Selectivity And Apo

[AndrewPiChi]

Ciricle K with a ritual indeed.

Why should anyone be asked to pledge if they are not interested in community service? What if the individual has personal issues with a few brothers in the chapter? Why do you want to join? If it is to improve your resume then you are in the wrong place. I've seen a few of those in my time

A difficult, yet attainable pledge program is what forges a brother. The attitude of 'paying a fee, a member you shall be' is unacceptable. If an applicant works hard during pledging, a sense of personal accomplishment and acceptance among the fraternity will carry with that individual his entire life. Membership retention is improved within the chapter that extends to well beyond college to where one an alumni.

[emb021]

Originally Posted by AndrewPiChi

A difficult, yet attainable pledge program is what forges a brother. The attitude of 'paying a fee, a member you shall be' is unacceptable. If an applicant works hard during pledging, a sense of personal accomplishment and acceptance among the fraternity will carry with that individual his entire life. Membership retention is improved within the chapter that extends to well beyond college to where one an alumni.

Exactly so.

Which is why bidding and 'pre-selection' should be unnecessary. A good pledge program (including proper requirements) without hazing are all that are needed.

This is why I've been so adamant about the need of improving our pledge programs. I actually developed a multi-level training course for this, but have only been able to do the first level at a couple of section conferences & region conferences, never at National. The only pledge training session I attended at Nationals was pretty much 'lets sit in a circle and discuss our pledge programs' instead of instructing the participants in what a good pledge program should do (and not do).

[33girl]

Originally Posted by emb021

Which is why bidding and 'pre-selection' should be unnecessary. A good pledge program (including proper requirements) without hazing are all that are needed.

Exactly. I mean, if your pledge program is a piece of poo and isn't weeding out slackers and drama queens, and your chapter is going down the tubes because of it, it's your own fault. APO is a hell of a lot luckier than the NPC sororities who are basically stuck if they give a bid to a jerk - depledging someone almost takes an act of God and the pledge programs often don't do much to ascertain someone's true fitness for membership.

If there are chapters that are using easy peasy pledge programs and letting everyone in, why on earth do you think bidding or preselection would help?? They'd just bid everyone!

[naraht]

Originally Posted by AndrewPiChi

Ciricle K with a ritual indeed.

Why should anyone be asked to pledge if they are not interested in community service? What if the individual has personal issues with a few brothers in the chapter? Why do you want to join? If it is to improve your resume then you are in the wrong place. I've seen a few of those in my time

A difficult, yet attainable pledge program is what forges a brother. The attitude of 'paying a fee, a member you shall be' is unacceptable. If an applicant works hard during pledging, a sense of personal accomplishment and acceptance among the fraternity will carry with that individual his entire life. Membership retention is improved within the chapter that extends to well beyond college to where one an alumni.

From the National Pledge Standards:

Membership in Alpha Phi Omega is a great honor earned through hard work, diligent effort, and dedication to our principles.

I don't see much difference between what you've said and the National Pledge Standards. Amen

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by AndrewPiChi

Ciricle K with a ritual indeed.

Why should anyone be asked to pledge if they are not interested in community service? What if the individual has personal issues with a few brothers in the chapter? Why do you want to join? If it is to improve your resume then you are in the wrong place. I've seen a few of those in my time

A difficult, yet attainable pledge program is what forges a brother. The attitude of 'paying a fee, a member you shall be' is unacceptable. If an applicant works hard during pledging, a sense of personal accomplishment and acceptance among the fraternity will carry with that individual his entire life. Membership retention is improved within the chapter that extends to well beyond college to where one an alumni.

Andrew, your post (esp. the bolded) is summed up quite well. Kudos!