Is hazing the best way?

[djpsk21]

EE-BO, you have not scared me away, haha. Just been taking it all in and thinking...while juggling classes of course.

Okay, here is the thing. I am not trying to come across as "holier than though" or that I am inherently "better" than any of my brothers...my issues lies in the fact that I transferred in recently. I am from a chapter where hazing was virtually not existent so this is a new environment for me. My story has encouraged and convinced some brothers that change is necessary, not just for their own safety but for the betterment of the pledge as well.

The part that gets tricky is that even though they want to change, they want to somehow hold on to the "spirit" of hell week...in a sense...but not the dangerous, humiliating, ridiculing part of it. They still want to class to really come together that week and help each other out and feel like they are truly a unit...which I can understand that, but the way that has been cannot be anymore...so...

I have been trying to brainstorm some "middle ground" tactics and after talking with some friends at various other fraternities, here is kind of what has been compiled. Most of this list actually came from a friend of mine down south. My question is, would this be okay? Or is this just another "diminished" form of hazing and would be unacceptable as well?

1. The pledges stay at the house for the entire week. This is for a few reasons. One is to remove them from the normal pressures and constraints of society so they can really focus on the lifelong commitment they are about to take. Give them a chance to really get to know each other, the brothers and be truly comfortable in the house by living there.

-This will NOT be a time for brothers to take "advantage" of having the pledges around. No personal amusement, ridicule, and adequate and appropriate time will be given for sleep each night...at least 8-9 hours. This is a time for THEM to come together, not for brothers to have one last week of "fun"

2. They can only talk to pledge brothers and initiated brothers, except for emergencies and unavoidable classroom exercises...and study groups. This is again, for them to really start focusing on the next step they are about to take. A chance for them to really get to know one another and again, to focus.

3. No electronics for the week, except for necessary classroom exercises, homework, projects etc. So, no TV, Computer, facebook, etc. This is kind of like a "20th century detox". Instead of spending mindless hours watching tv, surfing the web, etc, they are to use this time to read, do homework, go to the gym, go outside to play a sport, just something that doesn't involve a tv screen. This is to also help them to meditate and maybe even force someone of them to actually talk to one another. Not that they don't want too, haha, but in todays age, its so easy to be in the same room as someone as else but be so engrossed in tv/computer that you barely talk at all.

4. They must be with another pledge brother at all times. This takes careful planning and proper time management. Whether going to class, going to the gym, going to the library, etc, they need to have at least one other pledge brother with them. This goes back to reinforcing having a brother with you, truly beginning to create that lifelong bond of friendship and really getting to know your pledge brother before becoming a lifetime brother.

5. Start a project on Monday that will need to be finished by the end of the week. It can be an addition/improvement to the house or something that is simply hung up in the house. This is like the pledges gift to the house, if you will. They can be creative here, the sky is the limit. And they must all have some part in completing it.

I would like to say that in NO WAY do I or will I support negative reinforcement. No punishments for "failure to comply" rather encouragement and positive motivation. Reminding them or explaining to them WHY we are asking them to do certain things, what we hope to accomplish, etc. Further, i will reiterate that they pledges are not here for the brothers personal amusement...that will be strictly enforced and luckily, I have a few brothers who already agree with me on this front so I will have support.

Is this just a more "diminished" version of hazing and the week should just be cancelled? I am not saying this is exactly what is going to be done, this is just a list I compiled while talking to friends in other chapters. I thought most of this might help to meet that middle ground with some of the guys. It removes the pointless exercising, ridicule and humiliation but I think it would still keep that "building that bond of brotherhood" aspect...just in a more positive way.

I am really hoping to get some opnions on this list and maybe even refine it before bringing up to MY nationals, which I intend to do...I just don't want to bring unwanted suspicion to my chapter...they are wanting to change...and I am simply trying to help.