Outside of military affiliation, what kinds of (networking) organizations are you involved in?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 23:27:07 -0500

What kind of networking organizations are you all involved in? Fraternities/Sororities, Masons, OES, Junior League, etc....

Secondly, how has your involvement in those organizations affected you personally or professionally? Would you recommend membership to your organization to others, and if so, why?

I'm a member of Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity, and also Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority Inc. I've been a member of AXiD for over 9 years, and it has been heavily influential for networking. I mentioned in a previous topic that my current career is a direct result of my sorority membership. I also volunteer as an advisor to some local chapters, and I serve on our national finance committee as budget specialist. As a collegiate member at my first national convention in 2005, I got to meet our "Woman of Distinction" who was RADM Mimi Blackburn Drew. I didn't know who she was prior to convention, but I remember being very excited to meet a sister who was also a navy service member as well.

I joined KEY this past May, and so far, I've met some amazing, strong, dedicated and inspirational women. (For the guys, you should check out Kappa Lambda Chi Military Fraternity, if you are interested.)

Side Question: are any of you involved in your local VFW? What are those groups all about? Are they worth looking into, or do they cater to an older crowd?

Kappa Lambda Chi Military Fraternity, Inc.

Kappa Lambda Chi Military Fraternity caters exclusively to men of the U.S. Armed Forces. Formed as an alternative to traditional organizations.

KEY Military Sisterhood

Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority caters exclusively to women of the United States Armed Forces. We are the premier Greek Letter Sorority for United States Armed Forces Women. We aspire to unite fem...

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Dec 4 at 2013 8:13 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:13:35 -0500

I am a YMCA board member/volunteer, a mentor at the University of Phoenix, and an active alumnus of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  A few years ago, I joined the American Legion, but found it too...weird.  I felt I was too young at age 45, lol.<br><br>All of the organizations allow me to give back to the community.<br>

Response by MAJ Laurie H. made Dec 5 at 2013 12:15 AM

MAJ Laurie H. — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:15:23 -0500

Outside the military I'm an active-ish member in Phi Beta Kappa and a Delta Gamma alumna. Not strictly for networking, but that's part of it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 12:31 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:31:53 -0500

I recently joined Team Red, White, and Blue... a Veterans' organization with a mission to ". . . enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity." They sponsor great events all around the world and encourage Veterans to get involved in their communities while networking with other Veterans and supporters. Find out more at http://teamrwb.org/

Team Red, White & Blue - Home

~desc~

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 8:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 08:09:10 -0500

I am not part of any fraternity and or military affiliated organization. But I am part of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and I am part of a Networking Company which I enjoy both. Neither has helped me in my military career, but they have when it come to life after the military. I call them "Mentorship Programs, with a compesation plan attached to them". It is amazing the people that you meet through these events, their eagerness to help you succeed and there is no back stabbing. I love what these organizations have done for my family and my financial freedom.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Jan 15 at 2014 9:38 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 21:38:14 -0500

My business in real estate investing and rental housing so I belong to the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound. I also belong to Sovereign Man Confidential and have found great investment resources there. I also find resources through podcasts I listen to such as The Real Estate Guys and Jason Hartman's Platinum Properties who I am client of as well. If you see somebody who has already accomplished some of your goals that person is someone to network with!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 10:58 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 22:58:55 -0500

I am a member of many organizations ( some represented under my linked in groups:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/armynurse ) that help me connect with former colleagues, foster mentoring relationships, support advocacy interests, and facilitate personal growth and development.  Some groups help recruit consultants and employees.<div><br></div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 10:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 22:35:36 -0500

I am a lifetime member of VFW and American legion

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 8:47 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:47:13 -0400

I am a Freemason in DC, and will be (with my wife) joining our local (Springfield VA) chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Not so much professional networking as social networking, plus it helps me to work on my own character...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 3:39 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 15:39:16 -0500

Wow, just browsing on a lazy afternoon, and I responded to this thread not realizing I previously responded when it was active.