[Kevin]

Hazing occurs mostly due to tradition. It only takes 4 years to start a new tradition.

Many HQ's are coming up with non-hazing alternatives -- national chapter programming to help chapters to break with the old. I actually enjoy the fact that we have a great deal in common with Sigma Nu chapters all over the country as a result of our national LEAD program.

It's true... many chapters are still deep-rooted in tradition.. they're no less my brothers but I think that hazing really holds back the real potential of a group.

You should accept that there are viable alternatives to hazing. Some specific examples..

To build teamwork have your new members participate in a ropes course program. There are certainly challenging situations here but they are generally much more supportive environments. I don't recognize the need to tear a man down before you can build him up.

To help understand the value of hard work: require the new member group to hold their own fund raisers for their own initiation costs.. Have them ***COORDINATE*** a party -- by this I mean administrative, assign duties to initiated members. Have them take charge (while being looked over) of homecoming and/or Greek Week.

I guarantee you.. if you execute the above two items as well as following national programming while providing opportunities for new members to develop as leaders and as followers you will do well.