The Power of Connection

Members feeling like they belong and are connected to one another is directly linked to their satisfaction. From being a part of a collegiate chapter to joining an alumnae chapter and serving on a volunteer team, connection so often serves as the catalyst for a positive experience. But how do we help those we work closely with to build initial connections, continue nurturing those connections and ultimately find a sense of belonging?  

Kim McClure (Gamma Omicron, Marshall University), who serves as the volunteer director of province alumnae chairs, has extensive experience helping alumnae connect to one another and understands how important it is to the Alpha Chi Omega lifetime experience. We asked Kim a few questions about creating connections and are so excited to learn more from her about how she cultivates community with the sisters in her ever-growing circle.  

Tell us about your current Alpha Chi Omega experience and how creating connections is a part of what you do?  

I have found that creating connections is the foundation of success in my role. I supervise a team of 25 volunteers that live across the country. We operate in an online space 95% of the time, so cultivating community is key to collaboration. For instance, as I got to know each member of the team this term, I noted similarities between them such as initiation chapter, hobbies or pets, so I asked each team member to answer a set of common questions. When I find a connection, I share it with the team in our weekly newsletter. 

Similarly, introducing team members with photos and information about themselves helped us get to know each other before we ever met in person. Nicole Corder (Zeta Rho, Northwood University), a current province alumnae chair (PAC), shared she had been unsure how it would be when she met fellow teammates in person at convention, but it was easy and comfortable because she felt like she already knew them. That made my day because teams who know each other and have common connections come together for a common purpose more efficiently than a group of strangers who only know each other’s names. Teamwork is vital to our success. 

How do you teach the volunteers you work with to make connections with those they support?  

Each of our almost 170 alumnae chapters is different. They all have different needs and successes. This is not a role where “one size fits all” works. I ask each PAC to learn about the individuals they are working with and listen to their goals, determining how to support them best. If we don’t take their experience into consideration, the relationship will never reach its full potential.  

Simple things like sending a text or an email when a PAC notices something positive with the chapter’s leadership or in the individual’s personal life goes a long way in building connections, too. There are so many ways to show someone they are valued. Words are powerful, and I encourage my team to use their words for good. Always.  

How does feeling a sense of belonging impact your membership in Alpha Chi Omega?  

Alpha Chi Omega has given me the opportunity to use my talents and gifts in a way that gives me purpose and makes a difference. I recently asked my team to ponder the question, “Do you believe that what we do matters?” I believe it does. I hear story after story of alumnae who meet each other through Alpha Chi Omega and form strong friendships through alumnae chapter membership, volunteering together or finding their calling in support of our philanthropy. Feeling supported and accepted is important to all of us at our core. I believe that Alpha Chi Omega provides the opportunity for that through various activities in the organization.  

What recommendation do you have for someone who is creating connections across multiple generations?  

There’s so much we can learn from people of different generations. I think the key is to listen and be adaptable. One of my favorite activities we did with Rho Phi Rho (Gamma Omicron Alumnae) chapter was at a Founders’ Day celebration where we honored sisters celebrating 50-year milestones. Those ladies told funny stories about their experiences as collegians that captivated the room and caused each of us to consider how different (and similar) our experiences were.  

The province alumnae chair team has members ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s. That’s an important piece of our success because our varied viewpoints help us to understand the values, communication styles and expectations of our teammates and our sisters whom we serve. Sometimes adapting how a program is presented helps our members receive the information. It may cause additional work on the front end to present the information in multiple ways, but it shows that we care and can make them feel at ease.  

Share three tips for creating connections with others.  

How have you seen connection show up and impact the lives of Alpha Chi Omegas?  

In 2009, a sister from my member class, Louise Kelley Guindi, passed away at the age of 38. It prompted me to think about my sisters I had lost touch with over the years, so I started making a conscious effort to “find” everyone. We started having annual reunions that grew, and eventually we decided to form a virtual alumnae chapter of Alpha Chi Omega for Gamma Omicron initiates. The virtual chapter has provided the opportunity to connect with older and younger alumnae from our chapter and has prompted many of our members to get involved in serving the organization in various local and national volunteer roles. It’s a gift to get to see how one volunteer relationship builds another and then branches out to another one.