ESTABLISHING ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS & AFFINITY GROUPS
INTRO & TABLE OF CONTENTS THE PURPOSE Alumni organizations give brothers a way to remain connected to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen the Fraternity long after the undergraduate experience.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
ALUMNI AFFINITY GROUPS
Organized alumni entities that create an ongoing local connection to ΣΑΕ.
Communities that bring brothers together around a shared interest, passion, activity, or other common connection.
Chapter-Based: Alumni of a specific chapter maintaining brotherhood, traditions, and support for their home chapter. Area-Based: Brothers within a geographic region gathering for fellowship, networking, service, and engagement.
Affinity Groups do not serve as voting entities at National Convention and are not intended to function as traditional local alumni associations.
INTRO & TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS EXPECTATIONS OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 BUILDING YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 FINANCIAL OBLIGATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 BENEFITS OF AN ACTIVE ASSOCIATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHARTERING CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AFFINITY GROUPS
EXPECTATIONS OF AFFINITY GROUPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BUILDING YOUR AFFINITY GROUP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 EXISTING AFFINITY GROUPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CLOSING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
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SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI COMMUNITY
BUILD BROTHERHOOD
SUPPORT COLLEGIANS
STRENGTHEN SAE
Gather regularly, host events, reconnect, and build meaningful relationships.
Mentor, advise, provide connections, and support local or home chapters.
Stay connected to ΣΑΕ values, Ritual, traditions, programs, and initiatives.
SERVE THE COMMUNITY
CONNECT ALUMNI
CREATE TRADITIONS
Create opportunities for philanthropy, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
Welcome brothers new to the area and provide a pathway back into participation.
Develop signature events and recurring gatherings brothers look forward to.
EXPECTATIONS OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS RECOGNITION REQUIREMENTS
OPERATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
EXEMPLARY ENGAGEMENT
• Maintain at least 10 active members
• Hold board and association meetings
• Grow membership over time
• Pay annual dues and file the appropriate IRS Form 990
• Host alumni social events
• Create signature events and traditions
• Maintain current bylaws
• Invest in the local community
• Engage local alumni
• Develop leadership succession
• Support local/home chapters
• Build an advisor pipeline to collegiate chapters
• Submit the annual association report
• Attend National and province conventions
BUILDING YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION A simple path from an idea to an active alumni association.
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CHOOSE AN ASSOCIATION TYPE Choose between an area- or chapter-based association.
2 BUILD A CORE GROUP
Gather at least 10 committed alumni who are willing to participate and help establish the association.
3 ESTABLISH GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP
Develop bylaws, appoint leaders, and establish goals for growth and participation.
4 ESTABLISH OPERATIONS
Set up a bank account and determine how dues, communications, meetings, and events will be managed.
5 SUBMIT FOR RECOGNITION
Submit an Application of Recognition to the Fraternity Service Center
6 BUILD MOMENTUM
Gather regularly, host events, communicate consistently, and welcome new brothers.
E S TA B L I S H I N G A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N S & A F F I N I T Y G R O U P S
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ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI COMMUNITY
FINANCIAL OBLIGATION $100 Annual Association Fee Each association pays a flat annual fee of $100, regardless of membership size. This is not a per-member fee. Associations are encouraged to establish member dues to cover additional costs, including: • Association operations and the annual Fraternity fee • Technology or add-on services • National event registration and travel • Association-hosted events
BENEFITS OF AN ACTIVE ASSOCIATION Convention Voting Privileges: Have a voice in Fraternity governance. Association Management Tools: Access association email and roster management through The SAE Portal. Alumni Contact Lists: Lists of alumni in a chapter or within a geographic area to recruit and connect with. Association Toolkit: Access sample bylaws, budgets, meeting materials, officer transition resources, and election procedures. Ready-to-Use Programming: Utilize Events-in-a-Box for Third Thursdays, Founders’ Day, networking, tailgates, service projects, and more. Communication Resources: Use newsletter and email templates, letterhead, and other materials. Fundraising Support: Access the CrowdChange fundraising platform. Official Recognition: Obtain an official ΣΑΕ association charter, available for $235 plus shipping and handling.
READY TO BUILD BROTHERHOOD BEYOND COLLEGE? Take the first step toward establishing or strengthening your ΣΑΕ alumni association. Gather a core group of at least 10 committed alumni and contact the Fraternity Service Center to begin the recognition process. ΣΑΕ is ready to help you build a stronger, more connected alumni community.
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SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI COMMUNITY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHARTERING CHECKLIST
Use this checklist to guide the formation, recognition, and launch of a Sigma Alpha Epsilon alumni association.
