Sisterhood Knows No Borders: Celebrating AOII in Canada

By Chantel Schieffer, Alpha Phi (Montana State U), International Vice President

I grew up about an hour south of the Canadian border, and Canadian culture deeply influenced my young life. Our closest “big cities” were Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta and when I craved some of that city energy, this is where I would be.

As a college student in Montana, one of the many aspects of AOII that drew me in was an international presence with Canadian chapters, signifying a Sense of Belonging before I truly understood what those words meant. My own chapter of initiation has a long history of connection to our Canadian sisters and I often hear stories about regional events bringing sisters together across the border.

Last year, I was honored to install the Sea to Sky Alumnae Chapter, which spans British Columbia and into northwest Washington state. Being with these women from both countries reminded me that sisterhood knows no borders. Since then, I have grown more curious about what AOII life is like for our northernmost members.

To that end, I have spent time visiting with chapter advisors and alumnae presidents and the following paragraphs are a compilation of their sentiments.

I like to start many of my conversations with members asking what makes them proud of AOII. No surprise here that these sisters name our diverse and inclusive organization, and a sense of community that they find in our sisterhood. While each experience is different, we have a common bond and singleness of heart that connects us across generations and geographies.

These alumnae leaders continue to say “YES” to AOII to empower future generations of sisters, to connect with other volunteers across the world, and to grow in their own leadership skills. Many have held multiple roles over several years, illustrating that giving back is an important part of service, a meaningful AOII End for many.

When asked which of our Ends they feel most connected to, answers included Sense of Belonging, Leadership, and Ambition. One sister skillfully pointed out how each one builds on the other, and that symbiosis creates powerful openings for progress. Ambition produces Leadership and Service, which we need to create a Sense of Belonging and prioritize DEI, all in the name of Service.

Here’s the question I was most excited to ask these sisters: “What do you want your American sisters to know or understand about your experience as a Canadian sister?” There are very clear distinctions in how Canadian educational systems operate – the schedules often differ from American systems and Greek life in general is on a smaller scale than we see in the U.S. I was surprised to learn how few NPC groups have chapters in Canada. That makes AOII distinctive! Not surprising – we have more similarities than differences, and we are all working toward the same Ends. And nearly every sister I interviewed invited everyone up north for a visit. I can personally attest that time spent with Canadian sisters is time well spent.

Fast Facts about AOII in Canada:

• The first Canadian Chapter was established on September 30, 1930. It is Beta Tau at the University of Toronto.
• There are six alumnae chapters and seven collegiate chapters in Canadian provinces.
• AOII is one of only four NPC groups with chapters in Canada.
• Joan MacCallum, Kappa Phi (McGill U) served as International President from 1979 – 1981.