What's the REAL reason we aren't going to Nationals?

Virtuous Woman · #1 10-06-2004, 12:26 PM

I've been thinking about this. Other organizations' conferences are waaaaaaaay more expensive than ours. One of my friends went to her sorority's conference and the registration fee alone was $400 but she sucked it up and made it happen, along with thousands of her sorors.

So I don't think the money is the real reason we aren't going. What does everyone else think?

SexySuperstar · #2 10-06-2004, 12:51 PM

No...Money is the real reason for me...I can't afford it when I'm paying tution and rent. UMD, College Park is one of the most expensive non-ivy league schools...I think the money is a big issue w/many of the brothers who are still in school actually!

MsCongeniality3 · #3 10-06-2004, 01:11 PM

Money is an issue with most of my chapter brothers. I think I will go but only by asking for registration or something as a Christmas gift and also having a high credit card bill for a month or so.

GoldnBlue2004 · #4 10-06-2004, 01:14 PM

Well to be honest and truthful, the money is a very BIG issue with me because I am just graduating from college and I haven't become acclamated in my career yet. I was laid off my job inb August of 2004. I just made a move to Charlotte, NC and now I am working a new job so I will not be attending the National Conference. The main reason that I don't see alot of people going to the conference is because it is in Colorado. I know that I talked to several frat brothers who mentioned that they were not going for that purpose only. They mentioned that there is nothing to do in CO and they feel as though they are not going to have any fun whatsoever. Also, to be truthful I know that some of the African American brothers in Alpha Phi Omega would prefer to have the conference in places such as DC, Maryland, Charlotte, LA, or anywhere else that has a lot to do, is diverse, and popular.

SexySuperstar · #5 10-06-2004, 01:16 PM

Also, to be truthful I know that some of the African American brothers in Alpha Phi Omega would prefer to have the conference in places such as DC, Maryland, Charlotte, LA, or anywhere else that has a lot to do, is diverse, and popular.

AMEN...I was a little upset when I found out in was in Co. especially when I look at some of the places Nationals has been in the past years!

Virtuous Woman · #6 10-06-2004, 01:26 PM

No need to roll your eyes BetaRose. I know that the brokest of all people find a way to do things when they REALLY want to do it.

I think that location is a VERY good point. I probably would go if it were in a more convenient location AND brothers that I knew were going to even though money is an issue for me too.

EGDeepher · #7 10-06-2004, 01:49 PM

#1 Reason: MONEY

#2 Reason: LOCATION

Even if I was able to come up with the money I feel Denver will be a hugh disappointment after being in New Orleans last time around. I think more people would be willing to go if it were in Anahiem, CA, which was the runner up.

GoldnBlue2004 · #8 10-06-2004, 04:01 PM

I have to totally agree with my frat brothers here. I would even go if it was in ATL!

Sister Havana · #9 10-06-2004, 04:16 PM

1. Money. I've been out of work since the end of June so it's not like I have any to spare.

2. Time. That said, I start a new job on Monday!

I really don't want to be asking for time off this early into my new job. I am not pushing my luck.

3. Location. Colorado is a little far for me to go at this point. Had it been in the Midwest I might have been able to make more of an effort.

4. Other things going on. I have a Jaycee state convention in November, and a whole bunch of region and state Jaycee and AAUW things going on in November and December.

And there you have it.

Senusret I · #10 10-06-2004, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BetaRose

I'm rolling them again because you obviously don't get it. If someone can find a way to afford it, then they aren't broke. It's as simple as that. I'm sorry you feel its not convenient enough for you, but hey, even people who are inconvenienced will find a way to go if they really want to.

Just because she disagrees with you doesn't mean she doesn't understand.

I am not going because:

1) The location makes transportation more expensive.

2) I have a lot of other obligations that take precedence over my fraternities these days.

3) I am really only trying to hang out with certain bros anyway.....why travel all the way to Colorado to see folks I really don't want to? lol....sad, but y'all know that's the real me talking. I have my road dogs who I really need to get up with again.

Now on the real, I am feeling Kentucky in 2006....I haven't been there in a minute, and I'd like to go back. I don't know what other city is putting in a bid, though.

GoldnBlue2004 · #11 10-06-2004, 05:38 PM

We could even go to Tennessee or Alabama!

Dionysus · #12 10-06-2004, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SexySuperstar
Also, to be truthful I know that some of the African American brothers in Alpha Phi Omega would prefer to have the conference in places such as DC, Maryland, Charlotte, LA, or anywhere else that has a lot to do, is diverse, and popular.

AMEN...I was a little upset when I found out in was in Co. especially when I look at some of the places Nationals has been in the past years!

Those AA can speak for themselves.

I think Denver is nearly perfect, it is cute and centrally located.

BlueNGold · #13 10-07-2004, 07:37 AM

I'm a kappa psi brother and I went to New Orleans for the National Conference back in 2002. Also 6 others from NCAT went. We are not the riches people in the world either. So we had to save all year. Also fundrasiers and Donations help too. Three of us drove there and others took a flight. Nationals is every two years and all members need to do is create a realistic bugdet and save the money for your trip. I think i spent less than 800 dollars (includes: hotel, Car, gas, food, gifts).

Plus going in a group can split the cost down also. Try pushing others to go also.

Location can some time be a big challenge. But you all have to remember we have chapters all over the US. Every region in APO would like to have Nationals near them. Not to long ago APO had nationals in DC. I remember there was a big deal with next year location at New orleans conference. Chapter repersentatives was fighting between Cali and Denver. Denver won because its centered in the US for both east and west coast members. But Cali had the best presentation and more sites to see.

So just plan ahead like now for 2006 conference. even though i'm station in Iraq and can't make it to Denver. I plan to go next time.

Virtuous Woman · #14 10-07-2004, 08:32 AM

Thanks to everyone who offered an honest, intelligent, and MATURE look into the reasons that they are not going.

I'm with you Sensuret, if my "clique" was going and it was in Timbuktu (sp.?) I'd do my darndest to go. BTW we have to hang out.

Virtuous Woman · #15 10-07-2004, 08:37 AM

BetaRose: Drop it. I don't agree with you. I'm not going to agree with you and that's OK. I feel that if you REALLY want to do something, you'd make it happen. If you disagree, that's cool. Try something new: agree to disagree. It's OK. That's the beauty of Alpha Phi Omega, there are always going to be differing viewpoints because of the diverse nature of our fraternity.