Representing your org vs. being an individual?

[kddani]

This isn't really a question with a clear answer. It's something that i've thought about for awhile, and decided to bring up because of recent events.

When is one representing their org versus just being an individual?

Is it the moment where you say to someone, i'm a KD, etc?

When does that "representation" turn off and on?

Some examples..... the Survivor winner Jenna (made it very clear what org she was a member in, wore several articles of her GLOs clothing and her luxury item was based on her GLO), Trishelle from Real World (not sure how public she was about her GLO affiliation), etc.

Some other examples that may have happened to you. For myself, KD has a national policy about giving statements on behalf of KD. However, it's not really clearly defined. Does this mean that I can never mention to a member of the media that I'm a KD? What if i'm wearing my lavalier or a shirt or something? If i'm commenting on something greek related and they ask for my affiliation, am I supposed to be like, oh, i can't tell you that. This happened to me with that NY Times article about pin collecting awhile back.... i made it clear to the reporter that I was NOT representing KD in anyway. When my HQ got wind of the fact that I even talked to the reporter, they were not happy. I had to ask her that my comments be left out of the story.

Definately full of grey areas... just wondering on other people's thoughts.

[texas*princess]

There are definately a lot of grey areas in this issue.

Concerning media like newspaper comments and things like that, our chapter policy (I'm not sure if this is a national ADPi policy) is that no members may make comments relating to or about ADPi except the president of the chapter, and I believe all those comments to the press that the president does make have to go through EO. (Although I'm really not sure on that last part) Any ADPi's out there that can help clear this up for me?

[The1calledTKE]

I know TKE doesn't want its chapters doing anything media related without permsion. I have seen several things on tv where TKE was used obviously even though they tried to fuzz stuff out on tv. I haven't heard of any of those chapters getting in trouble for it though. Don't know how strict it really is. I do know TKE has its own professional PR girl. Heather rocks!

[JerzeeBoy26]

you are ALWAYS representing your org. even if someone doesn't know that I am a Beta it isn't hard to get that information. look at ken lay at enron. the fact that he is a Beta is pretty well known among a lot of people and was even mentioned in the news a few times. the man is 45-50 years removed from the time that he wore greek tshirts. Its something that sticks with you through good times and bad. thats why one of the main responsibilities of Betas from the day they pledge is to know that your actions will from now till the end of your life reflect on your brothers. its just the way it is

[33girl]

I think that giving a statement "on behalf of" your org is very different than saying something on your own, and requires organized effort.

For example, if I go to a peace rally wearing my lavalier, or if I write a check to the NRA and my checks happen to have ASA letters on them, am I "representing my org"? No, not any more than I am representing all the other people in the world who share my last name, or all the other people from Pittsburgh.

But there's a fundraising event for PETA, and it's clearly displayed everywhere that snacks were donated by the Pittsburgh ASA alumnae chapter, then yes, our org is being represented. People will say "ASA supports PETA, I think PETA is great/sucks, therefore my opinion of ASA will follow accordingly."

[2blue]

Honestly, I am kinda paranoid when posting here on GC sometimes no matter the topic, whether or not it is on the visible or pm screen. How do I know if someone who is asking me questions is legitamate or seeking to cause trouble? Because of this, I don't always post even though I truly want to, like if I have a certain situation I want feedback on but I know that if I do, someone will recognize who I really am.

I love my organization and hope I never do anything to harm its reputation.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by texas*princess
There are definately a lot of grey areas in this issue.

Concerning media like newspaper comments and things like that, our chapter policy (I'm not sure if this is a national ADPi policy) is that no members may make comments relating to or about ADPi except the president of the chapter, and I believe all those comments to the press that the president does make have to go through EO. (Although I'm really not sure on that last part) Any ADPi's out there that can help clear this up for me?

FYI, the policy of Alpha Delta Pi is that no statement be given on their behalf except through Executive Office, nor can the name be used in any printed material without prior approval. This is why you're pretty much guaranteed to never see ADPi in a fictional book or whatever.

But as for a press release, usually the chapter president will clear it with the province president and just make sure it was in good taste. I was once interviewed for our school newspaper, and an alumna listened in (it was a roundtable discussion about Greek Life).

