Making sense of all this

DeltaSigStan · #1 06-25-2003, 10:11 PM

The activity on this board today has been heated. It's hard to see either of the views discussed today from my angle. I'm a Spring 02 initiate, and am somewhat new as to what is going on with National.

All I see is that many things need to be solved, and it doesn't even seem like we know what exactly are the problems here.

I just wanted to know what you two (and the others who feel strongly about this subject) think are the specific issues that need to be presented next week.

I just know is that, as an undergrad, if we didn't have Hockman down here trying to shut us down for no reason other than the fact that we're a West Coast chapter, and if National had helped us out a lot more than the little that they did, then my chapter would be in a lot better shape than it is now.

So would a lot of other chapters.

dspboskey · #2 06-26-2003, 07:43 PM

I feel that the largest problem that we have to overcome is finding some ethical leadership for the undergraduates.

The current representative is not representative of what this fraternity should stand for or what it represents. Let me site the following examples:

Our current representative was drinking underage at the last convention; I personally know this because he celebrated his birthday at the convention, after we had drinks the couple nights before. While drinking underage may not seem like that big of a deal, this is a person who we are electing to look after the policies and laws that our fraternity stands for.

More recently he told a friend of mine that he should drop out of consideration for the undergraduate position on the grand council, this individual happened to be from Alpha Lambda, they are only a pyramid of excellence chapter. But, I guess what he is trying to say is that the majority of the chapters are “not that good” and would not be able to raise the bar. I have also heard that a member of Delta Delta has also been asked to step aside, I guess a large chapter would not be representative of the fraternity either.

If you ask my opinion he is not representative of the undergraduate chapters, from what I have heard his chapter has like 10-15 members, secondly none of his chapter brothers are really all that fond of him, maybe that is because he tries to bully his own chapter like he has the undergraduates that disagree with his minions.

Now this is probably somewhat unbecoming of me as a brother, but fight fire with fire. Right Deltasigsouth?

DeltaSigStan · #3 06-26-2003, 09:22 PM

Our U of A undergrad member came to visit for the weekend. Mr. Maxwell didn't exactly help out that much.

I forgot what his role is and his last name, but this guy named Dave came, he's an alum of Northwest Mizzou State I think. He was really helpful and gave some good ideas. Only problem is that when we don't exactly HAVE to follow his suggestions, a chapter like mine won't.

That's basically what I'm saying. If National would come down harder on a lot of chapters to get their shit straight, some chapters wouldn't be in this postion. If Mr. Wiley or Mr. Boma would say "look Gamma Alpha, you're not where you should be, and WE'RE going to HELP you and MAKE SURE you guys do what it takes to improve", then we'd be doing a lot better IMO.

I mean, Winning Alpha Phi's Philanthropy, Placing 3rd in Greek Week and going from 14th to 5th in GPA is great, but we are completely lost with recruitment because 1) so many people think THEIR way is the right way and these ways comflict, and 2) we still need help with how to work rush. If there is a distinct way Nationals want us to do it, then we'd like to see it. But just suggestions with no organization will kill you.

On dry house, I completely understand wanting it, but for a school like mine, trying to advertise dry house just doesn't get you pledges.

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, all I know is chapters like mine need more help and more monitoring from Nationals to make sure shit gets done.

dspboskey · #4 06-26-2003, 09:47 PM

Stan,

I think you are dead on, As things progress and Wiley gets more in the grove shit will get straigned out. You are right, the service the national has provided over the past few years has been shit, that is not wileys fault that is what the Challenge Team structre did to our organization.

Don't forget your chapter is still fighting a stigmata from being reorganized/closed and then reopening right away. Sounds like you have made a positive contrabution in the past two years.

I would demand nut and bolt educational training, take advantage of what convention has to offer you. Not only the programing, which will provide direction, your brothers from across the country can provide insight into what to do and what has been succesful. Talk to the guys from Phi, they have been in a "dry" situation for years and never fail to bring in 20-30 pledges each year.

Don't take this the wrong way, if you don't like telling people you have a dry house, bust everyone's balls to get their grades up. Then this will become a non issue.

