The Regional Director gave straightforward answers, pointing out the "risk" the Chapter was taking in everything it did or didn't do. It was a long answer. The best I can do here is paraphrase the Regional Director's thoughts as they are appropriate for the entire Fraternity.
We have a National alcohol policy It specifically states that Chapters, Interest Groups and Petitioning Groups shall not use or condone the use of alcoholic beverages as part of their membership recruitment or "rush' or pledge education programs. The Regional Director noted, rightfully, that whether the Chapter designates or does not designate the event as "official," the fact is that when the participants, for the most part, are members of the Chapter, the event is inherently official. And, should there be any accidents or problems arising from the party leading to legal action, the prosecuting attorney would definitely so argue
. The Regional Director went on to address the issue of community service and how it directly relates to the reason of our existence, and how our fourfold service program is ultimately the responsibility of each of us. If a Chapter is failing to live up to this principle it is failing in its basic purpose.
It appears that in recent years advisors have lost their place of importance and recognition within the Fraternity. Statistically over 75% of our Chapters have fewer than three advisors. Many have only one, and that one may not be particularly involved in Chapter activities. Is it because some advisors don't know what is going on and don't participate in Chapter activities? Is it because the Chapter doesn't encourage them or involve them in Chapter processes? Advisors are important and they can be beneficial to the Chapter's very being. If a Chapter doesn't have active advisors fulfilling their role, then the Chapter is not doing its job in seeking the right kind of advisors. The conversation between the Regional Director and the Active Brother ended on a positive note, with one another promising to be in touch if things didn't improve.
We are the largest National Service Fraternity, in the United States. Over 260, 000 men and women are alumni of our fraternity. Our yearly active membership averages about 7,000. We are growing at a rate of 5, 000 alumni each year. Wehave330 activeChapters on as many college and university campuses. We would not be where we are today if we did not have structure and purpose. Our members provide the structure and purpose. As we have done for almost 72 years we must continue. Our Chapters must be careful in their activities, they must beprudent. Chapters should use and involve thet'r Chapter Advisors. If an advisor is not doing the right job then the advisor should be replaced. Our principles must befollowed - actively. We must continue in the right direction. We must continue to he the greatest servi'ce organization ever. PB.