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The Fraternity
of Alpha Kappa Lambda
Recruiting the Future Initiative
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Recruiting the Future Initiative |
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Module 2, The Fraternity Stereotype "Frat Boy" as used in a derogatory way reflects a stereotype that has long existed and many argue glorified through movies such as Animal House, PCU, Old School and Van Wilder. The stereotype says that Fraternity men are drunks, do poorly in school and haze. Sometimes it even goes further to accuse us of womanizing, being racist and rapists. This is a hard stereotype to combat, especially when there is fact to back these accusations. Just read some of the recent articles below. Michigan Daily November 19, 2004 New York Post
Detroit Free Press
Rocky
Mountain News
After reading these articles click here to watch a 1990 edition of CNN Crossfire debating the continued existence of of Fraternities on College Campuses:
There is positive press too, but the articles of negative press are roughly a 5 to 1 ratio. A wise Fraternity man once asked, "how many good things that Fraternities do off set death by alcohol, rape and hazing that some chapters do? Is there a magic equation...like for every $100,000 Fraternities raise for philanthropy we are allowed to kill one student?"
The reality is that actions of some chapters and members outside of our own are uncontrollable and can have a broad effect on the Fraternity World. As frustrating as it can be we must move forward and focus on the things that we can change and the things we can do to support the positive side of Fraternity. Even with the negative stereotype existing, AKL can set itself apart and change people's idea of Fraternity at least on a local level. This module will explain how.
To begin, complete the image survey in the workbook under Module 2. Ask yourself, does my chapter project a positive image? Then continue through this module.
Avoid The Shirt
In the 80's a national pizza change used the motto "Avoid the Noid". The "Noid" represented the average pizza that was not fun and left a bad taste in your mouth. Similarly we use the phrase "Avoid The Shirt". "The Shirt"...well we all know what it is. It is that "great" recruitment slogan and t-shirt that celebrates beer, beer, sex, liquor, parties...and beer. It becomes quite hard to argue that Fraternities are more then just parties, beer and women, when the brother standing next to you is wearing the rush t-shirt with the slogan "If you are not wasted, the day is" and it has an image of a wasted, half-naked women partying at the house on the back of it.
Constantly Promote The Fraternity and Your Values
The Fraternity is waiting for the day that a chapter creates the t-shirt saying, "My Ideals are Judeo-Christian Principles, Leadership, Scholarship, Loyalty and Self-Support...what are yours?" Use the values of your members and the organization to speak about your Fraternity. For instance, when grades come out, place an article in the student newspaper identifying the members on the Dean's List and congratulate them for striving to meet our Scholarship Ideal.
In the workbook, under the Module 2 make sure to identify 10 ways you can promote your chapter through our values rather than through negative actions. We will compile the lists turned in and send it out to all of the participants.
Celebrate the Positive
Instead of partying because classes are over for the year or because someone turned 21, think about celebrating accomplishments. For example, have an event to celebrate a successful community service project or fundraiser. Reward members that achieve greatness through academics, leadership or in other ways.
Public Relations can help us combat stereotypes. Click here to view a brief North American Interfraternity Conference video on Public Relations. For the purpose of this program you will not need to create a program or view the manual referenced: NIC Public Relations (High Speed) NIC Public Relations (Dial Up)
Did you know?
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