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Completely agree with you. Here are a few more thoughts:
The Cornerstones are a definite step in the right direction. It is very important to be able to baseline a chapter's performance against these cornerstones and provide real, viable solutions for improvement. However, the Cornerstones need to be tempered with the True Pike Lifestyle. Many times, 18-22 year olds do not see the need to focus on things like "accountability", "continuing education", or see the need for participating in the "International Fraternity" as the Cornerstones stipulate. However, the True Pike Statement serves as the foundation on which these Cornerstones are based. The True Pike provides a framework for chapters to operate in. In fact, it would be good practice for each chapter to have new members (and old alike) agree to and sign the True Pike just as they sign the Standards.
It is by far a better choice to close up shop at a campus where there are problems and return in 3-5 years (or whenever) with a renewed sense of purpose. As we all know, whatever problems a chapter has, they can all be solved through a calculated and precise recruitment plan. Chapters with behavioral problems (hazing, alcohol abuse, fighting, lack of programming, etc.) simply aren't recruiting the right guys. I will content that on any campus, whether it has 5,000 or 50,000 students, there are enough good men to fill out a strong Pike chapter.
What is everyone's though about the standards that MHQ has put forth regarding awards: 50 men to be considered for an Excellence Award and 65 for a Smythe? My feelings are mixed. I like the idea in principle but down the road those who have a bad recruitment year might take the wrong type of guys to meet these numbers. The long-term effects could be bad, although again I believe these need to be weighed against things such as the Pike Recruitment Philosophy. For most chapters, simply tapping the source of the kind men they want to recruit will lead to great successes...unfortunately, many still recruit what shows up.
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