FACT: The majority of alumnae chapter members work full time jobs, have husbands and children, and still enjoy ZTA after they leave college. Alumnae membership only consumes an average of three to five hours of your free time per month.

* I’m tired of paying all those expenses.

FACT: Alumnae pay an average of $25-$40 annually for their membership dues. Other contributions to ZTA are strictly voluntary.

* I’m burned out with ZTA. I need a break after graduation.

FACT: Alumnae chapters need your youth and enthusiasm to keep them from becoming outdated and stagnant. Alumnae chapters typically meet once a month rather than each week.

* I gave everything to ZTA as a collegian. Active membership seems pointless now.

FACT: ZTA membership is a life-long commitment. Being an active alumna is just as rewarding, probably more so, as being an active collegian.

* ZTA expects me to do too much.

FACT: As with your collegiate experiences, ZTA alumnae experiences are what you decide to make of them. If you want to keep busy, there’s always something to do.

* I won’t know any people in the alumnae chapter. I would feel uncomfortable going to meetings.

FACT: Those "people" are your sorority sisters. You can become good friends with other alumnae. Remember that when you pledged ZTA you didn’t know everyone in your chapter. You’ll find that you will be just as welcome in the alumnae chapter as you were in your collegiate chapter.

* ·Alumnae chapters don’t have members my age.

FACT: Younger alumnae right out of college are joining ZTA alumnae chapters. The future of ZTA resides in our youth. Always remember you have one great thing in common with any alumna – your sisterhood.

* Alumnae life is not as active. I think I would be bored.

FACT: Quite the opposite! Alumnae activities are definitely fun. They can range from philanthropic endeavors to collegiate chapter assistance to all kinds of fun-type parties. You’ll find alumnae activities to be rewarding, self-satisfying and never dull.

* No one has contacted me about joining an alumnae chapter.

FACT: It may be up to you to make the first contact. Call International Office at 317-872-0540 to receive information about the nearest alumnae chapter in your area. If there isn’t an alumnae chapter near your home or work, IO can give you a list of sisters in the same situation. You can start your own club or chapter. It only takes five ZTAs and you have a club.

Your alumna status will be different from what you were used to as a collegiate. Think about this – you will be a Zeta Tau Alpha alumna far longer than you were a collegiate. Please don’t think your ZTA membership ends with graduation. It is just beginning! If nothing else, give the alumnae chapter a try before using excuses like the ones above.