Is hazing the best way?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

Third, you don't have the authority to make these changes, or to monitor or enforce them.

Originally Posted by MysticCat

That depends on how hazing is defined by the fraternity in question, by the school and question and by applicable state law.

And I can't help but wonder if you're trying to reinvent the wheel. I'd be willing to bet that your inter/national HQ has resources on how to replace Hell Week with something that fits your particular values and that appropriately prepares pledges for your initiation.

And this gets us back to drawing board of why threads like this are pointless. Members need to be concerned with their GLO's and school's policies and procedures and not with what GCers think.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

And this gets us back to drawing board of why threads like this are pointless. Members need to be concerned with their GLO's and school's policies and procedures and not with what GCers think.

I don't think they're pointless in that, if the fraternity structure doesn't require strict adherence to a national model with no local modification, it's fine to look to chapters of other orgs for ideas. Somebody might have a great idea that no one in your organization or on your campus has thought of yet.

But seeking out these additional ideas should be in addition to, not in place of, looking to what the national fraternity offers and requires.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I don't think they're pointless in that, if the fraternity structure doesn't require strict adherence to a national model with no local modification, it's fine to look to chapters of other orgs for ideas. Somebody might have a great idea that no one in your organization or on your campus has thought of yet.

But seeking out these additional ideas should be in addition to, not in place of, looking to what the national fraternity offers and requires.

If he may not have the authority to make changes or he's possibly reinventing the wheel, this is all very pointless until he figures that part out. That includes how hazing is defined for his fraternity instead of being concerned with what nonmembers think.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

If he may not have the authority to make changes or he's possibly reinventing the wheel, this is all very pointless until he figures that part out.

With regard to not having authority (whether by position or influence) to make changes, that seems to be an assumption on the part of readers. As to reinventing the wheel, that's why I said looking at what other chapters are doing is in addition to becoming familiar with and using national fraternity resources.

I just don't think asking the question is as big a no-no as you do.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

With regard to not having authority (whether by position or influence) to make changes, that seems to be an assumption on the part of readers.

I said "may not," meaning only he knows or needs to figure out whether that is the case.

I think asking for assistance from nonmembers (via GC or elsewhere) is a no no because it is sometimes not done "in addition to" and, frankly, I can't think of anything nonmembers could tell me about chapter operations and the specifics of hazing that members from (my chapter and) other chapters could not. Perhaps that's just how I was "raised."

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I can't think of anything nonmembers could tell me about chapter operations and the specifics of hazing that members from (my chapter and) other chapters could not. Perhaps that's just how I was "raised."

Pretty much.

My HQ came up with policies and procedures for my GLO's members to follow. It doesn't do me any good to look for "new" rules when there's already something in place.

And, like you said, if it really came to it, I could ask members from other chapters within my organization. There's no need to seek help from outsiders when it comes to intake/pledging/whatever your group calls it.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Pretty much.

My HQ came up with policies and procedures for my GLO's members to follow. It doesn't do me any good to look for "new" rules when there's already something in place.

To be clear, I'd never suggest anyone look anywhere other than their own GLO (or school) for rules, policies or procedures.

I don't see a problem with asking, in person or on GC, about activities that other chapters of any GLO have found useful or meaningful, and then evaluating those ideas in light of the rules, policies and procedures of one's own GLO and the personality of one's own chapter.