Starting your own Fraternity

[omeganu]

Hi nittanyalum-

Good point! I agree it is easy to jazz up a group of guys when you're "starting something from scratch"...there is a level of pride that came along when we experienced success. Almost in a "holy crap...we did this!"

Even at our single chapter in Minneapolis, the trend is moving away from the "don't join a Fraternity...start one..." to "built by gentlemen...for gentlemen..."

(I just haven't made a new recruitment video yet!)

I feel strongly about having each chapter manage its own destiny...we've made a statement that a chapter will never be closed due to low membership. However I do own the company that operates our existing book of business and I've received a lot of input on how to take the operation out of the Twin Cities.

The simplest method I've heard is basically a "franchising" concept. Groups that subscribe to a corporate structure, code of conduct, etc. Like an owner of McDonalds...it's 'your' restaurant but you can't change the menu.

Thanks for responding

[Tom Earp]

First things first.

1. If you wish to expand, it needs to be schools in the proximity to the Founding chapter. Probably smaller schools.
2. Finding like ideas for possible new members to want to join in a new adventure.
3. Starting something new for them to want to start a new entity.
4. What is the current feelings of the current campus and students toward Greeks.
5. Starting something new is great for some new people, but why should they want to do that and not their own.
6. A set of rules or regulations that must be followed or problems will and can arise. Ideals as it were.
7. Some kind of central control to decide any issues that can and will come up from any possible new chapters.

It is a formidable task and from starting a new local, it is not easy and expanding even more so. What will make your organization any different that others is a big question.

When I started mine, it brought many guys who wanted either something new and start something and make a difference. But as you will progress, you wil find that you will fit in with existing GLOs as they have been doing it for a long time. Many things have already been done, found to be wrong and changed.

I wish you only the best of luck.

It will not be easy unless you have a hook to hang your cap on.