[20358] in APO-L
Encouraging Open Membership
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Gary Gengo)
Thu Mar 25 17:02:32 1999
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 16:51:59 -0500
Reply-To: Gary Gengo <ggengo@MITRE.ORG>
From: Gary Gengo <ggengo@MITRE.ORG>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
We have made a lot of progress on the Gender Issue (whether to allow
all-male chapters on co-ed campuses). We have actually had some
constructive dialogue on this issue at the '98 Convention. Having a
special committee examine this issue between the '96 and '98 Conventions
helped a lot. At the '98 Convention, we overwhelming reaffirmed that
all-male chapters can remain all-male until they become co-ed or
inactive. More importantly, we reaffirmed that Fraternity encourages
(but does not mandate) existing all-male chapters to become co-ed.
We have so much to gain by becoming a "truly" co-ed Fraternity. Just
think of all those additional Brothers we would have, Brothers who would
strengthen our chapters, our sections, our regions,and our National
Fraternity. Yet despite these huge gains, some chapters are reluctant to
become co-ed. They are concerned how becoming co-ed will effect their
chapters. If the Fraternity really wants to encourage all-male chapters
to be co-ed, we need to address these concerns.
Let me try to address some common concerns. Of course, each chapter's
situation is unique.
Some chapters are concerned that the level of Brotherhood within their
chapter will suffer greatly if they become co-ed. If you are concerned
about this, I don't think you should be. Your Brotherhood is much
stronger than you realize. Your Brotherhood has lasted 22+ years. Why?
Because of each Brother's commitment to Leadership, Friendship, and
Service. It has very little (if anything at all) to do with whether the
Brothers are male or female. Change is never easy, but you can do it,
and your Brotherhood will be the stronger for it.
Still not convinced? Ask yourself these questions:
1-How important is it to ME that my chapter be co-ed?
2-If my chapter were co-ed, would I have pledged? Why or why not?
3-If my chapter were co-ed, would I stay active? Why or why not?
4-If my chapter were co-ed, would I have joined different organization?
Why or why not?
5-Why did I join APO?
6-Looking back at your answers to Questions 1-5, Do you still think it's
important that your chapter be all-male?
Other chapters are concerned that if they become co-ed, they would lose
aspects that make them unique. As a result, they would be perceived to
be just like other service groups on campus.
Of course, APO is very different from other service groups. We are
based on Leadership, Friendship, and Service. Although Service is an
important part of what APO is, it is not the only thing we are about.
Friendship and Leadership are just as important. In general, that is
what distinguishes us from other service groups.
Hope this sheds some new light on the issue.
Yours in LFS,
Gary Gengo
Alumni- Kappa Omicron chapter
University of Massachusetts
