Fraternities and new initiatives

[Betarulz!]

Was thinking about how different organizations have new initiatives to solve the overall image problems Greeks have - Beta's Men of Principle and SigEp's Balanced Man come to mind. I think that most people on GC probably know about these projects, but not what goes into each one, so I thought it might be helpful to have a thread where these types of programs are explained. If your inter/national organization has such a program, use this thread to describe the components and how the program is used.

[PhiPsiRuss]

http://greekchat.com/gcforums/showth...threadid=44701

[Betarulz!]

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.

[EXColony]

For Sigma Chi...

We have recently unrolled the strategic plan for Sigma Chi to be around for another 150 years. Grand Pro Consul Ketih Krach set up a team of alumni, undergraduates and others to set it up. It basically is a way for Sigma Chi to retain it's values-based leadership all the way around.

Interesting story of early Sigma Chi recruitment...
Back in 1855 when the founders were building our fraternity they would scope out men and watch them around campus. If they met our standard then they joined, and if not they didn't. Our new recruitment strategy (Recruitment 365) is setting our chapters back on track to recruiting value based men.

I heard that story at BLTW and it amazed me!

Sigma Chi Plan

[Kevin]

I'm a big fan of some of our recent initiatives. I guess it was 4 years ago, we introduced "Values Based Recruiting" (aka VBR). It's basically an initiative to recruit men into the organization by sharing our values, befriending them, etc. It's not much different from what worked before. I really like some of the things it emphasizes though.

Our new member ed program is called LEAD -- while it is usually supplemented with things at the local level (for example, our active chapter just finished putting together a "new member book" that will be introduced in the Fall. Our new member educator is on the national committee that develops our LEAD program (which stands for Leadership, Ethics, Achievement and Development) and is a stud when it comes to knowledge of our history. Sigma Nu's LEAD program was one of the first standardized new member programs out there -- first brought around I believe in the late 70's, early 80's. We are also one of the only (if not the only) 4 year membership development programs. It's good stuff.

It teaches things like working in teams, interviewing skills, conflict resolution skills, etc. All things that will be beneficial in the real world.

[moe.ron]

Originally posted by ktsnake
We are also one of the only (if not the only) 4 year membership development programs.

Nope, the Balanced Man project is also a 4 years membership development programs. If I'm not mistaken, it is also the first one, established in the early 90s.

[Kevin]

Originally posted by moe.ron
Nope, the Balanced Man project is also a 4 years membership development programs. If I'm not mistaken, it is also the first one, established in the early 90s.

The LEAD program was written originally in the early 80's, but not fully implemented until 1989 -- phases 1 & 2 that is. 4 is done and 3 is something that is actually being focused on this year.

It's been a slow rollout

[moe.ron]

Originally posted by ktsnake
The LEAD program was written originally in the early 80's, but not fully implemented until 1989 -- phases 1 & 2 that is. 4 is done and 3 is something that is actually being focused on this year.

It's been a slow rollout

Hey, being careful is more important. The BMP has been implemented only in half of the SigEp's chapter. Though there might be more BMP then non BMP chapter now. Every colonies has to implement it.

[Kevin]

Originally posted by moe.ron
Hey, being careful is more important. The BMP has been implemented only in half of the SigEp's chapter. Though there might be more BMP then non BMP chapter now. Every colonies has to implement it.

As you know, programs like this are slow to gain acceptance. It's next to mandatory at this point. Sigma Nu has certain expectations of its chapters that are measured by a points system. Having the LEAD program in place is a big part of getting your points.

A chapter can also qualify for LEAD grants through our educational foundation. I know our active chapter's candidate educator is applying for a decent sized grant this semester. I hear he has some awesome things in store for our candidate class.

[Betarulz!]

moe.ron and ktsnake,

do you guys think that there has been development of a two-tiered fraternity in the adoption of Balanced Man and LEAD?

I know this has been a major concern with MOP, so I was wondering if it was a concern that had been expressed within your organizations.

How do chapters start participating in either program? Is it a chapter vote like for Beta, or is it really becoming a forced issue?

Also, is there a feeling like both are "cookie cutter" approaches handed down from your leadership? Obviously, ktsnake you said LEAD is supplemented with local programming, but everyone is nationwide is having to do the same things through LEAD right?

Again the "cookie cutter" view of MOP was a major concern. Beta Theta Pi really pushes for maximum self governance of chapters (paradoxically though, I've come to realize that we baby our colonies A LOT), so MOP really focuses on having the chapter create the strategies and action plans, and in reaching for the same goals, the chapters have developed very unique ways of accomplishing them.

[Tom Earp]

BetaaRulz, will not say I know or am familiar with the Terms that you are using, I fiugure it must be with Risk Management and the ways Greek Organizatins should act.

Yes, LXA does have that type of thing.

Having just come From The LXA G A it is very plain of what should and should not be done!

It is hard at times, but, when and if it does happen, it hurts All of us as Greeks.

I was in Legislative for 3 Days, and I could not get to so many other Meetings! It was a Learning Time. While I tried to stop in for a bit of it, I felt that I missed a lot.


I have Been In Touch With Other Brothers Who were able to go to other committees and pass it along!

But, I felt My Time Was Well Spent with The Committe that I was on!

We as a Committee were Reviewing, were Relooking at New Colonies.

