When the novelty wears off...

EvanWilliams · #1 01-23-2008, 02:14 AM

I mentioned that I thought my goals and outlooks were becoming more different from the chapters (mine haven't changed).
In a group of 130+, it's very difficult to change opinions. Sure I could win over a decent number, but for the most part, people respect the majority.

TSteven · #2 01-23-2008, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvanWilliams

I mentioned that I thought my goals and outlooks were becoming more different from the chapters (mine haven't changed).

In a group of 130+, it's very difficult to change opinions. Sure I could win over a decent number, but for the most part, people respect the majority.

Then with all due respect, your brother's "views" will - and should be - "best" for the chapter (as a whole).

Having said this doesn't mean you should not try to impress on your brothers your view point. In many situations, they (brothers/sisters) simply do not know there is a difference in opinion.

Leslie Anne · #3 01-23-2008, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSteven

Then with all due respect, your brother's "views" will - and should be - "best" for the chapter (as a whole).

I disagree. Especially when it comes to being superficial sometimes a kind of "mob mentality" takes over. It's up to the clear-headed ones to knock some sense into people.

To the OP, I think it's great that you're letting your thoughts on the matter be known. Keep doing that. Stand your ground and there's got to be some other brothers who feel the same way and will respect your standards. You might be able to build a power-base from there.

If not, at least you know which brothers share your values. You might not be able to turn the chapter around (who knows?) but you'll know who to hang out with.

Good luck!

AOII Angel · #4 01-23-2008, 08:53 AM

Your chapter is suffering from success! When you work to improve the status of your chapter in order to get the guys that only want to go to top tier groups, then those guys will only want top tier guys. It's a nasty reality that people who are satisfied with their membership but not their tier don't think about when they dream of bigger things. Often, this means that you create a group that wouldn't pledge you again if you went through rush. It's very difficult to find a happy medium in that situation.

33girl · #5 01-23-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Often, this means that you create a group that wouldn't pledge you again if you went through rush.

It can also alienate the hell out of your alumni. Every alum wants to see their chapter succeed, but not at the expense of the things they loved about it most - and not if they feel hella uncomfortable when they come back to visit because they know the actives are thinking "I can't believe SHE ever got a bid from US."

I agree w/ Kyle & Leslie Anne - stand your ground and say that if you got to be top tier based on looks and clothes, you can become bottom tier just as quickly.

AlethiaSi · #6 01-23-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

It can also alienate the hell out of your alumni. Every alum wants to see their chapter succeed, but not at the expense of the things they loved about it most - and not if they feel hella uncomfortable when they come back to visit because they know the actives are thinking "I can't believe SHE ever got a bid from US."

I agree w/ Kyle & Leslie Anne - stand your ground and say that if you got to be top tier based on looks and clothes, you can become bottom tier just as quickly.

I completely agree with this. We didn't have a tier system at my school that was put into place, but some were just more popular (maybe this is a natural tier system....) than others. My organization enjoyed popularity for many many years (about 70 or so), and in the late 1990's declined due to resurgence of other org's and some other factors. When we started to create a name for ourselves, and became more popular, our most recent alumni were the ones that "let the sorority go" when it wasn't all their fault, and they are great girls (women lol). Many of our actives turned their noses up at our alumni, and it was detrimental, because we didn't have the support we needed down the road (which I had warned them about).

My point is, along with what everyone else said, I also suggest that you stand your ground, and eventually, you'll find brother's that share your views, and stay with them. It is frustrating, but giving up doesn't do any good either (not that you would, but it's tempting, I know)
good luck.

EvanWilliams · #7 01-23-2008, 05:00 PM

TSteven,
I should have been more clear. I do make my views known. I think it would be fair to say that I vote with about 25% of the chapter on most issues. The other 75% are craving success in every possible scenario and act like tools sometimes when they try and "do what's best for the chapter."
EX: raising dues from $1400 to $1600 - a semester! As though we're not above campus average anyway.
I should also note that I'm not bitter at all- just disappointed with the cutthroat changes that are taking place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyleMcGuire1983

Evan Williams.............Jack Daniel's cheaper and nastier cousin. Nice display name.

Crappy situation. If I were you I'd just keep up resistance until you graduate, don't compromise your principles and don't surrender by going "inactive" or "early alum". It drives me nuts when I see a brother resign from an office or stop putting in effort when things don't go in his way (whether or not he's right!)

Haha, I was hoping someone would be stalking "me" on Google like they do the sorority rushees.
I'd like to reinforce the idea that there is much more good than bad, so I won't be going inactive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leslie Anne

I disagree. Especially when it comes to being superficial sometimes a kind of "mob mentality" takes over. It's up to the clear-headed ones to knock some sense into people.

Good luck!

That's exactly the right phrase!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

It can also alienate the hell out of your alumni. Every alum wants to see their chapter succeed, but not at the expense of the things they loved about it most - and not if they feel hella uncomfortable when they come back to visit because they know the actives are thinking "I can't believe SHE ever got a bid from US."

I agree w/ Kyle & Leslie Anne - stand your ground and say that if you got to be top tier based on looks and clothes, you can become bottom tier just as quickly.

BINGO. Our recent alumni never come around anymore. I'd like to think that I'd get a bid if I rushed now, but who knows.