Okay, after looking at the links provided by PhiPsi Russ, I've decided I want to know more about the first hand experiences of these programs, and how the people that are actually being affected by these programs.
I am a Man of Principle
I believe in the power of the mind, cultivating my own intellect and the minds of others.
I respect leadership, lead when called upon to do so,
and help to prepare the leaders who will come after me.
I willingly lend my talents and abilities to the service of my community.
I recognize and respect the worth of each person, refusing to take part in activities that
undermine the dignity of others or myself.
I choose to act responsibly, weighing the consequences of my action on those around me.
I speak honestly and listen actively.
I seek the company of other men of principle, extending them the bonds of brotherhood.
I build bridges, not walls.
I am a Beta.
The
Men of Principle Initiative was started with the formation of a Strategic Vision Steering Committee composed of not only Beta Alumni, but also Beta Collegeians and non Betas including the executive director of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, the former President of Miami University, a past president of Delta Gamma sorority, and a former executive director of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This task force created the Vision, Mission and Goals of the Initiative
The Mission and Vision of the Men of Principle Initiative
The 9 Goals of the Men of Principle Initiative Click on each goal for a description at the top of the page.
Implementation of the Men of Principle Initiative
In order for a chapter to partner, 80% of the chapter must vote in favor of partnering with the initiative, as well as having 100% of the required 5 person advisory team support partnering.
In 1998, the chapters at Nebraska, Georgia and Pennsylvania were chosen as pilot chapters for the initiative (all were in the process of reorganizing I believe).
How the Initiative works:
Kickoff weekends: Each fall, at all partnered chapters across the country, Kickoff weekends are held. Representatives from the General Fraternity travel to facilitate these retreats. At these retreats, there are generally two sessions (they used to be 2 day events, but have since been condensed in to 1 day). The first session usually splits the pledges and the actives. The activities usually involve some sort of ritual review for the initiated members, and some sort of education about the fraternity for the pledges. Usually a pretty good time. The second session is usually a goal planning session, where in terms of the 9 goals of the initiative, the chapter chooses tasks that they will accomplish for the upcoming year. These are decided on by the chapter so their is a high level of ownership and very specific to each chapter.
Mid Year retreats:
In January and Februrary, there is a mid year retreat - mainly for execs - to do a basic status check and make sure progress is being made.
Other resources exist for all chapters, and partnering typically just increases the access and liklihood of use of these resources. According to the Initiative's Website, 95% of all MOP resources are available to every chapter, regardless of partnered status.
The resources are highly varied but notably include the following two experiential experiences:
The Institute: a 5 day intense leadership experience focusing on the principles and obligations of being a Beta. I think it's three phases: Living the Ritual, Leading Change, and Leaving a Legacy.
The Beta Wilderness Challenge: 7 day high adventure backpacking/camping experience in the mountains of Utah. Very intense, they perform the ritual on a the top of a mountain.
Numerous scholarships to UIFI and FuturesQuest also probably count as resources.
Finally, all new colonies are developed through the use of Men of Principle, creating partnered chapters without the vote.
Lastly, I should point out, that in comparison to the other programs I read about, Men of Principle is not just a member education program. This is really focuses on creating change and improvement in chapters by creating and mediating the examination of what each chapter can do to become better.