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Post by modorney on Aug 18, 2012 8:46:03 GMT -5
Don’t Cry for Me Ray Lewis •May 3, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: CEO Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89 As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, this hurts. I’m about to shower praise upon Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and my stomach is in knots. I’m all jangled. My gut can’t believe what my brain is telling my fingers to type. But, here goes… Following the Ravens heartbreaking loss to the Patriots in January’s AFC championship game—a game in which victory was literally in the hands of a Ravens receiver in the final minute—Ray Lewis challenged his teammates to take the defeat as an opportunity to become stronger. Of the loss, Lewis says to his teammates, “This makes us stronger. Let’s understand who we are as a team. Let’s understand who we are as men. Let’s make someone smile when we walk out of here. We’ve got the opportunity to keep going.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=E22tZRpsOyo&feature=player_embeddedHis message: When life gives you storms, when challenges come your way, you have exactly one minute to feel sorry for yourself and then you need to use these feelings of defeat and despair to grow and motivate yourself to prepare for the next opportunity. For football fans, Lewis can be a divisive figure because his career has had an occasional controversy, but the audio of Lewis’ speech provides some insight into his character. It’s interesting to contrast Lewis’ perspective with Tom Brady’s reaction to losing the Superbowl (my apologies to UAB President Steve Binzel for bringing this up) to the New York Giants. In an article written by Dan Wetzel, Brady is described as inconsolable, despondent and utterly in despair. Life throws you curveballs (or in this case, missed field goals) and you often have to figure out how to move forward. We have all let ourselves fall into the doldrums from time to time, but during those times when we can only see what we’ve lost, we may need someone to challenge us to refocus on what we have—the people around us, the opportunities ahead, the proverbial silver lining. The Steelers have won six Lombardi trophies. That not-so-small fact has nothing to do with this post except that it is kaopectate to my self-inflicted, Raven-praising dyspepsia. So, for today, it’s hats off (helmets off?) to Ray Lewis for his words of wisdom and encouragement. And here’s to wishing for him to give the same speech next year. Resources: A Wish for Leaders www.phikappatau.org/images/stories/Leading_for_Life/Leadership/A_Wish_for_Leaders.pdfChange Management Toolkit www.phikappatau.org/images/stories/Lead_your_Chapter/President/Change_Management_Toolkit.pdf
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Post by modorney on Aug 18, 2012 8:48:21 GMT -5
Junior in Name, Giant in Character •May 7, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Resource and Expansion Consultant Jason Sweet, Saginaw Valley State ’09 I am writing this blog less than 24 hours after the passing of one of the NFL’s greatest players and men: Junior Seau. I have to admit that while his passing is extremely tragic, I still went about my normal day yesterday and today until just a few moments ago. A news article made me stop and think. The article published an e-mail submitted by Albert Flores Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps captain describing his chance encounter with Seau. What hit me so hard about this article was Capt. Flores recounting Seau’s genuine character, how this iconic and legendary sports figure cared so much about who he was and what he did, how Seau called Flores a hero! A football player, especially one with the kind of on-field tenacity and determination as Seau, would normally be unapproachable because of his status as a superstar. He should be tough and self-centered, arrogant and uninterested in others. At least those are the things I would assume. But clearly that wasn’t the case. Think about all the times you have developed your own preconceived notions about someone, whether they are good or bad. That because they are “this” then they must act like “that,” because they dress like “this” then they must be like “that.” Flores got a chance to see the difference between perception and reality, to see the man behind the superstar, a man who is just like us. Even further, Seau lived his life in a way that didn’t allow preconception to control the reality of he who was in the eyes of others. I write this blog inspired. Inspired to live my life a bit more like both of these men. To have the confidence and vulnerability of Capt. Flores, to be able to meet people and break down my own preconceived notions of them. To have the genuine curiosity and authenticity of Seau, to be able to love the people around me and learn more about who they are. Not only will this help make me a better recruiter (for my job) and a better Phi Tau (for my passion), but I will be a better man (for others). Take this journey with me, and add another person to the list of people we live our lives in memory and honor of every day. Resources: Self-Awareness www.phikappatau.org/index.php/leadership-for-life/self-awarencess.html
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Post by modorney on Aug 18, 2012 8:49:03 GMT -5
