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Originally Posted by brightblue
I'm saying I don't like doing business with organizations that don't have some level of participative leadership. I can't wholeheartedly support organizations that are operated from a top-down perspective. The issue is I have trouble giving money or time to an organization that isn't seeking to improve based on input from its stakeholders, who are alumni and undergraduates. I'm not asking for them to come calling me personally, but I would be more willing to support them if they offered everyone that opportunity.
Being four hours away from the nearest chapter has been the only thing that has kept me from interacting in that way.
And because the magazine seems extremely conservative in who they write about, it makes me wonder if the organization itself is that conservative. I haven't seen that the organization has changed much in the last 10 years as far as their programs for undergraduates, and that concerns me. It seems pretty obvious that they're not progressive.
As far as your question about if some NIC fraternities are more liberal or more conservative than others, I don't know the answer to that one. Maybe someone here does. I haven't seen a list anywhere, but I would bet that some lean more one way or the other. I'd be curious to know.
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There is no list. NIC fraternities are not liberal or conservative. However, individual members of the GLO may be.
When I was an undergrad, we had brothers who were members of the Young Democrats and brothers who were members of College Republicans. And those that were Independents. Other chapters were the same. Politics aside, some chapter members went on to be employed in what may be viewed as “conservative” fields of work. While others went on to work in “liberal” fields. As an alumnus, I still see both “views” being represented within my fraternity and other GLOs as well.
I do understand your point of view and how it may be frustrating for you.
Between family and friends, I would guess I have read 10 to 15 different GLO magazines within the past year alone. (Not regularly, but picked it up while visiting etc.) And more than 15 when it comes to checking out websites for various reasons. Generally speaking, many of the articles and updates I have seen might fall within the “conservative” side of life. But that does not mean that the GLO – as a whole – is “conservative”. Just that the article might be of a "conservative" bent.
From what I have seen, at some point in the magazine there is some sort of solicitation by the GLO for updates by their members. Maybe “How ABC made me a better man”, or “What were your favorite brotherhood moment as an undergrad?” The point here is that it is now up to the individual members to decide if they want to submit something or not. If the only articles / replies being received are of a “conservative” nature, then that is all the fraternity has to work with.
So what to do?
To help ease some of your frustration, I would suggest that you contact your fraternity regarding your GLO’s publications to see what are the policies regarding submission of articles etc. Once you have this information, you may have a better idea as how you would like to continue – and at what level - your involvement with your fraternity. Maybe they are looking for other points of view. You may not know unless you ask.
Best of luck on this. Remember that there are other members out there that may have the same beliefs as you. But for the time being, it may be up to you to make that voice known. Don't wait for someone else to speak for you.