Risk Management Ideas - need help!!!

[UNIAXiD]

My chapter has recently been placed on Risk Management Watch, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice for how to get the chapter to shape up. We had underage drinking at our last datenight, lots of pre-partying, and wristband switching. We need some ideas of what to tell the chapter to make them understand that they are putting our whole national fraternity at risk, the whole greek system on our campus, and our chapter especially at risk. How do you discourage pre-partying? Do you really turn people away when they come to get on the bus? Please help!!

[AlphaXiGirl]

I've never heard of "Risk Management Watch". What is that?

As far as stopping pre-parties, etc.... YES, my chapter did tell people that they could not attend the event if they had been drinking. It doesn't come as a suprise - they were reminded at the meeting prior to the event that pre-parties aren't allowed.

How big is your chapter? I come from a relatively small chapter (40 members) and even if someone tried to trade wrist bands or "lick and pass" their stamps, all of the chapter members knew who was 21 and who wasn't. Your chapter members need to start holding each other accountable for their actions. Although, typically, the Chapter President and the Chapter Life Vice President do the "dirty" work, it really is up to everyone to keep their sisters in check. After your last event, what happened to the members that were drinking underage?

Also look into making your events dry... maybe not all of them but some of them could be. My chapter used to do laser tag crush parties and the guys loved it. Roughly 1/4 of your chapter is probably 21 or older - why does the event have to revolve around alcohol??? Why put 3/4 of your chapter in a position that temps them to break our polices and state law?

[UNIAXiD]

The only problems we had were at datenight and formals, we don't usually have many socials that involve alcohol. The problems that we had at the last ones revolved around dates and new members. We banned 3 men from coming to any other events and had a stern talking to the new members. They all still think pre-partying is ok because actives tell them it is. There's usually 3 or 4 places where everyone congregates and drinks. This is what drives me crazy! I know they've been drinking, but I can't very well tell everyone that they can't get on the bus and just go to formal by myself. Should I tell them that if I know about a pre-party at their house, they'll be put on probation? That would really discourage them I think. Someone else suggested having everyone come to the house a half an hour early, but I don't think that is enough. We usually tell them to be there twenty minutes early, and most show up about 5 minutes before the bus leaves. I am so completely frustrated!!! I don't want to have to be the police again and not have a good time (that's what happened at the last datenight and formal). I don't think I should have to be! My sisters should have more respect for me and our organization so that wouldn't happen, but it will. I'm dreading my senior formal. This sucks!

[doubleblue&gold]

I agree, you have to follow thru on what you tell everyone. You have to stop those that pre-party from going. And make them pay for any loss to the chapter because they didn't go-----price of admssion, food costs, etc. If they know they can't go to the party at all, it will stop it. Also, I heard at convention last summer that advisors should be there when the bus leaves and search everyone to be sure no alcohol is taken either. Use your advisors to be the "bad guys." If there is under-age drinking, you have to stop it or risk losing your charter. Put those that break the rules on probation. Once you start doing it every time, the chapter will know that there's no use in breaking the rules.