Be the Mockingjay •May 10, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Expansion Consultant Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07 I’m typically not one to buy into the pop culture and media trends (although I do have a Twitter account now; follow me at @iamalexkoehler), and especially not with literature. I have always been that guy who reads what he wants when he wants, often neglecting what I’m sure is good work because “it’s all the rage!” I have never read Harry Potter. Nor Lord of the Rings. I have definitely kept away from the Twilight series. So why could I not put the Hunger Games down?! Seriously. I finished all three books faster than I have ever read any other single book! Maybe it is because it combines elements of some of my favorite things: Love—Not only the love story between man and woman, but the devotion we make to family and friends. Fellowship. Leadership—From page one of the first book you get the feeling that Katniss is going to do more than she expects of herself. Adventure—Although she hunts for necessity, Katniss longs for the outdoors as a method of release. Subconsciously escaping from the confines of her reality. I can identify with that, although my time outdoors doesn’t end by taking out wild game with a single arrow. Usually. In the first chapter of the final book, something really caught my attention. As Katniss revisits the place she used to call home, she thinks to herself … “Some walks you must take alone.” For us, that solitary walk will not be into the Hunger Games arena. But if you haven’t had to take that walk already, you will experience it one day. Into your first chapter meeting as an officer. Across the graduation stage. Into your first career (not job) interview. From the bullpen to the pitcher’s mound. Some walks you must take alone. While you are vulnerable during the isolated journey, your destination will give you the position of power. Your brothers looking to you to move the chapter forward. Hoisting your credentials in the interview. Glaring down toward home plate, sizing up the batter. It is how you harness the power and maximize your position that matters. Remember your purpose—Why are you there? Is it to strike out the last three batters and win the game? Is it because this job opportunity is going to bring you fulfillment in both your personal and professional life? Focus—As Katniss does during her hunts and the Games, use all of your senses to fully understand and appreciate your surroundings. Visualize success—What is your legacy going to be as the chapter president? Recruitment chairman? Vice president of alumni relations? See yourself in the position. What will you bring to the team? Picture the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt. Imagine the crowd going wild. Then what? Determine what success is and go after it. Never let the lonely walk discourage you. It may lead you to the life you want. Good luck! Resources: Change Toolkit Career Planning www.phikappatau.org/leadership-for-life/career-planning.htmlA Wish For Leaders
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Post by modorney on Aug 18, 2012 8:50:00 GMT -5
Congratulations … What Now? •May 17, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Resource and Expansion Consultant Jason Sweet, Saginaw Valley State ’09
I shall be loyal to my college and my chapter and shall keep strong my ties to them that I may ever retain the spirit of youth.
Recently, I began reflecting on the last few years of my life—as an undergraduate and the events that led to where I am today. There are several monumental steps we take in our lives. Each holds different meaning and importance to each of us, but regardless, they are all things that add more definition to our lives.
Many of you out there have taken one such step—graduation from college! Congratulations!
I myself got to relive my own graduation while attending my younger brother’s graduation a few weeks ago.
I made my rounds to see old friends and familiar faces while I was in town. One such stop was to a great friend and mentor of mine, Saginaw Valley State University Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Merry Jo Brandimore.
During our conversation, she opened the most recent issue of an SVSU publication, flipped to the alumni update section and asked me if I had signed up for our alumni association. Somewhat ashamed to admit it to Merry Jo, I told her I hadn’t.
She proceeded to show me the page she had flipped to. She said of the nearly 80,000 alumni we have, there are very few on which the school can publish updates.
I looked at the page to see a small handful of updates (maybe 100) on alumni. It started to sink in.
Merry Jo explained how important it is for the university to know what its graduates are doing. Not to solicit us for money (although this is an important reason), but to know and share our story and continue to help us achieve our dreams.
Over the last few weeks I have thought about this conversation a lot. I recently signed up for the alumni association, and I recently told my story.
Look, I get it. I was you once. I graduated and wanted nothing to do with college ever again. I laughed at the thought of staying involved or signing up for any type of alumni thing. I loved my college experience, but I still felt that way. Honestly, if it weren’t for the job I have with the Fraternity, I might have felt the same way about Phi Tau as I’m sure some of you do.
My realization and my point is that you just need to do it. Sign up for things, update your address and stay connected. Right now it might not seem important, but I promise you will be glad you did. I know I am.
