National versus Local Fraternities

SigTau148 · #1 04-07-2002, 11:48 PM

I'm in a national fraternity and there is some debate within my chaper that it would be beneficial to us disassociate from nationals and become an independent local chapter. I was hoping someone could give me some information or advice on whether it would be beneficial or detrimental to the members of my chaper. Thanks

33girl · #2 04-08-2002, 12:02 AM

It depends a lot on your campus. Some campuses are accepting of the idea of local organizations and some are not. Even if every other reason to go local is great, if it doesn't go over with the students on the campus it will fail. Also locals are just plain not allowed at some campuses.

Corbin Dallas · #3 04-08-2002, 01:52 AM

Also, you need to think about why you want to do this, and what the repercussions will be. Will your alumni stop supporting you, do they support you now...? Are you wanting to change solely for the social aspects, ie drinking rules, party rules, etc? One major bad side I can see to it is insurance. I imagine it's hard to come by if you're a local, and also, do you have a house, and if so who owns it? all things to think about. good luck, no matter what your decision

LeslieAGD · #4 04-08-2002, 08:30 AM

This subject was touched on before...check out this thread for more advice:

http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...local+national

Here's my $.02:
First of all I have a lot of respect for locals (we have three on my campus), but when you're in a national GLO, you have the support of HQ and you also have a brotherhood/sisterhood that extends to other chapters. When you're in a local, you don't...and if you begin to have problems within your chapter, there isn't that larger connection to keep you from walking out.

SigTau148 · #5 04-08-2002, 01:38 PM

Thank you for your replies. I have had several long, heated arguments with the members of my chapter that are pushing for our disassociation and basically they have two main points. One, it will be cheaper because we won't have to pay national dues. Two, they feel that our nationals do not support us (financially) so why should affiliate ourselves with them. We have over 100 members and are the largest chapter in our region. However we were just recolonized in 1993 and rechartered in 1995 (we had been banned by the university for 25 years in 1968) I have my own counters to each of these arguments but I am curious as to what you all would have to say. Appreciate the input greatly, because I have to give a presentation on it to my chapter this week. THANKS. I'll take personal emails as well -

- Tony
AD-Florio@wiu.edu

KDHoney · #6 04-08-2002, 01:42 PM

Just an input from the sorority side...all the GLOs on our campus went national at the same time this fall. There are some differences (the rules are more strict, or at least more enfoced), we now have formal recruitment, etc. But most people agree that the benefits of being associated with a national organization, having that support, and having sisters/brothers at other universities outweigh any downside.

Corbin Dallas · #7 04-08-2002, 02:23 PM

Since you were just recolonized not even 10 years ago, I would think that disaffiliating would really piss off your alumni post recolonization. I figure it's safe to assume you don't hear much from the preban folks though.

I think that, along with the insurance argument, and seeing what the school has to say would be good arguments in favor of keeping your charter.

Tom Earp · #8 04-08-2002, 04:13 PM

I can agree with all of the Others having started a Local and the affiliating with LXA!

My chapter had a thing with International years back and wanted to disassociate and there would have been hell to pay!

With the situation economically, your dues pay for more than they think! Do you get a magazine, a web site, visitations, etc.

I would say because of RISK MANAGEMENT, the Insurance is astronomical! Do you think as a local if some one in the Chapter as a local does something stupid that you cant get sued? Everyone is Sue Happy these days! I dont mean Billy Sue either!

I am taking for granted as you list ST that it is STG. I do not know what area you are in or what the situation is at you school so cannot speak from Pure Knowledge! I do not put down locals as I was one and many good Greeks on this site are local.

Yes, sometimes you get pissed with your National, but again as Corbin Dallas says, what about your Alums, Your House, and your standing in the Greek Community!

All young blood boils at times, but think about it logically!

Run a line down the middle of a Big Cheif Tablet and put the +'s and -'s on it and see what yur come up with!

What ever the decision, I hope you and your Brothers make the correct one, you will have to live with it always!