alternatives to the word "pledge"

[Kevin]

The shortened new member period, etc. are probably just FIPG initiatives to mitigate risk. So long as we are getting away from hazing, new member periods are not inherently risky, and culturally, they are important.

Calling someone "pledge" isn't demeaning if we would just stop saying it's demeaning. People treat words like they are concrete, immovable things with immutable characteristics sometimes--an incorrect approach.

Wouldn't it be refreshing to see fraternities which had "pledges" again instead of "associate members"? Pledging instead of "new member education." I hate the phrase "new member" because it seems like initiation is a guaranteed thing when it absolutely should not be. Getting a bid should not mean you have any certainty of lifelong membership.

While I'm sure that stuff is covered in ritual and "new member education," I don't see the utility in trashing our past in order to evolve.

Greek Life is supposed to be elitist. We are not Circle K or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We are not academic honors societies. Using words like "new member" and whatnot in order to distance ourselves from our past almost says to the world that we feel like we have to apologize for who and what we are.