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Post by modorney on Aug 19, 2012 8:52:38 GMT -5
What is your Ethos? •May 24, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Expansion Coordinator Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07 e-thos: the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as seen in its beliefs and aspirations. My cousin and I have always been close. We were born five months apart. We always had more in common than anyone else in our family. In fact, people always said if they could combine us, we would equal our grandfather. We were the big people in the family. We both played football. We were always the last ones to wake up at family gatherings. We both recommended that our younger cousins were better off not bringing boyfriends around. We both enjoyed social exploits in our adolescent years. To be frank, we were ornery … and everyone knew it. Especially when it got us in trouble. Oddly enough, our similarities led us down extremely different paths. Perhaps even odder was that we took those steps at very similar points in our lives. I went to college. He went to the military. My cousin is going to spend a significant portion of his life in Germany. Before he was assigned that mission, his bags were packed, his things were stored in his military locker, he was ready to go to Afghanistan. His battalion, his team, his brothers DID. His orders were that he was not to go with them. Believe me, our family members were relieved. But I know my cousin, and one of the hardest things for him was not having to go to Afghanistan…but not going to Afghanistan at all. The other day, I was in the Baltimore airport for a layover. Many people do their best not to connect with others in these situations. Honestly, I considered it. Instead I chose to laugh. To smile. To listen. To engage. Not all strangers are evil. Then I heard two men discussing their recent return from Afghanistan. I engaged. I thanked them. We all have beliefs. We all have a set of principles that guide us. We all have a symbolic star overhead. My conversation in the airport that day could have been easily avoidable. It took effort and investment to go out of my way to connect. I was meant to be a part of that moment. That night, one man showed me what leadership really is. He taught me, a non-military civilian, the Warrior Ethos. Because he believed in me. Because although he was a leader overseas, he believes that we need MEN to be LEADERS at home who live this ethos. The Warrior Ethos is: I will place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I will never forget the men in Baltimore—Nolan and Robert. The day I met them was the day they met one another. But they were brothers. They offered each other their own version of our “challenge.” They offered each other their “grip.” They believed in their ethos. We can all take a lesson from my cousin, from Robert, from Nolan. What is your personal ethos? What is your Phi Tau ethos? Even if we are not in the military, we have a duty to LEAD our fellow men at home. To become the future of our country. To become the future leaders of our world. We can be. Will you? I believe in a set of principles. I believe in guiding light. I believe I have responsibility. In Phi Kappa Tau, I have accepted that it is my duty to… Place our mission first. Never accept defeat. Never quit. Never leave a fallen comrade. Happy Memorial Day! Inspired by Ray Sophie’s blog “Amos,” every member of the U.S. military and our veterans. Resources: Amos phitaublog.org/2012/02/16/amos/Purpose Statements phikappatau.org/index.php/about-pkt/purpose-statements.html
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Post by modorney on Aug 19, 2012 8:55:08 GMT -5
Enlightenment Around Every Corner •May 30, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Jason Sweet, Saginaw Valley State ’09 I have learned a lot from the phitaublog. It has unlocked some amazing insight, provided by some great writers. I read every article we post, and I try to gain further wisdom from them. The biggest thing I have learned is that blogs are awesome! This has led to my adventures into the world of blogging, and I now search out other blogs to read and pull insight from. A good friend recently provided me a link to an article and a teaser: “This article has been floating around. If you haven’t seen it, you should glance over it some time. It’s pretty enlightening.” Let me give you a quick synopsis: The articles title is “15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy.” Extremely simple, right? Sparing you all the details, here are those 15 things: Give up your need to always be right. Give up your need for control. Give up on blame. Give up your self-defeating self-talk. Give up your limited beliefs. Give up complaining. Give up the luxury of criticism. Give up your need to impress others. Give up your resistance to change. Give up labels. Give up your fears. Give up your excuses. Give up the past. Give up attachment. Give up living your life to other people’s expectations. There is no way I can do this article justice by trying to analyze it, but this is what I can do. I can encourage you to read it. Not only read this article but read other blogs and articles. Not because you have to but because you can. You may find a blog that inspires you to be a better scholar, a better recruiter or just a better man. And you cannot, in all fairness, be a servant to the community or an amazing chapter brother or a reliable friend if you aren’t trying to be the best version of yourself. Put your own meaning into the things you read and take lessons from them as you will. I can say with complete certainty that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t opened my eyes to the vast world of literature that exists as blogs and articles. If you want to delve into this world of blogs but have no idea where to start, ask your favorite phitaublogger. We all have a few blogs we read on a regular basis and would love to share them with you. Equally as important, if you have any blogs that you find insightful, feel free to share them with all of us by commenting on this post. Happy blogging everyone! Resources: Self Awareness www.phikappatau.org/index.php/leadership-for-life/self-awarencess.html15 Things You Should Give Up to be Happy www.purposefairy.com/3308/15-things-you-should-give-up-in-order-to-be-happy/
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Post by modorney on Aug 19, 2012 8:55:50 GMT -5
Who Bought All the Jelly? •June 6, 2012 • 1 Comment By: Expansion Coordinator Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07
How many times have you heard the cliché “borrowing a cup of sugar from the neighbor”? A ton, right?
