Disaffiliated Members?

[Pike4Life]

I'm sorry, but in my experience, those members that want to disaffiliate often end up coming back and wanting something from the organization for nothing.

I have constantly heard the argument that "Brotherhood" is the most important part of a fraternity, and I agree to an extent. But IMO a fraternity is much more than just the memebers in it. It is a business and should be run like one in regards to who receives its services and benefits. I have had some very close Brothers and friends who have disaffiliated for various reasons - financial, time constraints, etc. - and I have no problem with that or with continuing my friendship with them.

I do, however, have a problem with the disaffiliated member who constantly comes around and wants to play intramurals or attend social events with the fraternity. In this case, it riles my feathers to see someone basically freeloading off all the other brothers. In my mind, to "disaffiliate" means that you are not allowed to attend chapter functions. You can hang out and live with whoever you want, but you made the decision to leave the organization and therefore should face the consequences of disclusion at formal chapter-sponsored or chapter-hosted events. And this includes socials, mixers, formals, intramural teams, chapter meetings, fund raisers, community service events, Greek Week, and even Initiation ceremonies.

I'm not going to work my a$$ off to make money and pay my dues faithfully and then see Bobby Joe who disaffiliated because he said he didn't have the time or money, come around with it's time for a social with the Chi O's or Tri-Delts.

And I think I must mention that for my GLO, we have no provision for "inactive" status. Once you pledge and are initiated, you are considered "active" for your entire time in college, and this means you are expected to live up to all the obligations you agreed to by joining our organization. The only ways you can "disaffiliate" is to resign, leave school, be expelled from the chapter, or after 12 consecutive semesters of activity, apply for early alumni status.

Sorry to rant, but that has long been a pet peeve of mine!