[DeltaPyrite]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Like I said, I've heard that song before, and it isn't to the tune of our Toast Song.

Ah, that's good to know. When I was reading those lyrics they fit in with the Toast Song tune, so I just assumed...

I just think when you change the word "brother" to "friend" or "member" or "true to" you're making a very important statement, and IMO it's not that "we are gender inclusive" - it's "this is a club, not a fraternity." I feel the same way about some of the things in my sorority, FWIW - there are times when we say "member" when I really think we should say (and mean) "sister."

I guess that's where we disagree. I don't think calling each other "Brother" and referring to ourselves as "men of Alpha Phi Omega" and "brothers" are what make us a fraternity rather than a club. I don't think it's a semantic distinction. It's the fellowship and brotherhood between members. That relationship itself, along with our ideals, our letters, and our ritual are what, in my mind, set us apart from clubs. That's actually how we pitch the fraternity to prospective members. There is another service organization on campus, but we distinguish ourselves from them by explaining the fellowship/fraternity aspect, which TUVAC can't offer.

NONE propose change/removing "Brothers".

Actually, for the record, my chapter does sing "Brothers clasp the hands of sisters." I know a lot of people here loathe that particular change, and I understand why. But it's the lyric I've sung every week since joining, so I am rather attached to it.