[Alumiyum]

I'll start from end and work backwards.

We are very secretive in a lot of the inner working but since i'm not saying names here i don't have a problem saying stuff but we do not tell them how much dues are. however we tell them they are less then the 1 other main fraternities dues. (they are pretty much public knowledge, $300ish) The thing is, 99% of the people that end up passing the pledging process pay dues, 2 or 3 semesters later they decide to stop. Not having money is rarely the reason not to pay. Coming up with $70 or $80 once a semester is pretty easy for most people. I know Alumni have paid for people that honestly can't pay.


I would suggest being upfront about the amount of dues. I can't see how that would hurt the fraternity. When PNM's go through rush (and I realize that I am in a sorority, but this part of the whole experience isn't that different) one of the most frequently asked questions is "How much?". If you're worried about explaining what goes where because that might reveal things the fraternity wants to keep between brothers then say that. But I'd suggest saying exactly how much they'll be expected to fork over a month/semester. And when you rush, it might help to start addressing this. When pledges go through, tell them how much they'll need to pay and what happens if they don't, and then come up with those "if they don't"s. Eventually new classes will think it's the norm to pay on time. It's even worse that they don't even have a reason for not paying.

Not paying for no reason means they don't respect your brotherhood. Tell them that. It doesn't matter that it sounds harsh, it's the truth. If brotherhood is what it's about then responsibility to the fraternity should be a priority and that does include financial support along with attendance and attitude. It's really great that your alumni pay for people that can't. That's a great way to handle it, but I'd also suggest having some process in place for determining whether people who can't pay really can't pay. (If that's ever been a problem)/

What our dues goes towards is pretty much pledging, and that is all we need them for, events that invite outside guests normally generate money so at most they will just need money to be fronted.

In that case I suggest that you tell brothers who are disrespectful to their fraternity (and yes, word it like that if the situation is this dire) they are not to participate in pledging events or to show up at parties. Then find officers that you KNOW have the balls to enforce this keep an eye out for them at these events. Don't fall back on alums.

We are based in NYC and we pay for the entire pledging process. Our pledging process is a little different then most. We attract pledges with a sudo rush week and then anyone who wants to continue pledging takes the oath and we start the real process which is 9 major events from teh second or third week of school till the end of the semester. Over this time we drop pledges that don't fit.

The money goes towards food for about 35 or 40 people at 3 of these events. metro cards ($4.50 each event per pledge) for 3 events for pledges, liquor for 50 people for 2 of the events, and a few things here or there. Also a pin and shirt for each pledge that makes it to the last event.

overall the process costs between 1350 to 1500 depending on the semester, and size of class ect... Some alumni do donate money and we thank them for it. They also donate their houses for a party 2 times a semester. So we would not be able to survive very well without them however do don't require money from them.

Remind your brothers how much these alumni help. Ask them, wouldn't they rather support themselves? Again, some of this stuff will make you feel like you're being an asshole, but it needs to be said.

At most, we have 50 to 100 left over at the end of pledging but other times we are negative. (we have saved up a bit of a treasury, a few hundred to cover this)

As far as telling them not to come to open social events, it's pretty easy and they respect that or at least they pay the non greek cover but people have a problem telling their friend or roommate even, "sorry i know this is the pledging ceremony, but you didn't pay you can be here, go home" (the ceremony is followed by the second party)

Tell them too bad. Initiation and pledging ceremonies are extremely important-more important, really, than the parties. If they can't support the brotherhood financially then they can't be part of it. I'd try using the term "suspension". In a lot of organizations members who don't make financial requirements (because they are forgetful or irresponsible, not because they actually can't) are suspended from privileges for the following semester. Tell them they can appreciate you not doing that and instead suspending them until they pay what they owe.

In a very large group, say 90 people this is a lot different then say 30 people that are active members still int eh school.

Dedication as a whole seems to be wavering a bit, so i'm really looking for any suggestions that could help. I will continue to try and push either no entery or an entry fee for those that didn't pay due.

Thank you

An entry fee isn't helpful. If they can pay for a party then they can certainly pay dues. Honestly, if my sisters were doing that I'd be hella pissed off. That's in your face saying "I don't care enough to be part of this organization, I just care enough to party". What's the point in having people with that attitude in a brotherhood? If they don't realize that's what they're saying, tell them. Help them understand.

Every time my chapter had a come to jesus meeting with sentiments like these being voiced it seemed to help morale and support. Pick someone who the brothers as a whole both LIKE and RESPECT. It needs to be someone who you think they will not just listen to but change for. Ask everyone to be honest: is it the brotherhood that's important or the social life. Some of them might not even realize they aren't all that serious about the brotherhood part. Have a popular alum come and talk about what the fraternity means to them. Do that cheesy cliche stuff. And then ENFORCE.

I would definitely suggest, though, that each pledge class that comes through after this be taught that dues are NOT optional and brotherhood is more important than booze and booty. Even if the current brothers don't really shape up, the chapter will get where it needs to be in the future.