In reading about the Kappa group "Keeper of the Keys," in which dedicated members work to rescue badges from eBay, jewelers, etc., I wondered if Theta had such an organized group.
Like many others I am disheartened to see so many badges up for sale. I often wonder if in an attemt to ensure that a Theta win an aBay auction that we unknowingly bid against each other. This of course means more money out of our pockets and into the pockets of the sellers, which keeps the sellers in business and motivated to continue selling our badges.
I recently asked HQ if there were any "official" positions on badge disposal. They did indicate that badges were to be buried with the member, passed on to another Theta, or returned to HQ. However, this does not seem to be well publicized.
By comparison, my Mother-in-Law is a Delta Zeta. Proper badge disposal protocol is on their website, runs frequently in their magazines, and each member of her alumnae chapter can quote the options. They are also frequently reminded to put their wishes for the badge in their will.
I don't think that badges wind up on eBay out of disregard for the organization. Instead I believe that it is uninformed decendants who do not realize the importance that only initiated members be in possession of our badge. There also seems to be some that are a result of being lost and stolen, but with the high number of initiation years prior to 1950 on eBay, a member's death seems to be more of a common way that these are finding their way into the mainstream.
I know I haven't stated much new... my main purpose was to learn if there is a group similar to Keepers of the Keys and hopefully to encourage our national organization to take a more pro-active approach with education on badge disposal.
Do any of your local alumnae chapters cover this in newsletters, meetings, etc?
Threaded Mode
