[jonsagara]

If the issue is that critical, then it's time to call a special, chapter-wide meeting. Make it formal attire. Emphasize that the future existence of the chapter depends on their attendance AND input. It (LCA) has to mean something to them, or they'll just blow you off.

Some tips:
* Make invitations
* Hand-deliver the invitations to each individual member, dressed in formal attire
* Discuss all of the issues - make sure each person knows what is at stake

We were in a similar spot when I took over as Alpha. I laid out our future in plain and simple terms to the general membership: either we work our @$$es off and build the house back up, or we become an average 20-30 man fraternity on campus. That prospect must've scared the bejeezus out of them because they all came together, and now a year and a half later we're back up at 70 members and growing.

In our case, one main thing that worked for us was a change in rush philosophy. In the 2-3 years leading up to that point, we had rushed a bunch of "party guys," i.e., the majority of the membership was in it for the good time. Very few guys were willing to take the initiative and do extra work for the chapter. Starting last year, we emphasized getting members that work hard AND play hard. Now we have a large number of guys who are willing to put a lot of time into the fraternity and make it better. These new men were responsible for recruiting 32 men this past school year.

Look deep into the core of your chapter, and figure out what you and your brothers are all about. If you find the key ingredient(s) that need to change, then have the courage to change them, and you will be successful.

I wish you the best of luck. That is a scary position to be in.