I feel so good that I am working with them and trying to help them to expand the Membership!

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by Betarulz!
do you guys think that there has been development of a two-tiered fraternity in the adoption of Balanced Man and LEAD?

Its not a question of "two-tiered," its a question of the clock running on the old. Sig Ep took a decade to get 50% of their chapters to be BMP. I'm willing to bet that when any fraternity gets to the 80% mark, the pressure to change into a chapter with such a program will get strong. At the 90% mark, tolerance of minor transgressions of the "archaic" chapters will erode, and at the 95% mark, ultimatums will begin to come down.

Fraternity chapters that have adopted continuous, experiential educational programs have seen numbers go up. Everything improves, and those dreaded phone calls at 4:00 am disappear.

Fraternity chapters that are mired in their old ways are struggling. This is the future of fraternities, and those that don't change will die. Every national officer, and staff member of fraternities knows this. Its also known that those fraternities that have tried to force such programs on their chapters have failed miserably. Phi Kappa Psi took a decade to develop our program, and we launched the Men of Excellence program last year. We probably have about a 10% adoption rate after the first year. This is fine, as we want to tweak the program. We should be at over a 60% mark by 2010.

[Optimist Prime]

We have Objectives. And our Creed. And our Ritual. That pretty much keeps everyone in line.

[Kevin]

Originally posted by Betarulz!
moe.ron and ktsnake,

do you guys think that there has been development of a two-tiered fraternity in the adoption of Balanced Man and LEAD?

I know this has been a major concern with MOP, so I was wondering if it was a concern that had been expressed within your organizations.

How do chapters start participating in either program? Is it a chapter vote like for Beta, or is it really becoming a forced issue?

Also, is there a feeling like both are "cookie cutter" approaches handed down from your leadership? Obviously, ktsnake you said LEAD is supplemented with local programming, but everyone is nationwide is having to do the same things through LEAD right?

Again the "cookie cutter" view of MOP was a major concern. Beta Theta Pi really pushes for maximum self governance of chapters (paradoxically though, I've come to realize that we baby our colonies A LOT), so MOP really focuses on having the chapter create the strategies and action plans, and in reaching for the same goals, the chapters have developed very unique ways of accomplishing them.

I don't think we're cookie cutter at all. I've been (so far) to 3 national events and one regional event. Not only does my chapter have a VERY different experience from the 2 other chapters in the state, we're different from everyone else in the country.

I could tell you in what ways, but I'd have to kill you

Not sure what you mean by "two-tiered", because it seems to me that just about everyone in Sigma Nu has adopted at least Phase I of LEAD.

Let's also be clear on the reason that organizations have gone to this national programming. Sure, it has something to do with just creating a better overall experience. Mostly, however, it's created to give us something other to do than haze. They had to have a way to prevent that and basically change the culture of their national organization. The only way I know to do (or at least the best I can think of) is to have this national program that they "strongly" suggest we do.

No one has come to our chapters and said "You have to do this" (except for colonies). Each chapter -- nearly 100% at this point has made the decision for themselves. Yeah, they've been prodded along by our points program.

The points program doesn't just measure compliance with national standards though. If you were a really kickass chapter in other respects, you'd have enough points to keep alive even without the national programming.

I can understand a lot of national organizations worrying that they'll split their organization down the middle. Yeah, if they force it on people they do run that risk. It all has to do with the rollout though. Our Phase I has been in place or at least "widely" implemented since 1989. It has taken since then and until now for it to reach the acceptance that it has. THese things don't happen overnight.

***

As for colonies, there are two approaches that I've seen.. In my colony's case, we were recruited by HQ, he taught us Phase I of LEAD, left us with a bunch of books and gave us some standards we needed to reach. He gave us a copy of an old petition (about a 150 page document) and left us to learn how to be a chapter.

I'll say it was a rough experience at first, but one I wouldn't trade for the world. Taught me a lot about myself and even more about other people.

I've also seen where the HQ will send not one but 5 recruitment people who get the chapter to be HUGE. Then they jet. I've seen a 50 man chapter go back to being 30-35 in one semester. To this day, that chapter still has a horrible retention rate, but I understand they're doing better. They were probably "coddled" by some standards, but they got their charter twice as fast as my chapter (although, I'm pretty sure if they were Sigma Nu's, they wouldn't have been awarded a charter with the GPA that they had).

Anyhow, as for "coddling" colonies, that's just a subject for another thread that I could tell you lots about

[KEPike]

From the way EXColony explains Sigma Chi's current state, I believe that Pike is moving toward this aim as well.

At the 2002, we adopted a Vision, Mission, and Creed. This year, we passed the "True Pike" Statement. All fall in line with eventually rolling out a program similar to the ones mentioned. Also of note, SAE is developing their True Gentleman Initiative.

This brings up a very interesting point about colonies having to implement these types of programs and their "image" when compared to the other chapters in the org. Within Pike, 2/3rds of our Smythe Award winners went to chapters who received their chartering or rechartering within the last 5 years. Are the top chapters in your orgs the ones who are implementing these programs and succeeding or not? I'd venture to say that you have to, at some point, go to what the International Fraternity wants you to in order to ultimately remain a successful chapter. Otherwise, the status quo on your campus will convert to their respective programs and therefore pass you by.