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Kilo,
I, like you, really got energized by Delta Sig at my first convention in 1985. The convention offers three levels of experience: educational, political, and social. You are absolutely correct about convention giving brothers a national perspective, far greater than the chapter experience alone.
I would also agree that we need to look at the important issues of the last several years from all sides. I think National, Jon included, made a grave mistake in 1999 when they unilaterally mandated AFH and tried to use the Select 2000 decision of 1997 as justification. Clearly, the membership doesn't want major changes implemented from "on high" without their input. Time after time I have seen our membership make the tough decisions: banning Little Sisters, Code of Conduct, Chapter Service Fees, etc. When the argument is compelling, our members will do what is right for the ENTIRE fraternity.
However, I have never been convinced that AFH was something we HAD to do. You are correct that Jon had his principles and stood by them, but National exists to serve the members--not vise versa as others seem to believe. The bottom line is under Jon's leadership service to chapters suffered. The undergrads are paying the bills and on the front lines everyday--they are the customers. As a businessman, I know if your customer's are unhappy you won't last long.
My major concerns about Jon's tenure were the willingness to let chapters fold (as they were deemed unworthy), lack of expansion, lack of services (including COW's, etc.), and an overemphasis on AFH. Banning alcohol is not the answer, it is only an attempt to avoid the problem. Our responsibility lies in educating our members on the responsibile use of alcohol, not just putting it off until they enter the real world. While we concentrated on this, other things suffered.
The fraternity is only a powerful instrument when all three parts work together in harmony: undergraduates, alumni and HQ. I am confident we can come together in Chicago this week and form a common vision for where Delta Sig should go in this century. Thanks for your comments and I hope to meet you in Chi-town.
YITBOS,
Jim Knoll '83
Gamma Epsilon - San Jose State
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Hybrid Mode
