[17797] in APO-L
Re: Your APO-L post about female members
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (John Grossi)
Wed Nov 26 13:21:27 1997
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 1997 13:19:19 -0500
Reply-To: John Grossi <jgrossi@BBNPLANET.COM>
From: John Grossi <jgrossi@BBNPLANET.COM>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU>
John R Hall wrote:
> I as one Life member (and have the support from others with list growing) am
> unable to support the national fraternity with funds as long as it practices
> blatant discrimination.
Brother Hall--
I hesitate to get involved yet again in the discussion over this touchy
issue, an issue that has been festering for 25 years. Everytime I open
my mouth I feel like I'm punching a bowl of jello on this topic, but I'm
feeling capricious so I'll throw my opinion in yet again. I feel the
need to mention one thing that needs to be kept in mind by all of us
alumni who continue to participate in this organization.
This organization is run by the actives. We, the alumni, are here
because they've not told us to go away. The ultimate authority in Alpha
Phi Omega *IS* the National Convention, which is composed of the
chapters. They are supreme. The National Board in my understanding
exists solely to implement the direction that the National Convention
has given the Fraternity, and act as a sort of Trustee in between
conventions as much business can not wait 2 years and more for a
Convention to deal with it. Remembering though that every decision that
an officer of this fraternity makes is ultimately answersable to the
Convention (or the smaller body of chapters) that elected them.
I had four wonderous years as an Active Brother at Worcester
Polytechnic Institute, and today I have the honour of advising the
chapters and groups in three states and one Canadian Province. To me
advising means I give the actives the information they need to make an
intelligent decision, and then let them make the decision, just as
someone let me make my own. Sometimes I may underline where my opinions
are, but I certainly don't tell them what to do. That's the beauty of
Alpha Phi Omega, we are an organization of the actives and are
responsive to THERE needs. Your needs and my needs do NOT matter, we are
not active brothers. If the actives decide they want all-male chapters,
it's there choice, and if you've got a
problem with that, it's tough. This is leadership, making a decision and
dealing
with the consequences.
Your options if you don't like the direction the organization is going
in
are simply to not participate as an alumni or to deal with it
remembering that the
alumni who were involved during your era swallowed there pride and
watched some
feature they (dis)liked (not) get changed.
I will also give you my own thoughts on your comment above. Brother
Hall
if you don't feel comfortable giving the National Fraternity money, that
is your
right, and I'd encourage you to practice it. Using your money and
influence with
Alumni as a tool to advance your political agenda within the Fraternity,
I feel
uncomfortable with. It violates the concept I've outlined above,
something I
feel very strongly sets this organization apart from a lot of others. I
encourage
you to express your opinions to the undergraduates, teach them what you
believe in, if they'll listen. Like it or not though, you can threaten
all you want with
your money, it's not going to get anyone to listen to you, and may
actually bias
people against the message you carry.
These are my thoughts on your commentary as it relates to our
brotherhood, take them as you will I don't much care either way.
Yours in Leadership, Friendship, and Service
John Grossi
Alumni Brother - Omicron Iota Chapter - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Honorary Brother - Phi Epsilon Chapter - Maine Maritime Academy
