Quote:
Originally posted by ariesrising
I am asking more in the sense that the person joined not knowing that it wasn't real, so was somewhat duped into thinking they were a real member?
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Yes, exactly so.
Our National Office has been contacted by people who were 'inducted' into underground chapters wanting to become Life Members. We check our records and since we have no record of them, and since they joined 'underground' chapter, so sorry, but they are not brothers.
(And realize that since these underground chapters were once legit, they probably have ritual books and such, and running these people thru the standard rituals. But since one of the big reasons that chapters get shutdown (in almost any org) is hazing, they are probably engaging in that behavior as well.)
A similiar issue is caused by chapters who fail to send in their paperwork and fees for those they initiate. When you get initiated, you receive (via the chapter, who receives these from National) your membership card and certificate. I've met some actives who seemed to be in this situation. If something were to happen to their chapter (it goes under, whatever), and this situation isn't correct, they too, would not be considered Brothers. We've had articles in our national magazine regarding this, because it, too, is a problem.