Is hazing the best way?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

And this gets us back to drawing board of why threads like this are pointless. Members need to be concerned with their GLO's and school's policies and procedures and not with what GCers think.

I don't think they're pointless in that, if the fraternity structure doesn't require strict adherence to a national model with no local modification, it's fine to look to chapters of other orgs for ideas. Somebody might have a great idea that no one in your organization or on your campus has thought of yet.

But seeking out these additional ideas should be in addition to, not in place of, looking to what the national fraternity offers and requires.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I don't think they're pointless in that, if the fraternity structure doesn't require strict adherence to a national model with no local modification, it's fine to look to chapters of other orgs for ideas. Somebody might have a great idea that no one in your organization or on your campus has thought of yet.

But seeking out these additional ideas should be in addition to, not in place of, looking to what the national fraternity offers and requires.

If he may not have the authority to make changes or he's possibly reinventing the wheel, this is all very pointless until he figures that part out. That includes how hazing is defined for his fraternity instead of being concerned with what nonmembers think.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

If he may not have the authority to make changes or he's possibly reinventing the wheel, this is all very pointless until he figures that part out.

With regard to not having authority (whether by position or influence) to make changes, that seems to be an assumption on the part of readers. As to reinventing the wheel, that's why I said looking at what other chapters are doing is in addition to becoming familiar with and using national fraternity resources.

I just don't think asking the question is as big a no-no as you do.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

With regard to not having authority (whether by position or influence) to make changes, that seems to be an assumption on the part of readers.

I said "may not," meaning only he knows or needs to figure out whether that is the case.

I think asking for assistance from nonmembers (via GC or elsewhere) is a no no because it is sometimes not done "in addition to" and, frankly, I can't think of anything nonmembers could tell me about chapter operations and the specifics of hazing that members from (my chapter and) other chapters could not. Perhaps that's just how I was "raised."

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I can't think of anything nonmembers could tell me about chapter operations and the specifics of hazing that members from (my chapter and) other chapters could not. Perhaps that's just how I was "raised."

Pretty much.

My HQ came up with policies and procedures for my GLO's members to follow. It doesn't do me any good to look for "new" rules when there's already something in place.

And, like you said, if it really came to it, I could ask members from other chapters within my organization. There's no need to seek help from outsiders when it comes to intake/pledging/whatever your group calls it.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Pretty much.

My HQ came up with policies and procedures for my GLO's members to follow. It doesn't do me any good to look for "new" rules when there's already something in place.

To be clear, I'd never suggest anyone look anywhere other than their own GLO (or school) for rules, policies or procedures.

I don't see a problem with asking, in person or on GC, about activities that other chapters of any GLO have found useful or meaningful, and then evaluating those ideas in light of the rules, policies and procedures of one's own GLO and the personality of one's own chapter.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I don't see a problem with asking, in person or on GC, about activities that other chapters of any GLO have found useful or meaningful, and then evaluating those ideas in light of the rules, policies and procedures of one's own GLO and the personality of one's own chapter.

Better yet, start with chapters of your own GLO that are likely to already be in line with national initiatives, policies, and procedures.

[djpsk21]

Again, thank you for all the comments and please keep them coming (everyone). You are right...I am new to this and clearly do not have a lot of direction but I am trying to go from a broad view right now to take in as many ideas as possible and move it to a more narrow and concise view.

I would LOVE to hear what others have experienced during their "pledgeship" that was useful, and more importantly, meaningful.

I am already contacting my chapters across the country, especially the ones that continue to excel without hazing and pulling ideas from them. Again, i will say, I have presented this on GC because I am looking to learn as much as possible and gather as many ideas as possible so I can work to create a program that works for this chapter.

I have the authority to make changes as I have been entrusted by my chapter with this authority. I do not want to "rail road" the chapter with a new reform, rather present new and fresh ideas in such a way that they will agree with them. Sure, I could "force" the idea's, but I would rather SELL the idea...I have asked them to start thinking of new ideas and they are...slowly but surely. They just don't know what to replace the current system with because its all they know.

The chapter is willing and ready to see change. I am trying to help them build a program from scratch which is why I am seeking help from everywhere I can think of. I have already contacted our Nationals and have began a discussion with them. Rather than just talk with them to develop ideas, I would like to also present them with ideas and learn WHY it would or would not work.

So, that being said...what activities or events have you been a part of that have been meaningful? Maybe not just in your chapter, but in a team building exercise in your job for example?

Or when you were in college, maybe you did something OUTSIDE Greek life that was useful or meaningful where you learned to work together with you peers.

Thoughts?