Substance free- an important clarification

[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.