How do you all feel about stepping?

[GoldnBlue2004]

I know most of the black chapters or those that are of HBCSUs that have Alpha Phi Omega step and party hop, stroll, walk, or whatever you want to call it or probate/coming out shows. I wanted to know how does everyone feel about stepping as a service organization. I think that stepping is a great thing because it is service to your organization or maybe to your school by the fact that you are representing your frat. How do you feel. Get at me on this one!

[#18 S.O.T. APO]

Some chapters do it, some don't at the discretion of the members. We don't because we are trying to be different. The only time that you may see zeta phi step is in the pledges "Death March" aka coming out show.

[Senusret I]

It's part of our history, so yeah, we should do it if we want.

However, it should be noted that at most HBCU's, APO has had long periods of inactivity, so you are more likely to have to "justify" why you step since your chapter may not have been around for some years.

Stepping is extra.....if you have time to step, you better be winning awards at all your conventions.

[bro_strawter]

Originally posted by Senusret I
It's part of our history, so yeah, we should do it if we want.

However, it should be noted that at most HBCU's, APO has had long periods of inactivity, so you are more likely to have to "justify" why you step since your chapter may not have been around for some years.

Stepping is extra.....if you have time to step, you better be winning awards at all your conventions.

I guess...My chapter steps. As a matter of fact, Psi Phi won a step show this summer.

[Bro. Jones]

yeah... our chapter manages to remain active in service... social in fellowship... and steppin' in shows.

I hate when some chapters and organizations tend to focus on stepping more than anything... but as far as heritage is concerned, stepping shouldnt be totally excluded. If there is a way an organization can balance service, ideals/principles, AND stepping then I am all for it. If not, then there needs to be a "reboot" and some emphasis should be put on the basics of the fraternity/sorority.

just my $0.25.

[Hyper2]

As far as stepping goes, I think that it is a good way to promote your organzation or chapter at certain events or functions. In the sense that we are not a social organization it is not common for members of APO to step, but since a lot of the HBCU chapters do then it should be a very exciting thing to see. I'm all for it when the time comes!!!!

[Hyper2]

Who is to say that is does or doesn't?

[Dionysus]

Originally posted by Hyper2
Who is to say that is does or doesn't?

Ummmm....me.

[Hyper2]

No...who are you to place rule on each chapter?

[Bro. Jones]

Originally posted by Dionysus
Stepping does not belong in Alpha Phi Omega.

please elaborate for me.

[GoldnBlue2004]

Originally posted by Dionysus
Stepping does not belong in Alpha Phi Omega.

What do you mean by this comment? Could you elaborate please? It is a part of representing your organization and that goes for any organization.

[Senusret I]

I'd like to share a brief story.

Past National President Gerald Schroeder is a Brother of my chapter, and if anyone is familiar with his administration, diversity was one of his major themes. Well, when he was in office, several Brothers wanted to see stepping outlawed in APO. According to Jerry, people who didn't understand stepping associated it with black chapters, and therefore, hazing.

Now, understand that hazing was an extremely big problem at HBCU chapters in the 1980's, and several chapters were suspended during this time.

Anyway, so people misunderstood stepping (and probate shows) and thought that stepping was something that was forced on pledges.

Jerry, even though he pledged at Georgetown (where there were few black brothers and no stepping) , was determined to allow each chapter to decide what was right for themselves. In the spirit of diversity, Jerry refused to entertain the issue of banning stepping in APO.

The ironic thing is now, years after his administration, Brothers from his home chapter have been known to step and stroll.

Anyway, my point is that many things do not belong in Alpha Phi Omega...hazing...violence....skaters (lol)....but stepping is one of those traditions that should be left up to each chapter.

[GoldnBlue2004]

Thanks for the historical lesson. One of us needs to take notes.

[sweete81]

Are you even a brother Dionysus?!?!?!? Marinate on that question because if you are not, then your opinion does not matter then!!!

NEWS @ 9
9-ZP-03 AI

[naraht]

Just thought I'd chime in on stepping.

There is no policy at the National level on stepping. Some board members don't have much of a clue what it is when the join the board, but the Regional Directors from the regions that have chapters that step(III,IV & VII) do, and let them know.

There was a demonstration of Stepping at the 1994 convention in Dallas as one of the official seminars and it was *packed*, 100 to 120 people in a room designed for about 60-70 to sit.

Chapters show fellowship in a lot of ways, I've seen chapters put a lot of effort into ongoing fellowship activities that make even less sense.

However, on a non-historically black campus, a chapter that steps may be viewed as participating heavily in black culture and thus being less open to non-blacks. YMMV. Also, someone who stepped for two different organizations would cause confusion, but the NPHC greeks don't deal with simultaneous membership with APO that well anyway. One cause?, maybe.

If only NHPC greeks stepped, there could be some element of "wanna-bes", but at most HBCUs I've seen, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma (Band Honoraries) step along with most other non-academic Greek Letter Organizations.

Its a balance; as was said earlier, if that is all the chapter does, then a serious recheck of priotities is needed, but that is true for any fellowship activity.

YiLFS
Randy Finder
National History & Archives Committee.