Quote:
Originally posted by AGDee
I agree that it isn't clear whether numbers decline when chapters go dry. Sorority houses have been dry for decades, it's not a new thing and membership has it's ups and downs for many reasons.
I know of one chapter who was put on social probation and they could have mixers but only alcohol free mixers. The initial reaction was "none of the guys will want to party with us then". However, the fraternities on campus supported them through their difficult year, partied with them and some members even found out that you really can have fun without alcohol. Their numbers did NOT decline and their GPA rose!
Numerous studies have shown that the numbers of college students who engage in "binge drinking" (more than 5 drinks in a night) is on the rise but no organization can condone underage drinking or binge drinking. Perhaps some of the rules would be different if everybody drank responsibly, but unfortunately, that isn't the case.
GLOs have a lot more to offer than just doing community service and having study tables.. you're forgetting the most important thing, which is Sisterhood and Brotherhood. No other organization offers that!!!
Dee
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But the situations you're speaking of are not comparable to a system where the entire Greek system is dry. Sororities with girls who drink a lot don't mind having dry houses all that much right now because most of the time they can just go around the block to XYZ fraternity's house and drink there for free -- but if XYZ and all the other fraternities on Greek Row are dry too, then what? The sorority you speak of that was on social probation isn't comparable either, because same as in the previous example, they can go over to fraternity houses to drink if they want, not to mention the fact that it was a temporary occurence where they could all see the light at the end of the tunnel.
On a separate note, who says you can't find sisterhood or brotherhood outside of GLOs? I have a group of girls that I met in the dorms that are like sisters to me -- I know them better and get along with them better than I do with some of my Tri Delts. Let's stop kidding ourselves that sisterhood and brotherhood is something that has to be sealed in a ritual before it "counts."