How To Spot an AOII
How would someone know that you are an AOII? Is it your jewelry, your key chain or perhaps your water bottle? One of my favorite moments is walking through the airport on the way to convention and seeing those familiar faces of sisters everywhere! Sure, it is easy when we are traveling to convention. We are excited, and we are probably wearing our letters, if not, then more than likely our badge, so we are easy to spot!
But 2026 is not a convention year, so now what? Are you traveling this summer to Camp AOII? Do you have a summer job or an internship? Of course using your AOII mug, is a clue that you are an AOII. Are you planning a trip to the beach or taking a family vacation? Again, your water bottle and your key chain will identify you as an AOII. Are you driving to visit friends or gathering for the summer retreat? Are you volunteering at Arthritis Foundation Events or a JA Camp.? I am sure you will be wearing your letters on T-shirts, shorts or hats. Perhaps your car even has an AOII decal on it. These outward signs identify you as an AOII. But is there something more, something inward that lets the world know that you are an AOII?
Sometimes summer seems so short, and yet it is nearly three months of not sharing Ritual with your sisters. That emptiness in your heart — probably unnoticed — can be filled by staying connected. So how do you keep AOII close to your heart as our Founders desired for us? Alumnae, reach out to sisters who are facing challenges, send a warming note or a token gift, offer a meal or spend time over a cup of coffee. Remember those new graduates, reach out, ask about their job search, see how you can help, or what connections you can help them make.
Collegians, your summer flies by, working jobs or internships. Is there a sister who needs an uplifting note or text? If you are driving to your chapter’s summer retreat, does a sister need a ride? Does someone need an invitation, just because? Can you volunteer for philanthropic events in your community? In doing these things, we are living our principles.
The question we often ask is, how do we see ourselves in our Ritual. But perhaps we should ask the question, how do we see our Ritual, in ourselves. This is what others see in us.
So, as you travel through this summer, remember that your sisters are everywhere. Our principles are your road map, and our motto is not a mystery; but our compass. Spotting an AOII should be easy!
You may contact the Rituals, Traditions, and Jewelry Committee (RT&J) about anything Ritual-related at RTandJ@alphaomicronpi.org