[9695] in APO-L
Re: ...Pledge Standards...
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Riz Shavelle)
Fri Oct 7 04:33:06 1994
Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 04:29:46 -0400
Reply-To: Riz Shavelle <shavelle@SAS.UPENN.EDU>
From: Riz Shavelle <shavelle@SAS.UPENN.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
In-Reply-To: <9410061436.AA27581@orion.sas.upenn.edu> from "Shawn BB Hillis"
at Oct 6, 94 09:49:39 am
Shawn BB Hillis wrote:
> I'm getting the idea that there IS no _definitive_ answer to this
> issue. It's mostly interpretation of vague policies and bylaws. It's
> just that some think that their interpretation is the correct one, and,
> if they're in some position of 'authority' over some chapters, try and
> force their interpretation onto the chapters.
No, the chapters elected these "officials" to do their jobs and one of their
jobs is to enforce policies of the fraternity that YOU, the active members
decided on. We don't run a dictatorship here, it's a democracy.
If you don't like how something is done, it is in your power to vote on a
change either at the National Convention or to vote in someone new as Sectional
Chairman or Regional Director. To chose to disregard a policy or
interpretation because "you don't like it" is both immature and dangerous.
SCs and RDs are volunteers, not frustrated politicians on a power trip.
They often serve at great expense both financial and timewise to
themselves and their families. They serve for the betterment of the
fraternity, not personal gain.
> Chapters, PLEASE do what you feel is right. If a SC or RD tells
> you that you're doing something wrong, DO NOT just bow down and accept
> it. Question authority. Look into it. Take their view points and
> rationals into considerations. But if you still think that you're doing the
> right thing, then, by ALL means, do it.
This is a very scary notion. Why do you think we have chapters that get
suspended for hazing violations? Could it be because they took this attitude
and even after they were told by a SC or RD that they were in violation of
some policy, they persisted in their actions?
Being part of a national fraternity means just that. It doesn't mean that one
can disregard or ignore certain policies when the individual decides that
they don't care for such policy. "Sacrifice of one for the good of many"
is how the story goes I think. We are often forced to look beyond our
individual desires to try and do what is best for the entire fraternity.
It does little good to be a part of a whole if each part decides to
follow their own path regardless of the harm to the whole. If you don't
want to be bound by this set of common ideals, you are free to form your
own organization , set of rules or guidelines, and go by some name other
than Alpha Phi Omega. Your choice. But by choosing to use the name, you are
also agreeing to be bound to the rules. (re: reaffirmation of membership
policies and chapter affiliation...submitted every fall by November 15th)
I am not saying that actives aren't free to question the decisions of a SC
or RD but do it in the right way. If you don't think a SC is right, ask
the RD. If you believe the RD is wrong, ask a National Board member or the
National President. But let's not buy into this "do whatever you want
regardlessly and damn the consequences" type attitude.
> If/when Brothers/people get tired of me ranting and raving on this
> thread, just let me know. Thank you.... :-)
See above.
fraternally yours,
Riz
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Riz Shavelle shavelle@mail.sas.upenn.edu
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