1. ESTABLISH YOUR ASSOCIATION Choose an Association Type: Determine whether to establish an area-based or chapter-based. Build a Core Group: Gather at least 10 committed alumni who are willing to establish and operate an association. Develop Bylaws: Create bylaws outlining the association’s purpose, membership, leadership structure, and operating procedures. A sample set of bylaws can be found here: Sample Bylaws Template. Appoint Leadership: Identify initial officers to lead the association. Recommended starting officers include: • Eminent Archon (President): To set the vision and lead the association • Eminent Deputy Archon (Vice-President): To support the president and lead exec officers • Eminent Recorder: To keep records, minutes, and bylaws, and communicate with members • Eminent Treasurer: To maintain financial stability, pay dues, and build the budget
2. APPLY FOR OFFICIAL RECOGNITION Submit an Application for Recognition: Complete and submit the association recognition application to the Fraternity Service Center. The application can be found here: Alumni Association Application for Recognition. Pay the Annual Association Fee: Upon approval, pay the $100 annual association fee. Any outstanding debts from a previously active association must also be addressed, as applicable.
3. PREPARE TO OPERATE Establish a Bank Account: Opening a dedicated association bank account is not required but is strongly encouraged to manage dues and other funds responsibly. A guide to setting up an account can be found here: Opening a Bank Account. Set Goals for Growth: Discuss and set goals that grow the association’s membership, increase engagement and visibility, and produce recommitment to Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Develop an Annual Event Calendar: Plan events and activities for the year, including opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and support undergraduate chapters. Establish a Communication Plan: Determine how the association will communicate with members, share updates, promote events, and recruit additional members.
E S TA B L I S H I N G A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N S & A F F I N I T Y G R O U P S
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AFFINITY GROUPS
SAE CONNECTIONS FOR SHARED INTERESTS
BUILD BROTHERHOOD
STRENGTHEN SAE
CONNECT ALUMNI
Bring brothers together through shared passions and interests that create opportunities for fellowship beyond the Fraternity.
Enrich the lifelong ΣAΕ experience by giving alumni new ways to stay involved and engaged with brothers.
Create connections among brothers across chapters, generations, and locations through common interests and experiences.
EXPECTATIONS OF AFFINITY GROUPS HAVE A DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP
MAINTAIN PERIODIC ACTIVITY
• Each group should have at least one primary contact to lead the group. No formal election is necessary. • Each group should have regional captains to encourage involvement across the realm.
• Groups should aim to host at least two engagement opportunities per year. These could be in-person events, virtual discussions, shared-interest activities, presentations, or other appropriate experiences.
KEEP MEMBERS CONNECTED • Groups should maintain accurate membership rosters. • Each group should maintain basic communication and share relevant updates, upcoming activities, or opportunities.
BUILDING YOUR AFFINITY GROUP A simple path from an idea to an active affinity group.
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DEFINE THE SHARED INTEREST Identify the hobby, passion, or topic that will bring brothers together.
2 FIND INTERESTED BROTHERS
Connect with alumni who share the interest and are excited to participate, contribute ideas, and help build the group.
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DESIGNATE GROUP LEADERS
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ESTABLISH YOUR APPROACH
Identify a primary group leader to coordinate activities and communications. Recruit regional captains to engage brothers across geographic regions, expand the group’s reach, and create more opportunities for participation. Decide how the group will connect, communicate, and organize activities. Keep the structure simple and tailor the approach to the group’s interests and goals.
5 SUBMIT FOR RECOGNITION
Submit an Application of Recognition to the Fraternity Service Center
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BUILD CONNECTIONS Host activities, share resources, welcome interested brothers, and create opportunities for alumni to connect through their shared interests. Aim for at least two engagement opportunities each year and complete a brief annual check-in.
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
AFFINITY GROUPS
SAE CONNECTIONS FOR SHARED INTERESTS
EXISTING AFFINITY GROUPS
SAE HUNTERS & ANGLERS
SAE NATIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION
To cultivate the fraternal nature of outdoor recreation and to serve as a place for ΣΑΕ brothers around the realm to connect and share their passion for hunting, trapping, fishing, and the great outdoors.
To cultivate the fun and friendships of outdoor recreation and to serve as a place for ΣΑΕ brothers around the Realm to connect and share their passion for golf.
THOMAS CHAPPELL COOK SOCIETY
SAE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
To further the fraternal bond of “double brothers” who are proud members of both Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Freemasons.
To preserve and promote ΣΑΕ history in partnership with the History and Heritage Committee, fostering greater understanding and thoughtful discussion of the Fraternity’s history, regalia, Ritual, and heraldry.
SAE AUTO ENTHUSIASTS Dedicated to the fun, friendships, and passion of owning and enjoying classic cars and trucks. A space for initiated brothers to connect, share their love of domestic and imported classics, and celebrate the hobby together.
E S TA B L I S H I N G A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N S & A F F I N I T Y G R O U P S
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CLOSING NOTES WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? A BROTHER CAN…
THE ASSOCIATION OR GROUP CAN…
• Find other ΣAΕ brothers in his community
• Create a dependable calendar of engagement
• Feel connected when he attends an event
• Develop future leaders
• Build friendships beyond his undergraduate chapter
• Become a resource to collegiate chapters
• Serve and mentor the next generation
• Build a recognizable local ΣΑΕ presence
• Stay engaged with the Fraternity in a meaningful way
• Leave the organization stronger than it found it
QUESTIONS? Don’t hesitate to contact the Fraternity Service Center at alumni@sae.net.
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SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON