Things Are Better Than You Might Think
 

Brothers,

I visit IHQ about once a month. There is an interest in presenting our history in the best possible light. They have changed things around enough so that they have a fine conference room. They also have a room that displays many Lambda Chi and Theta Kappa Nu artifacts. It looks quite professional to me.

The staff has also gone through the basement and fireproof safe recently. They have taken additional steps to protect our historic items. Simple steps like archival bags and putting the most precious documents in the fireproof safe!

Of course, a professional archivist would be a blessing. Do we have a qualified volunteer in the Indianapolis area? I can't speak for IHQ, but I bet that they would welcome the help....

Expansion is possible. It can be done without the UGs.

Alumni donations specifically dedicated to the preservation of our archives and the construction of a building addition (with a museum area) could happen. Again, I can't speak for the Educational Foundation, but I think that this is a "natural" fund raising opportunity.

I know many of the men and women who work at the IHQ. I am certain that they would welcome individual members and groups of members for a visit.

Our Colony visited them first semester for a ZAX session. It took place in the new conference area and was well received by our Colony.

I am very sympathetic to our IHQ staff, they could use some better working spaces too.

A lot needs to be done. I don't think it is possible for any organization, or society for that matter, to do everything that everybody wants done. Not enough resources. I think that our leadership does a very credible job with the resources available to them.

Maybe the best thing that I can say about them is that they are our Brothers.

Not perfect by any means. But, I have worked with many of them over a pretty good period of time and I found very few of them lacking skill and commitment.

I like visiting our IHQ because I feel welcomed and I feel that they are doing good work on our behalf.

So, if you are ever in Indianapolis, you have to visit our IHQ building.

Yours in ZAX,

Mike Raymond,
ZU-Zeta

An unfortunate fact in my opinion... I do wish more people would take the time to appreciate all that LCA has, and has done. From grammar school to college I have heard people talk about historic events that I was never part of, and is most cases wasn't even alive to witness. Thing about LCA, when you are initiated you part of history that will hopefully be around as long as there are fraternal organizations around.

Unfortunately I have to contradict my last statement, which I hate doing. I also feel that to be part of LCA history you actually have to accomplish something while you are a member. I know plenty of men who have and will lose interest as soon as they get their piece of paper and are out the door into the real world. Point being you have to earn your place in history, hopefully for the good.

Out of all of my uncles, and my father, I am the only son that has joined LCA (they mainly had girls). I feel like I have to do everything do what they did for their Zeta. Perhaps I am special because I have a reason? It would be nice if everyone found their reason.

[QUOTE]If they get it set up where you don't have to pilfer through it or
search to figure out what stuff is and where it came from - I'm there.
Until then, UGs won't go...and I'm betting they aren't really wanted.
I'm sure they'd just say we'd get in the way or break something.[QUOTE]

I disagree 100%

Tom, Mike, and I were at the 2004 General Assembly in Indianapolis and were on the school buses LOADED with undergraduates being taken to IHQ for a nightime tour. To this day I cannot get over the excitement shown by the undergraduates.

There's a coat of arms in the pathway outside the front door and those guys crowded around it, taking pictures with digital cameras and cell phones in the dark. Inside, the place was absolutely packed. I found it hard to move around. They were like kids in a candy shop.

There are lots of exhibits and displays at IHQ - it's just that there's not room enough for everything at the moment. But, again, pictures were being taken constantly. I'm sure the staff was a bit overwhelmed (especially with G.A. going on) but they were courteous, helpful, and answered the many questions fired at them from all directions.

On the ride back to the hotel, the undergrads enthusiastically passed around their camers and cell phones, showing the pics they had just taken.

You're damned right they were interested! It's something I'll never forget!

In ZAX,
Jono

[QUOTE=JonoBN41;1443440][QUOTE]If they get it set up where you don't have to pilfer through it or
search to figure out what stuff is and where it came from - I'm there.
Until then, UGs won't go...and I'm betting they aren't really wanted.
I'm sure they'd just say we'd get in the way or break something.Brother Jono is so right of the visit that was set up!

The glee was evident seeing the smiles in their faces! Well, I am sure as well as His and Mine as first timers at IHQ! As I mentioned, our Mecca as it were.

But, in going through it He and I talked about how disappointed in what we saw that was available to see.

Being some a bit of Historians, that was what we were interestred first and fore most.

It was lacking and beleive me, he and I discussed it the rest of the evening!

There has been some discussion about volunteers doing this and I am sure there arensome who will be willing to do it if they are allowed.

There is a need to have it done!:)

So, History is History Period!:)

Mike, I am a retailer who is dieing and not a Educational Type.
Rember, I am The Typo King! ;)

Yeah, "glee". That's the word. Thank you, Tom.

Undergrads Welcome
 

Undergrads are definitely welcome at IHQ. At our recent 25th anniversary banquet, our founder showed slides of our founding delegation's visit to IHQ on their way to GA. He had a picture of hiself sitting in the executive director's chair with his feet on the desk. How much more welcome can you be?

The didn't find as warm a reception at the TKE headquarters, when they posed in front of the big "Tau Kappa Epsilon" sign in their Lambda Chi letters. He said they heard later that someone from TKE's HQ had called someone at our HQ and asked them no to let us do that anymore.:D

Brother Jono is totaly correct about the "glee" that was seen on the faces of undergrads who took the opportunity to fill the school buses to drive/ride for 20-30 minutes from the hotel in the rain!

He and I were dissapointed int the amount of history that he and I were expecting to see. But, that is us only. The many donations that have been given by many is not really shown as those who have been there can attest because of space.

It is a working IHQ with little space and is set up as best as can be. There was money used to refirb the Building as it was needed.

Cost of expansion of the building as I said takes away from the true expansion of building LXA as a Brotherhood. It is not cheap by any means and we have so much more than other GLOs.

Would I love to see a full wing for historical items, you bet!:)

Brandon, I type the way I type as all or most Brothers know it is called Earp Speak!

I use CAPITALS for emphasis!

I also typo very well and have clutchy fingers!:) I was not an English major!:)

But I have the same thing in common as all of My Brothers, "THE LOVE OF LXA"!:D

For those Brothers who may not go then maybe they should and see the IHQ!

If Brother Mike Raymond says He is received well, I will say that anyone who comes to IHQ will be received the same way!

I have never heard of anyone turned away.

We are LXA as Brothers.

If anyone wishes to look on GCs ee how much action is on LXA Thread!:D

Huge, cause we are The Best!

I think that there are many schools of thought on this topic.

There are some brothers/chapters that really embrace the national fraternity/HQ/history of the entire fraternity attitude. Usually that same attitude carries out to the whole chapter.

Then there are other brothers/chapters that embrace a more localized approach. A lot of the New England chapters fall (or fell) into this category during my time. At Gamma Zeta, we were always more concerned about our local history. Of course, we did have a long history so it was easier to get excited about it.

Some brothers view HQ as "Mecca", while others just don't care. I appreciate LXA history in several ways, first I am a history freak and love early 1900 historical items, secondly I love local history, I have studied the local history of where (Amherst/Springfield) I live and it just so happens LXA is part of it.

I guess part of it is being from New England. Everyday we drive to work or go shopping, and most of the time we pass by dozens of historical sites. We can actually be where the Revolutionary War started, walk the Freedom Trail, see where the Pilgrims landed, and on and on. History to me is being in the place, feeling the items.

After the 20's and 30's, when LXA history shifts from the New England area, I am just not interested. Most brothers will never make it to HQ. It doesn't make them any more or LESS of a brother than those that have made it.

I think it is important not to judge other brothers by their love, or hate of our history.

I find this very interesting!

Yes, IHQ is the home of LXA. Yes, many place emphasis on the local basis. But the leadership comes from a central point and that goes back again to IHQ in Indianopolis.

While Indy is not in the center of LXA Zetas, it was back then when the Zetas were closer and fewer along with tax breaks.

Would I love to see it closer to the center of the Zetas, that would bve in Kansas City and I could work with the saved history.

Will it happen, I doubt it.

But, many have gone to IHQ and enjoyed the experience as some of us did!:D

Would I go back, You bet!

I would want into the Basement and go crazy!:D

They would have to send the SWAT Team in to get me!:)

That's just the thing Tom. We always felt leadership didn't come from HQ, but from within our Zeta. We always felt there was a disconnect between HQ and the chapters. Maybe it was because of the physical distance? Maybe we didn't get as much attention due to our size? We never really could afford as a chapter to go to all the conferences and meetings.

We just never thought HQ ever really understood our particular situation. And I wouldn't expect them to, especially with 100's of other zetas, they cannot be specific to each one.

Just remember, some zeta's had the ability and resources to grow close with HQ, while others never had that benefit.

I also think that at the time before email and electronic communication, there was a communications breakdown with HQ and the chapters. Some of you youngsters have to remember that back in 98 and 97, we didn't have the ability to email or electronically fill out forms.

Today it is so much easier to contact HQ and get the necessary resources.

A Zeta that is not close to HQ is not a bad Zeta. A Zeta that is close to HQ is not a good Zeta. We all adapt to what is available and what is best for our brotherhood, chapter and university.

I totally relate on many of those points and at one point did agree them all at some point, some I still do. I was raised to not entirely trust nationals because and I will swear to this, the first week I was an AM LCAP decided kick us out of our house. I know this is a touchy subject around here and I have elaborated previously. I was raised from the start after this very traumatizing event that nationals did not receive our chapter all that well.

Since becoming an officer and having a lot more contact with nationals, and by no means is this trying to contradict you, I have come to several conclusions:
1. If nationals isin't paying special attention you, you are doing something right, or you aren't doing anything all that bad.

2. You can't just expect nationals to telepathically know when you need help, you have to ask. Everyone at nationals so far that I have talked are all great brothers and really truly do want to help or they wouldn't be there.

