[6033] in APO-L
Re: service as a focus
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Library Circulation Staff)
Wed Apr 21 15:46:55 1993
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1993 14:45:05 -0500
Reply-To: Library Circulation Staff <circus@ECN.PURDUE.EDU>
From: Library Circulation Staff <circus@ECN.PURDUE.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@PURCCVM.BITNET>
In response to the last posting:
I understand your statement. I agree that we are set apart from the
social greek system because one of our primary foci (?) is service, whereas
this is usually a secondary concern for them. It is a problem IMO that
too many brothers are certain that this makes us better. Different, yes.
Better, doubtful.
I am glad that you believe in all of our CPs. I still have questions
about how we choose to value one Cardinal Principle over another. I don't
think we have the right to say, "No, you want to join more for CP(a) than
CP(b), therefore we reject you."
(In response to an attitude I think I see- )
I personally believe that all members should believe in our CPs, the oath
we take during initiation, and Scout law/oathes. This does not require that
a pledge/brother need to believe that service is the most important focus.
It does mean that service is vital for a full life.
To illustrate my point, I'll talk about myself. The first time I contacted
APO about pledging it was too late in the semester. Why did I want to
pledge? Because Purdue has a large chapter that is well respected on
campus, therefore a good political base for my aspirations to be student
body president.
I eventually pledged, but not for those reasons. I wanted to have more
friends, something I knew that APO could offer. I wanted to serve more
in my life, but this was not the reason I pledged. Many brothers thought
that I was pledging only to add to my resume.
I am happy to report that I am not viewed this way any more. I am sad to
report that I don't have the time to serve the chapter to the extent that
I want.
So what happened? A good pledge program helped me to see the value in
our CPs and our Scout origins. (I never made it past Cub Scouts.)
I think that because I did not pledge with service a primary foci that
I have a different perspective, but a valuable one none-the-less.
I think that service is necessary if we are to have a full life and if
humanity is grow. Friendship and the impact we (have on/allow from)
others is one of the most significant things in life. Leadership is a
necessity if an individual or group is going to do anything but remain
stagnant. All of these are vital. Not one of these should be excluded.
(A full life would probably have a few additions though. :) )
Since all of these are necessary and vital, I do not see how anyone can
say that one is more important than another. That would leave no room
for an individual or group to grow, to work on today's needs, to be
distinct, to have personal values, etc. The time has come for APO to
stop judging people on whether they think service is the most important
value. I encourage every chapter to insist that a strong belief in
service is necessary to become a brother. I reject the notion that this
is the most important belief.
I wish I could find the hardness-of-heart to reject those who 'put down'
my brothers/sisters for wanting or needing to concentrate on friendship.
They offer a great deal to our chapter. They are present at meetings,
they achieve the required service hours or more, they give input at
times. I am glad that our chapter has these b/s, even if they do not
care about service as much as I. There are many more needs in an
individuals life and our chapter besides service.
While I suppose that part of what I have said is preaching, what I really
have is a plea.
care about service as much as I. There are many more needs in an
individuals life and our chapter besides service.
While I suppose that part of what I have said is preaching, what I really
have is a plea.
Accept those who have different priorities. They have
worth, no matter what they believe. Treasure our diversity
and learn from it. Please.
Yes, we are here to serve. But that sentence is not the whole truth, and
we need to appreciate the friendship and leadership others have to offer.
Enough for today,
In Brotherhood,
Jeffrey S. Davidson
CRASH
ps - I almost cried yesterday in class (Leadership Strategies) as we watched
a Michael Jackson video. The line of the song was, "Who am I to pretent I
am blind not to see them?"
The world needs us to continue being of service. Keep the faith! - JSD
