Sorry, but I just have to play devil's advocate here...
Did you join your GLO to drink and party or because you wanted to experience sisterhood/brotherhood, a supportive scholastic atmosphere, an opportunity to serve your community and a home away from home.
I do not argue the fact that if you are of-age, you do have the legal right to drink. However, as a member of a GLO you have a bigger responsibility to the whole - both the international and your local members. Not everyone is mature and responsible and yes, those of us that are pay the price for those that aren't. Maybe by acting as leaders instead of outraged young adults, you can help change the behavior of those that have 'ruined it for everyone else'.
Until then, alumnae and national organizations such as the NPC and NIC need to do something to preserve the reputation of GLOs, to insure that there will be GLOs in the future and make the GLO safe and affordable for everyone. Look at Dartmouth, Bowdoin and other campuses that are eliminating GLOs in their entirety. It's because they do not feel that the reputation and example these people set is suitable for their campus. Why is that? Step outside the box and look at it from their perspective. And before you even go there, yes, the drinking problem in dorms and off-campus is just as bad. But those people aren't running around campus with letters on their chest that easily identify them as members of a GLO.
Have you noticed that of all the Greeks, that BGLO and LGLO groups have the least amount of problems with this sort of thing? It's because they take extreme pride in themselves and their organization's reputation - both locally and nationally. The 'mainstream' GLOs could learn a lot from them.
I'll step off my soapbox now...
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Fraternally,
Barbara
Zeta Tau Alpha Alumna
If you have to go around telling everyone you're in charge you're not much of a leader.
[This message has been edited by PnguinTrax (edited June 23, 2000).]
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