transparency so I am not worrying inflating prices of dues. 2) Yes there are many ways to give back to your community but one of THE main reasons I joined was because there is power in numbers. I can achieve more for my community with my Sorors than by myself. 3) I am well established in my career but have learned to be more efficient, better at time management, and still improving. 4) Sisterhood is a real deal.

[@k1dub1]

This video is so immensely helpful, thank you for giving some bomb tips. I am getting my ducks in a row and hope to be eligible to join my local chapter in 2025 When would be best to start attending events to show my interest?

[@kandace.withak]

I would suggest now. Or whenever the chapter has events that you are able to attend

[@k1dub1]

@@kandace.withak thank you!

[@k1dub1]

@@myamoncrief I think you meant to put this in the main comment thread and not under mine

[@jv-sc1fs]

Thank u 4 information be blessed

[@jackiew8601]

This is informative and helpful. Thank you.

[@kandace.withak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lovelifefitness1076]

This was a really good video. 📝 Thank you.

[@kandace.withak]

You are welcome! 💚

[@virgilliawest2498]

Thanks for sharing! Question....If I no longer live in the city of the school that I attended when I earned my degree, would it be possible to join a local chapter in the city that I currently live in?

[@kandace.withak]

Absolutely. There’s a chapter locator on many of the NPHC organization’s websites with all the contact information.

[@renaissancewoman100]

@@kandace.withak Did you have to be invited to join?

[@cyyrious]

@@renaissancewoman100 YES invitation only

[@troubs7205]

Does the graduate chapters look at schools that are two year, but offer bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees?

[@brittanyalexandria7736]

You have to at least hold a bachelors degree to become a member at the graduate level.

[@joannaomari3072]

Thank you for the advice. I recently got my bachelors, I'm taking this opportunity to attend zoom events for this grad chapter. My only concern is I'm not in my career. But, I am a mentor for big brother big sister organization (volunteer). Do I need a profession to join?

[@kandace.withak]

My personal suggestion is to not get caught up around that. Careers change. 💚

[@renaissancewoman100]

@@kandace.withak I'm much older and I'm just starting in a new field. I feel like especially at my age I would be expected to be farther along in my career or just more successful. Have you seen any cases where women were turned down because of this?

[@BossyErv]

Thanks for the advice.

[@inglewoodmademe]

So do you have to join while you’re in grad school, because I’m done. Does that mean we can’t join since we’ve already graduated?

[@kandace.withak]

To be eligible for membership in most organizations at the graduate level, you must have graduated from a 4-year institution

[@inglewoodmademe]

@@kandace.withak I did, southern CT State

[@brittineytrezevant4403]

When looking into grad chapter are they looking to see if you graduated or are the actually looking for a gpa ? And if I am in grad school can I use that gpa ?

[@kandace.withak]

Brittiney Trezevant both. You’ll need to show proof you have graduated and submit transcripts to all institutions

[@annamontique7003]

Great advice ❤️

[@Fireball20204]

Do you have to pay your membership dues at one time? Can you work out a payment plan?

[@mretaughtus2152]

No

[@alexusmarshall2574]

Hello! Could I email you about something?

[@daphnedavis2819]

Thank you Kandace

[@candacelai-fang6571]

Hi, Thanks for this video! Is there a minimum amount of community service hrs needed for grad chapter? Thanks!

[@kandace.withak]

Not to my knowledge but could vary by chapter

[@kimberlyhayden4804]

Thank you!

[@athenajenkins1046]

So do you find different chapters and attend events to see which chapter fits you? You dont have to be invited in?

[@kandace.withak]

Membership is invitation only. However, initially I went to different chapters to see if I’d mesh with the members before choosing my chapter

[@athenajenkins1046]

@@kandace.withak ok i get the membership invite but before you invite can u go to a chapter to see if its a fit? Or i have to get the membership invite first?

[@kandace.withak]

@@athenajenkins1046 you can go to their public events. Not all events are open to the public. Follow the chapter’s socials or ask a member in the chapter.

[@reevideo]

I'm curious. Do you have to be Christian to join? What if you had a different faith or no faith? How would you be treated? Thanks.

[@kandace.withak]

From my understanding, your religious faith is not a criteria but faith is very important

[@reevideo]

@@kandace.withak I have faith in my ability to manifest. I dont look to or bow to male deities. I look within. That's why I was asking. I so appreciate your getting back to me. I've always wanted to become a member but I've felt as though I would be ostracized because I dont believe in a male god or go to any church or anything like that. They seen to pray a lot at some of these events. So I was curious. Any advice? Thanks.

[@MSALL-co8bf]

Goal: Get folk delivered from dumb idols and dumb Greek gods whereby you pledge your life to and spiritually bow down the rest of your life to. Super Sad....

[@kandace.withak]

Thank you for sharing

[@thomslick3636]

You are soo beautiful, just saying.