[emb021]

Just as a comparision (keep in mind APO has no houses, so things like insurance, et al, doesn't enter into it).

Our fees:
Pledge Fee- $20
Initation fee- $35
Annual Active Membership Dues- $15

What do we get in return?
(this is actually given fully in our pledge manual)

Pledge welcome card.
Membership card & shingle.
Graduating senior gift.
National magazine sent free to all chapters (in bundles of 10, chapters say how many they need)
Chapter bulletin and other mailings sent to all chapters.
ALL National publications (brochures, bylaws, rituals, pledge manuals, etc) FREE to chapters (they just need to pay for postage)
National leadership development workshops (chapters must get minimum attendees, but there is no cost to chapters. presenter/fraternity pickes up cost to come and present, including travel, housing, handouts, and certificates)
Subsidized weekend leadership development workshops during summer (4-5 offered, cost kept low for students)

Don't know about other fraternities, but we have always provided a breakdown of our national budget annually in our national magazine, making in clear were the money comes from (and how much), and were the money is going to (and how much). So its real clear in terms of what is generating the most funds and were it all goes.

Also, like most GLOs, we have an endowement we work to increase. The more money we can generate from our endowement, the less we have to rely on student fees (which may not meet our goals/expectations), or have to increase those fees.

hope this helps.