[21205] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] Quantity vs. Quality (was Re: Rush Ideas)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Rich Quodomine)
Tue Sep 19 22:20:19 2000
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Message-Id: <LAW-F2449Odutox7nye000085ac@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 02:20:14 GMT
Reply-To: Rich Quodomine <satan_scores@HOTMAIL.COM>
From: Rich Quodomine <satan_scores@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
Dear Brothers,
I have been responding privately, though not too miuch in public. But I feel
that I should weigh in here.
>
>The problem is, I have yet to hear of anyone who has
>an effective retention program. Has anyone been
>working on this problem and come up with at least a
>possible solution?
In the past 2 years, I have listened to a number of brothers from all sorts
of chapters tell those stories that can depress or elate. I have heard all
kinds of success stories, only to watch chapters die off.
I tend to reject the kind of solution that applies "blanket-style" to all
chapters, but here's what I have found can work:
1. Dedicated Leadership who don't just solve problems, they plan for
tomorrow. It's relatively easy to find a problem and develop a solution.
It's a little like mathematics. Each problem has a given degree of detail,
making it more or less difficult. The question is not, I have found, whether
or not one can solve the problem, but whether or not one can see the pattern
behind the problem, and correct the actions/existence that create them.
2. Seeing ahead of the cycle. If we recognize ahead of time that a given
group is deficient/strong in a given area, or that membership turnover is
likely to be significant... rush/pledging should be done according to
providing for those realities. For example, if a given chapter will
graduate a number of brothers soon, a younger class might well provide
continuity. Likewise, a chapter with several members who do nothing other
than APO might benefit from some cross-pollination from other organizations.
Instead of react, be proactive.
3. It's what you don't see that bites you in the a$$. Often times,
"problems" are seen, "crisis mode" arises, the "problem" is alleviated, and
everyone feels good for a semester. Try to see with a degree of compassion,
and listen actively to the concerns of others, especially those who lost a
tough vote, had a breakup (especially with another brother - yikes!), or are
just down. That little extra empathy can go a long way in retnetion. I know
it seems simple, but it isn't a big to-do that is often needed.
4. A sense of accomplishment. And I don't mean just doing. I mean a real
sense of pride and heartfelt love for what the chapter does. I love what I
do for APO, and I'd much rather be here, writing, than anything else. Now, I
don't expect everyone to *love* APO every minute of every day. It's ok to be
angry, it's ok to be frustrated. However, if that snowballs because a
chapter does nothing or does something that hurts people, that sense of
accomplishent is lost. Why belong to an organization that does nothing
useful with its time? APO should be rewarding and gratifying. It's not
service for drudgery.
Just some observations,
Rich Quodomine
Region I Membership Chair
-Opinions are always my own-
_________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at
http://profiles.msn.com.
