[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Summary
The badge of Gamma Phi Beta is an outward symbol of our Sorority and, as such, it should be more important than other pieces of jewelry a member owns. The Badge Task Force was formed to look at the specific problem of our badge showing up for sale on eBay (and other secondary markets such as estate sales) and what, if anything, we could do to minimize the occurrences. We found that a lack of knowledge is the largest cause of the problem.

Background
In October 2002, a Task Force was formed to research the issue of our badge showing up on eBay. It began when three members were conversing through the Gamma Phi Beta Bulletin Board regarding concern that our badge was increasingly showing up for sale on eBay and ending up in the hands of collectors. A group soon formed to determine why this was occurring and what, if anything, we could do about it.

In researching this problem, we first focused on the attitudes our members have about their badge as well as the information they remember from their new member education period. We began by surveying our membership in late 2002 to gauge where the root of the problem was so we could better focus our efforts and recommendations. Trying to buy every badge that shows up on the secondary market is not the answer, it is far too costly and we really have little control over it. We must work from within our organization to change the attitudes of our members and keep our badge in the hands of Gamma Phi’s from the beginning.

It soon became quite evident that the largest problem we needed to overcome was a lack of knowledge on the part of our members about most aspects of our badge, including what should be done with the badge upon a member’s death. Our members know what type of attire to wear with it (no jeans), and when not to wear it (when drinking), but they do not know (or remember) much else.

Accomplishments

1) We have set up a procedure for tracking badges as they appear on eBay and attempting to find the original owner.

2) We have developed a database of Gamma Phi Beta’s who are active on eBay so that we can track who is bidding and attempt to keep members from bidding against each other.

3) We have created a list of members who have lost their badge or have had it stolen. With this information we can try to reunite badges that we find on eBay with the original owner, if possible.

4) We have an auto-response sent to members who contact IH through the Web site. A number of members have contacted IH through the website regarding badges they see on ebay. In conjunction with Megan McDermott at IH, we developed a response that Megan automatically sends out when she gets these types of inquiries. The response thanks the member for letting us know and directs them to the Crescent Catcher email address.

5) Historical Criteria has been set. The following criteria has been developed and adopted by International Council (spring 2004):

Badges produced prior to 1945
A collegiate chapter charter member
All jeweled badges
Grand Council and International Council badges

If the badge is not produced before 1945 or a Grand Council/IC badge at least two of the above criteria must be met.

6) There is a segregated forum on the Gamma Phi Beta Web site Bulletin Board for all Badge Task Force information. This has helped us keep control of the issue when we have badges appear on eBay and members want to bid on them. It also gives us one place for posting messages when we are looking for the original owners.

7) We have changed the name to “Crescent Catchers”. The educational aspects that were recommended have been passed on to the departments and the Crescent Catchers now focus on badges found on ebay.

8) Improved Educational information from IH
The Alumna Initiate material has been updated.
The Senior Celebration material has been updated.
Information will be included in the fall officers packet. Information has been added to New Member Manual (collegian).

9) Badges that have been “saved” by the Crescent Catchers

As of May, the Crescent Catchers have rescued 49 badges, of which six are historical, at a total cost of $2.206.49. Three badges have been returned to the original owner and two have been donated to the member's respective collegiate chapter for a President's badge.

In addition, we purchased a badge from Gamma Chapter (early 1900’s) directly from a collector who contacted us. We also discovered a badge on ebay which we learned had been stolen from the original owner a number of years ago. She pursued the situation with both the Kansas City Police Department as well as with ebay, but unfortunately was unable to have the auction ended due to a lack of official documentation on the robbery. We were, however, able to purchase the badge in the auction and return it to the member.

At convention we presented the President of Beta Pi with one of our most recent purchases (a Beta Pi badge) to be used as their President’s badge.