What do I think? Whether I like it or not, I am always representing several organizations, my church, etc. People will always make judgements based on what I do and what I say. I tell myself that it keeps me honest!

[texas*princess]

Originally posted by honeychile

But as for a press release, usually the chapter president will clear it with the province president and just make sure it was in good taste. I was once interviewed for our school newspaper, and an alumna listened in (it was a roundtable discussion about Greek Life).

Thanks honeychile! I was talking about press releases, not speaking on behalf of ADPi.. I should have been more detailed

[FuzzieAlum]

I think that at any time people are aware you are an XYZ, you have the ability to affect XYZ's image. For example, let's say I post on GC that I am just a total slut and all the GC men can come watch me play with my friends on my webcam. (Don't worry, ain't gonna happen!) I know you'd be thinking, "Gee, what a ho ... glad she isn't my sister!" At times when people are simply aware you are an XYZ, I believe your obligation is simply not to embarrass your organization. Of course this isn't as easy as it sounds, none of us being perfect, but on the whole the balance should come out positive.

That's very different than speaking on behalf of your GLO. That would be a press release, or a chapter philanthropic activity, etc. Ordinarily, wearing your letters or something would not count - the big exception being if you are aware of media presence. (Hence the national GLOs not wearing their letters when Sorority Life is filming nearby.)

[AngelPhiSig]

I was always told that we cannot wear letters or talk about being a Phi Sig in mass media. No TV, no newspapers etc...

BUT I was allowed to be photographed and my name and org included in the greek run, fun fair we had at a school....

[Tom Earp]

Am I wrong or has this gotten a little to detailed for the original question?

I think the point was as I read it was, if you go out and maybe act stupid, is the a reflection on your Org.

I dont think it is giving news releases or any other such thing.

Basically, if I go out as an Alum and wear my letters, I dont want to look like a F-Moron as it would represent My Fraternity as what I was acting like. If I go out and dontl let anyone know I am a LXA and act like a F_M then there should be no reflection at all. But, as when you are an active, that could be a horses ass of a different color!

[DeeGeePrincess]

I heard that Trishelle was a Chi Omega...is that true???

I dont watch Survivor but what sorority was Jenna in???

As far as representing your org...you are always representing!!!

Even when you dont wear your letters on campus one day, other people might recognize you. "Look, shes a DG" You never know who is noticing you!!!! Kinda stalker-like but...thats the way it is!!!

so...REPRESENT WELL! hahaha

[DZHBrown]

I think the point was as I read it was, if you go out and maybe act stupid, is it a reflection on your Org.

YES!!!!!!

[Kevin]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
Am I wrong or has this gotten a little to detailed for the original question?

I think the point was as I read it was, if you go out and maybe act stupid, is the a reflection on your Org.

I dont think it is giving news releases or any other such thing.

Basically, if I go out as an Alum and wear my letters, I dont want to look like a F-Moron as it would represent My Fraternity as what I was acting like. If I go out and dontl let anyone know I am a LXA and act like a F_M then there should be no reflection at all. But, as when you are an active, that could be a horses ass of a different color!

I think you're representing your organization every time you go out and people know you're a part of it. If the XYZ house hazes really bad on your campus you'll probably assume it's something all their chapters do.

I don't know what our HQ's policy is.. probably is none.

We actually have a bylaw that says members can't drink in fraternity regalia.

And I always wanted a Sigma Nu flask...

[SAEalumnus]

I think the bottom line is: if you're going to let people know that you're representing [insert glo name here], then you must do it in a way that properly reflects on what the organization stands for. For example, if I'm participating in a community service project, I might wear a t-shirt with some letters on it to show that members of my fraternity care about their communities. On the other hand, if I plan on going out to a bar (with a d.d. of course ) with the intention of getting f-ed up, then wearing letters would not necessarily be a good idea. As far as tv shows and stuff are concerned, the person on the show has to realize that potentially millions of people are going to be able to inspect how they represent their glo. Personally, I'd at least consider not risking it and leaving the glo paraphernalia at home.