I am glad to see that I am not the only person that disagrees with our leadership from U of A

DeltaSigStan · #5 06-26-2003, 09:56 PM

Funny, forgot to add that during Alpha Phi's philanthropy, 6 U of A guys came and chilled with us. They weren't too nice when the topic of "that guy" came up.

As far as the challenge goes, I trust that the GC treasurer (who happens to be from my chapter has said that we will not be hearing the word "Challenge" in that context ever again.

I'm the only one going from my chapter, whereas other chapters I know of are sending between 5-10 guys. I'm just worried that what I bring back with me will not be implemented. My chapter is very lax on these kinda of things, this is where Nationals could come in.

I'm not taking it the wrong way. I see talking to other DSPs around the country that we all feel the same way.

BTW, I didn't realize there was a stigma that from being reorganized/closed and then reopening right away. Can you give a little more info on that?

dspboskey · #6 06-26-2003, 10:05 PM

From what I understand there were some pretty bitter feelings that were being passed down from alumni members of the chapter as well as other members of other chapters.

If it is no longer holding you guys back that is great

Have you tried to utilize the guys at UCSD? they seem to recruit pretty well or atleast they used to. They are just a hop skip and away over in lajolla.

As far as getting help form HQ, go out of your way to corner Wiley or other HQ staff to make sure your feelings are understood and acted upon.

Hockman left you guys to wither on the vine, you have started to flourish, get help and continue to grow the momentum that you have started to develop.

are you guys in the new facility yet? aren't you all on even ground in the greek complex?

please let me know how that is going

dspboskey · #7 06-26-2003, 10:24 PM

I will be there, and I will seek you out and offer any help I can

dspboskey · #8 06-26-2003, 10:34 PM

Tell me your mascot, the surfing monkey made the trip from the hold house. I think his name was doubey

DeltaSigStan · #9 06-26-2003, 10:41 PM

Heheheh he is safely sitting on top of a bro's TV. We originally bought 5 of them in Tiajuana. He is Doobie IV, the only survivor.

Guy was a cool guy but before my time BTW.

dspboskey · #10 06-26-2003, 11:08 PM

thats cool.

Who is Guy?

DeltaSigStan · #11 06-26-2003, 11:31 PM

Oops, that was directed at DSPchamy.

DeltaSigStan · #12 07-26-2004, 03:37 PM

BUMP

Caddy · #13 07-27-2004, 05:07 PM

some of us that were initiated in 2000 or before have seen the good and the bad of Nationals. I think that in a sense Nationals is tring to make us help ourselves as a chapter first... but not be afraid to ask Nationals for help, especially rush-wise. Hock is gone now and I think we have some more... productive people at the helm. They have changed alot of stuff behind the scenes. Talk around with people in the know at regional leadership confences, etc. and they will tell you that nationals want participation in the system and more chapters rushing well.
Overall I think the state of things are good but a focus needs to be put on making a difference on the chapter level.. after all that is where 99% of us can make the difference. Also, as always...rush is a big factor in the operation of Nationals and the moral of the chapter. Rush well and there will not be too many major complaints.

Rock Knobbster · #14 08-04-2004, 02:09 AM

Just about a year ago, we went in to convention with a great deal of concern over the future of our fraternity. What could have been a contentious gathering, instead became one of hope and confidence. The concensus was to give our new leadership a chance to implement their plans and move us forward.

A year later, I'm curious what the general evaluation of those efforts is. The feeling in Chicago was one of giving them a chance, but if promises weren't kept, look out in Austin. So, has there been progress? Are the members getting the service they need and want? Were the fee raises worth it? Is there a better sense of unity within our entire organization or is it still "us versus them?"

We have under a year until we gather again in Austin. I'd like to see us evaluate the progress our leadership has made and state what we'd like to see over the next 10-11 months. This is OUR fraternity. WE are the customers. Are we satisfied? I, for one, would like to know your opinions and feelings. Thanks.

YITBOS,

Rock Knobbster '83
San Jose State