3. In addition to above, HQ has a bunch of resources to help chapters out, many of which brothers don't take advantage of. Its amazing how much help you can get with a friendly email. Odds are the guys who are there at one point needed help themselves and can sympathize.

Commenting on the technology aspect, I happened to have personally talked to Jason Pearce on the phone a few weeks back about several things. He went into detail about the new website he is designing, and from the mental image I formed it will most likely revolutionize the way brothers, zetas, and HQ collaborates. And based on my knowledge of todays internet, this will be like nothing any other fraternity currently has, that I know of. Picture a world where there is a single website that all Zeta's and brothers will have appropriate access to LCA's database of 250,000+. Everything will be integrated and communication with alumni will be as easy as type, click, send.

He got me pretty excited about it, and you could tell from the way he was talking he was extremely excited about its potential.

Dever, all your points are true. For #2 and #3, it is a little different from where we came from.

HQ is fine for most of the chapters, the larger one's, primarily in the south to mid-west. They have a general plan and resources that are fine for the majority of chapters. It's not an issue of them wanting to help, just sometimes they can't help.

Umass-Amherst was a little "unique". When our numbers were on the low end, we did ask HQ for help and they did respond positively. They sent out one of their best recruiters for 1 or 2 weeks, can't remember. The recruiter did EVERYTHING in their book, cold called people, spent days just randomly going up to guys and started talking, make little cards, and on and on. He did a great job trying to recruit. However, we didn't get a single guy from his 2 weeks trying to recruit.

He was a great guy, but the way he was trained and his tactics given to him by HQ simply did not work at our campus. If he was in Iowa, I'd say yeah, they probably would work great. But having a mixture of prissy Long Island guys, stoned out hippie men, Massholes, and kids from Southie Boston, all of whom never had any intention on joining a frat in the first place, is not the group you randomly go up to on their way to class and turn on the southern charm.

About 90% of the people I witnessed him go up to thought he were hitting on them (Umass has a big gay population). Actually, his first week there was "Coming Out Week" and they had "Queerfest".

It's not HQ's fault. They are in charge of 200 Zeta's. We never expected them to have an individualized game plan for us.

It's almost impossible to apply a generalized theory primarily aimed at campuses of 50-75% greek from the South or Mid-West and apply it to a 2% greek university in the Northeast.

When I was active, we really never got any "leadership" from HQ. We got orders, rules, books, notices, phone calls, evaluations, and on and on. But we never got LEADERSHIP.

We never had anyone outside of our chapter to inspire us. We never had a reason to care who was on the GHZ, or the executive board. It never mattered to us, just tell us where to send the checks and when our next ELC visit is.

We never had anyone from HQ inspire us to reach beyond our own chapter and become a part of the national LXA.

Honestly, I don't know what, if anything, could have been done to change that. I'm just telling you how we feel. Getting the C and C every few months, or a new Paed just isn't inspirational.

The reality is that some chapters, like ours, just will never fit the national mold or image. That is why I will always be a big supporter of regional offices, and dismante HQ to just a leadership board, and give the power to the area offices.

But we need it NOW not in two or three more years. Indy has had plenty of time to fix the problem.

Ive heard the same sentiment expressed by several of my guys when I say there is going to be a new website coming out soon. I don't want to publicly pressure him by giving a date, but from what I understand its quite soon.

Theres a reason the confederate government didn't work, a lack of a strong central government along with a bunch of states doing whatever they wanted and no way to enforce it. Regional offices would be nice, and perhaps may or may not give chapters more face time. Thing with regional offices is that how many do you expect they have? 1 for each state, 1 for each of the main US regions like the judicial system? I still think you would have the same problems if not more with that plan. Regional offices would mean fewer people on staff because of obvious budgetary problems, I have a feeling it would just make things worse. All that and the fact that it would take years to convert. You think nationals moves slow now? Wait till they are trying to setup a bunch of regional governments and continue with daily business.

Sorry for focusing on just one of your points. As far as the other stuff goes I can totally relate, there seemed to be quarters where nationals was about ready to give up on us and there was the sentiment that they outright didn't like us because of past transgressions well before I was alive. I talked to my ELC recently and he kinda set me straight on the whole issue. Basically he figures the turnover policy at nationals is just that, by the time you are halfway through college there are already all new faces on staff for the most part. Some positions this is not true for of course. Perhaps you got a bad few years, and I cant say that you didn't because you were there I wasn't. Perhaps this is me being optimistic for the future, maybe because my young age and lack of experience.

I can also relate to your problem with the national image, in the opposite way. Ohio State is very much the national image, perhaps we are not? We have always had that problem I suppose. Thats a lot of the appeal I had joining, we just weren't the average fraternity.

Different for everyone I guess. I have seen support drastically increase since Ive been here, and thats just personally. A lot of it is because I actively go look for support, I can't badmouth nationals as long as they have been supportive of everything since I have been asking.