True Brother Initiative

[Trey_P-I_47]

Yes Jono,

I too had difficulty viewing the video (the one embedded into C&C right?) and it was taking forever and it eventually just kinda stopped and was taking forever to download (I too have cable high speed). I just closed the tab that I was watching it in and forgot about it. It didnt seem like it was worth the time to sit through the entire thing anyway.

[Tom Earp]

No more comment from me except dissapointment.

I am not proud of this.

[GammaZeta]

I THINK the video is working. I was able to press play and there were some words and pictures with music in the background.

Is the video supposed to be a whole presentation, or was that it? Please tell me I am missing most of it.

Unfortunately, I fear LXA has lost its uniqueness. Forty years ago, the banning of hazing and calling pledges "associate members" was truly revolutionary. Something that no other fraternity has ever done. In 2007, we get a generic video where you could substitute it with any other general fraternity video as part of a generic new program no different from any other fraternity.

Dramatic music, check. Words like honor, courage, respect, check. Images of brothers, check. Then the video production company asks "What fraternity are we making this for? We've done so many with this format I forgot."

This is what I am proposing.

The BACK TO BASICS program. No catchy slogans outside of that one. No fancy images or showcases. This is what my program consists of:

1. We scrap all other existing programs that do not have to do with risk management.

2. LXA ends all regional and national meetings except for one major general fraternity meeting to be held every 2 years.

3. All resources, time and money saved from ending those programs will be devoted into hiring expansion personnel, specifically assigned to troubled chapters as well as chapters in certain regions.

4. Outside of risk management, the main focus of HQ for the next 10 years will be fundraising. This will include regional fundraisers, direct mailings, personal solicitations, encouragement in the form of naming rights, etc.

That's it. Recruitment. Fundraising. Risk management.

Once we have mastered those three, then we can move on to the True Brother program.

[HONKY660]

I think you guys are being a little to critical. If you don't know whats going on how can you pass judgement. All of the members that went to leadership from my chapter are excited about the program, and its prospects. Sometimes new programs can be good in all areas such as recruitment, fundraising and risk management. I love Lambda Chi and everything about it, but its time for change. For example, you could use a fraternity like Sig Ep, who came up with a program like the balanced man, now SigEp stands as the largest fraternity with 14,000 members, lots of chapters, they do well on lots of campuses in recruitment, and their alums donate a lot of money now. I'm sure their alums said the program was shit when it was released and that it would sucked, but who knows unless you give it time. I for one think the programs sounds great! I went through Impact leadership and was a third level graduate, the program was great in my eyes, and it has benefited me so far in my life. I believe in Lambda Chi, and its programs. Thats my take!!

[dever860]

Originally Posted by Trey_P-I_47

Yes Jono,

I too had difficulty viewing the video (the one embedded into C&C right?) and it was taking forever and it eventually just kinda stopped and was taking forever to download (I too have cable high speed). I just closed the tab that I was watching it in and forgot about it. It didnt seem like it was worth the time to sit through the entire thing anyway.

I watched the video, its a promo with spinny stuff. No content.

[GammaZeta]

Honkey, I don't think we are criticizing the program per se, more the way it is presented.

So far, it seems like every other come and go program that LXA has ever introduced. A lot of fluff, no substance. The dangerous thing is that it could be a really, really good program. However, HQ dropped the ball in presenting it to the general fraternity. It LOOKS like every other program we have ever had.

We need to ask ourselves this question; is this EVOLUTION or REVOLUTION?

Are we just slowly evolving like all the other fraternities that have similar programs? Is this program revolutionary that will change the face of greek life for decades?

Like I said, banning hazing was revolutionary. This just seems like some natural progression to go along with all the other general fraternities.

We need a REVOLUTION to again set ourselves apart from everyone else. We have lost our uniqueness, our identity. We are no different other than our letters and colors. This "True Brother" program could be used and applied to ANY other fraternity. I guarantee you, if you were to look at other general fraternity programs and videos, they would be EXACTLY THE SAME.

In a sea of medicoraty (I spel gud) we need to start making some waves!

[EM1843]

I was excited when I heard about it last year at GA, but I haven't heard any details yet. I know they wanted a "roll out" at the leadership seminar, but I would like some details. I think we need to play catch up in this area. Almost every other fraternity has developed a program similar to this. Once we catch up we can then be revolutionary. Unfortunately this is looking more and more like "the Great Passage" program. I want to see the new member education and the "pre approved pre initiation activities."

[dever860]

Originally Posted by EM1843

I was excited when I heard about it last year at GA, but I haven't heard any details yet. I know they wanted a "roll out" at the leadership seminar, but I would like some details. I think we need to play catch up in this area. Almost every other fraternity has developed a program similar to this. Once we catch up we can then be revolutionary. Unfortunately this is looking more and more like "the Great Passage" program. I want to see the new member education and the "pre approved pre initiation activities."

I was actually quite pleased with that. Everything is a lot more clearly laid out and defined. It also reaffirmed that everything we are doing is acceptable. There were quite a few new ideas as well. It goes along with the kappa manual, I believe there were two separate packets.

The new kappa manual is tiny compared to the old one. The old one had a bunch of stuff I never used as a good portion was irrelevant in today's world. I need to look at it again, I don't have my own copy. I really wish they would put them online soon.

[john1082]

I'd like to see the books too, but I am unsure of which level of mastership and stewardship I must attain before one can be revealed to me!

[dever860]

Originally Posted by john1082

I'd like to see the books too, but I am unsure of which level of mastership and stewardship I must attain before one can be revealed to me!

You should try Scientology, they are all about that.