[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by 33girl

There wasn't a "punishment."

Like I said, I know not all chapters will punish NMs.

Originally Posted by 33girl

But as the years went by...the people who put forth the most effort, and the people who put forth the least, definitely seemed to stay along those lines - i.e. the girl who griped about having to go to pledge meetings was the girl who griped about having to go to active meetings or any other mandatory events.

I agree that the amount of participation from an individual tends to stay the same. Do you think that making an event/activity mandatory during the NM period would help make a NM more active in non-mandatory events after she is initiated?

Originally Posted by 33girl

And it WAS explained to them why they needed to do this - to get to know the sisters. I mean, who wouldn't want to get to know their sisters? I guess I don't understand WHY you would have to explain this. Have we really gotten to the point where we have to explain why it's important to know the people you're going to call your sisters the rest of your life?

I think it is more about the tone that the NM educator sets. Again, I am not arguing about the merits of the activity, but I think there are good and bad ways to do it.

Originally Posted by 33girl

I also don't know what the difference is between a "contest" and everyone having to do it - in a contest, someone wins, and she'll be praised more than the others, right? Wouldn't that be considered hazing too?

I don't think so. What is wrong with rewarding good behavior? Praising one new member for something doesn't cause psychological harm to another new member who doesn't get the praise.