[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

The bottom line is that what works for other fraternities and sororities and even among different chapters of the same organization, might not work for your chapter.

We each have different ideals, chapter history, and ways of doing things. I would gather that no two pledge programs are exactly the same, even in the strictest I/National organization.

This is really something that you need to discuss with members and advisers of YOUR chapter. There really isn't much we, the general population of GC can tell you in terms of what will work for your chapter. Create a committee of older and newer actives. Poll all members on what worked well during their pledge period, and what didn't, and why. You can do it anonymously so that people don't worry about towing a different line.

I agree that he needs to do the things that you suggest. But I fail to see how nothing can be learned from what other chapters do. I fail to see why it's so terrible to at least look at things have worked in other chapters and them evaluate whether those things, or something inspired by those things, would work in his chapter.

Originally Posted by DrPhil

This is HIS chapter of HIS organization and he's inadequate enough to need stranger nonmembers' advice. Yet HE thinks he can direct the conversation. Yeah I think he needs to contact his national headquarters and/or members from other chapters. They are the only ones who should care enough to help his chapter and help his chapter IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORGANIZATION'S GUIDELINES.

Just because that's how it would be done in your organization does not mean it can't be done differently in other organizations.

Unless his organization discourages it, I simply don't see anything wrong with looking everywhere possible for ideas.

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

It looks like the OP is already familiar with a non-hazing program that works (HIS OWN). That, along with his national rules and procedures, should give him enough to come up with something for the new chapter.

. . .

I'm not sure what else he wants from us.

He wants to hear the experiences of those who have been in a chapter when it moved from hazing to not hazing -- something he doesn't have personal experience with because his chapter of initiation was already non-hazing.