Substance free- an important clarification

[Coramoor]

That one building is where the larger part of my chapter lived. That one building is where I spent 4 years throwing money into, cleaning, fixing, and having fun.

If I was not allowed to drink and live how I wanted in that one building, I would have moved into an apartment. That in turn would have hurt the ability of my chapter to have a house and to have the money to function.

Alcohol is part of being social. In any adult social function there is going to be alcohol. If not...well, it's probably not worth going to anyway.

[Oldest_Pledge]

Originally Posted by Coramoor

In any adult social function there is going to be alcohol. If not...well, it's probably not worth going to anyway.

It is this attitude of "no alcohol = no fun" that is the root of the issue.

It should be: alcohol is present, those that are of legal age may have some, those that are not do not.

All Beta's should know that the legal drinking age is 21. No Beta under the age of 21 should really even give a serious thought to be drinking under age.

The world should be that a Fraternity house could have alcohol present in the building and that every one knows it will only be consumed by those that are legally allowed and even then in moderation.

But unfortunately the world is not like this. So in order to keep from looking like and being labeled as a bunch of drunken whore-hounds, the risk management rules have changed. And this is not just a Beta issue. This effects all of Greekdom.

Coramoor, it saddens me that your Beta exeperience is measured by the amount of alcohol flowing in the Chapter house. I understand that each chapter and campus is different. But this is not the Beta I was presented nor is it the Beta I want it to be for my son (should he pursue a Greek affiliation).

There is room for sharing a beer, a good wine or port with our Brothers. Wine served with dinner (for those that legal at a chapter house) should be allowed. Beer with the game should be allowed. Underage members should know they would never drink the house, or anywhere marked as a Beta.

By the way, Coramoor, did you house have formal meals? What about the treatment of the house mother?

[a.e.B.O.T.]

Originally Posted by Coramoor

That one building is where the larger part of my chapter lived. That one building is where I spent 4 years throwing money into, cleaning, fixing, and having fun.

If I was not allowed to drink and live how I wanted in that one building, I would have moved into an apartment. That in turn would have hurt the ability of my chapter to have a house and to have the money to function.

Alcohol is part of being social. In any adult social function there is going to be alcohol. If not...well, it's probably not worth going to anyway.

Well, then I am going to say this: I think you joined Beta for the wrong reasons, and I think you rely too much on alcohol.

I am not against drinking, I drank a lot in college, in fact, they thought I was an alcoholic... AND hell, I'm o.k. with minors drinking a little.

However, I think that does not need to be done in the chapter. The house represents the fraternity and the chapter. Having fun there is great, but if you recruit with the representation that Betas just sit around and drink, well, then you are just going to get drunks who want to party all the time. There is a time to drink, and a time to party, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done otherwise in a fraternity too.

[zhbeta158]

Originally Posted by a.e.B.O.T.

Well, then I am going to say this: I think you joined Beta for the wrong reasons, and I think you rely too much on alcohol.

I am not against drinking, I drank a lot in college, in fact, they thought I was an alcoholic... AND hell, I'm o.k. with minors drinking a little.

However, I think that does not need to be done in the chapter. The house represents the fraternity and the chapter. Having fun there is great, but if you recruit with the representation that Betas just sit around and drink, well, then you are just going to get drunks who want to party all the time. There is a time to drink, and a time to party, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done otherwise in a fraternity too.

I do believe that a chapter house a sanctuary and is a sacred place for the fraternity as well as a place to do ritual. But I also do believe that a chapter house is a haven for all brothers, from all chapters, for all ages to be to be safe. A kind of outpost for all betas to know that that's where they can be safe. In those terms, I would rather have brothers drinking at the fraternal house than I would having them potentially drive home or not feel safe anywhere else (your area where you went to school maybe safe but that is not the same for everyone else). I am not a big drinker, in fact I do it very rarely, but I do appreciate the time and comradery with brothers who wish to drink. Now, beligerent drinking is a whole separate issue. I do believe that brothers must be accountable for themselves drunk or sober. Doing property damage is a huge pet-peev of mine and is unlawful. If one cant be responsible then one shouldn't be partaking in activities. I hate the term, "oh it's okay if it's messed up, it's a fraternity house." In conclusion, drinking, and following the true ideals of a beta are two separate things that shouldn't be mixed. I will admit that many brothers who do drink a lot and get smashed don't follow the ideals of Beta but I must also admit that there is an equal if not larger portion that do.

[33girl]

I know this isn't my place, but I'm going to crash anyway.

Many of the fraternities at my school (and this is back in the dark ages when alcohol was everywhere) had a rule that their chapter ROOM was alcohol free. This was the room where they held rituals and meetings, and party guests were not permitted to enter it. This was respected by all brothers and visitors.

There's a big difference between that and making the entire house alcohol free. Like Coramoor said, it may be the fraternity house, but you also come to regard it as your HOME.

[a.e.B.O.T.]

Its more then showing respect. Your fraternity house is your icon on that campus. It is what shows you as a whole. It represents your chapter to all those you are trying to recruit, as well as all those who encourage the kind of reputation you would have. I don't think alcohol is necessary in that house, and I think it is better off substance free.

With that said, I seem to be the only one thinking that, so take pride in that, and whatever. The beauty of this organization is that is bonds thousands and thousands of men across the country with different beliefs, backgrounds, and opinions. If everyone had the same opinion, there would be no progress. I am proud of this organization, and I want only what is best for it.