KSigUNC, you said that others were quick to judge but have not done anything but complain, and have not picked up a phone, organized and worked, or donated resources, etc. I would say that the first error there is that you assumed that I for one haven't volunteered, or picked up a phone, etc. At least in my case you really couldn't be more off base.
And I don't want to speak for anyone else but some of the people (not just two) who have been critical have generally spoken about a lack of responsiveness from some higher ups, and given some pretty concrete examples. More importantly at least regarding my own comments, I have never been just critical but have also spoken positively, spoken in defense of what is good and I have offered ideas and positive examples of actions being taken inside and outside of the fraternity.
Whether the criticism or examples used are fair or valid is up to others to determine but I know I have not agreed on all criticisms posted here myself. I think your assessment is just as valid as anyone else's and I would never take the approach that the way to make things better is to stifle criticism. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. In fact I am always cautious of institutions or people who feel that the best way to deal with any concerns or differences of opinion is not to discuss them, particularly where others might be able to follow the discussion. (That may be somewhat hypocritical of me since I have avoided topics and made mention of others in such a way that only those who are very familiar with the fraternity and its history may be able to understand.)
I don't worry about the conversations scaring off prospects. The best prospects want to know the good and bad. They (hopefully) aren't joining because they want some Greek letters, the chance to say they belong to something and to know a handshake; they want to invest and get something back in a living brotherhood.
If they hear the bad later they are apt to feel more annoyed (and disenchanted) even if they are gung-ho now. It will be the critically thinking pledges of today who will say for instance, "our chapter alumni or area alumni are not really active so we should reach out and get things going" or "we should have better support or plans for housing improvement so we should ask around for best practices among GLO's and share them with our chapters."
At certain sites or groups I see more hostility and negativity without constructive alternatives offered. That does alarm me. There should not be that level of hostility and frustration towards (and from) the leadership and each other. It seems like in many cases people are talking past each other, instead of hearing concerns, ideas, suggestions, and finding constructive solutions.
I would argue that your exhortation that alumni should get more involved here on this public forum is exactly the sort of thing, coupled with action, that makes positive change! Without discussion, comparisons and criticism there is no possible plan for improvement, and without implementing the plan there is no improvement.
I would also add that Stu, (who has not agreed on everything I stated and vice versa) is obviously committed to KS, well informed about Kappa Sig and the world of fraternities in general. He has done a service for me at least, in sharing information and prodding for still more. Even when I disagree with his sentiments I feel heartened to read that someone cares so much about a better future and
truly being "second to none" that he is not satisfied with the status quo.
I really wanted this reply to be general but I can't resist the one specific quote because I think you are on target, i.e.,
"One of the reasons so many of our colonies struggle is because we can't get any alumni to stand up and remember their obligations." That has been one of my chief topics addressed and I think you do us all a favor by addressing it here. But I also think that there needs to be a more robust framework formally and informally. I would suggest the latter as well because the former is the perfect way to get bogged down with extra fees, strangling policies, politics, and all the other great things that come with such bureaucracies; (and why "depend on that which has not yielded the thing before"?)
Funny thing is UNC, if you had a blog or forum discussing your thoughts, successes and challenges with your activities at your (very fine) chapter in Colorado and that region it would probably exponentially motivate and inform a bunch more people to follow suit and attract a bunch of prospects. If you do though, keep it anonymous so that the "higher ups" don't come down on you, just in case you get a little critical.
OH YEAH, AND SEASON'S GREETING Kappa Sigs at University of Northern Colorado and Everyone Else Out there!