Dear Brothers,
In the sense of service, we think of how we can and how we do serve the fraternity. What about the many ways that the fraternity serves us? Reward: We are honored by the opportunity to become members in the organization. That is a status of recognition that helps us to realize what great people we are and give significance to our actions as outstanding band members and as great people. As we choose to accept the invitation to become brothers in this fraternity, we choose to accept an honor that was given to us for the many positive contributions we have already given the band, not to mention those that we will collectively give in the near future. Leadership Experience: With the many opportunities that the fraternity provides us through becoming officers and completing projects, we gain the skills necessary to tackle any task that comes our way. We are the leaders of tomorrow being trained today. We learn how to fail, succeed, work with others, work alone, lead, follow and use skills that we didn't even know we had and inevitably grow because of it. Brotherhood: There is nothing like meeting someone for the first time and knowing the common bond you instantly share. Expanding upon these friendships over the four (or so) years we are in college often becomes a lifelong friendship. Even if you choose to sever most ties with the
Fraternity upon graduation (DON'T!), you will always have those brothers that you never lose touch with. Those who were there for you when you needed someone most, and that will always be there until the day you die. That is brotherhood, plain and simple, and can't be matched by any other form of bond. Resources: From social, to professional, to musical, Kappa Kappa Psi provides us with many opportunities to further our personal agenda in whatever means necessary. I am certain that every brother has 'exploited' the fraternity for a personal reference/unique opportunity of some sort at some point. Memories: These last a lifetime...ask any alumni, and they will have story after story about their collegiate (and probably alumni) experience as a brother. Using all of the items listed above, we build these memories and share them with others. Care to list any others? My list is short but not exhaustive; any brother can add PAGES of information to what is listed above, if he or she chooses to be so dedicated. Consider these ways in which the fraternity helps us develop, and how we use it to better ourselves as individuals. Consider these when you are working for the fraternity and unfortunately when others are questioning whether to join or remain in the fraternity. REMEMBER, the fraternity can only work for you if you choose to work for it. Become involved. Expand your circle. Get to know others, even if it means sacrificing some of your personal time (trust me, the result is worth it!). Travel and meet new people, learn about other schools and other geographical areas as well! The opportunities are endless. A fraternity is not a four-year journey; it is a lifelong bond that you build with others. See what there is around you, and how you can get involved. As a tag relating to my office, continue to explore the district website, specifically the forums and downloads related to Membership Education. As the semester continues, more will develop and some portions of chapter's MEPs that I would like to highlight will be presented on the website with testimonials from different chapter’s VPs as means to further develop your own chapter's MEP. Thanks! I hope to see you all around the District this Block season and at NCD Convention (and National Convention this summer!)!! Chris Graves
NCD VP Colonization & Membership
Kappa Chi - KKY
Albion College |