So, how many times have you actually done it? Whether it is sugar or something completely different (like a rake), I’m willing to guess that most of us rarely ask.
What do we do instead?
I spend about half of any calendar year on the road. There is beauty in the journey, but even the toughest road warriors miss the comforts of home. For me, one of those comforts is cooking. Most hotels and restaurants don’t encourage you to cook your own food (don’t ask how I know that), so when I am in Oxford, I cook just about every meal.
The other day I opened our refrigerator and I found:
4 open packs of the same type of shredded cheddar cheese 2 open jars and one squeezable bottle of strawberry jelly 5 open bottles of Newman’s Own Vinegar and Oil salad dressing (at least we are supporting a good cause!) Forget about asking our neighbors. We don’t even ask our roommates.
People like to think we live in a self-reliant world. Dear millennial friends, I hate to say it but this is largely due to our generation. This is Generation Me. The iGeneration—relationships are built through social media, not social excellence. Relationships are maintained through FaceTime, not face time. You see more ear buds on campus sidewalks than you see salutations.
What happened to brotherhood knowing no boundaries? Familial ties once went beyond immediate relationships, even beyond fraternal organizations. Once, fraternal organizations’ purpose was to reach beyond those limits—to do whatever they could—to help all of mankind.
Our purpose has not changed. Our attitudes have. The reality is that we need people just as much as ever, maybe more. Success does not exist in solidarity. We need to connect and engage to succeed.
Whether it is asking your roommates to borrow some salad dressing or asking questions to build a better fraternity, it is now up to us to carve out the culture we want to see. How do we do it?
Just ask.
Recruitment Just ask your professors, advisor, the wise janitor, friends in sororities, the dean of students or (if you’re bold enough) the campus president who the best men on campus are. Then go recruit those men. Just ask those men to come to brotherhood events, community service events, intramural games or whatever it is that makes your chapter remarkable. Recruitment events are passé. Recruit with what makes your chapter an essential component of campus. Don’t recruit by putting up flyers and chalking the sidewalk. Be dynamic. Offer a deeper and more significant VALUE. Just ask how you can. Just ask those men their honest opinion. What would it take for them to accept an invitation to fraternal membership? Community Service and Philanthropy Just ask where there are needs on your campus or in your community. Be a leader. Fill them. In General Something happening that you want to be a part of? Phi Kappa Tau Foundation scholarships? Leadership Academy attendance? National Convention? Changing lives at a SeriousFun camp? Just ask. Something happening that you want to see changed? Just ask why it is happening. Just ask how you can be a part of the change. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined a fraternity recently. When asked why he joined, he responded, “Someone asked.”
Curiosity is an essential trait of leadership. What is the worst that will happen? The answer will be no? You won’t know if you don’t ask. I bet you’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Posted in Community Service, Membership, National Participation, Philanthropy, Recruitment, Ritual Tags: Greatness, Recruitment, We Can Change the World, You Gotta do Something!
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 9:04:58 GMT -5
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb_xS1eSA2k&feature=player_embeddedMeghan Vogel, a high school student, was competing in the Ohio state track meet. She had already won the 1600-meter race and was in the middle of the 3200-meter race. About 50 meters from the finish line, she watched a competitor collapse in front of her. What do you expect that she’d do? Vogel stopped, picked up her competitor and helped her to the finish line. Not only that, but Vogel made sure her competitor finished before her since the woman was ahead of her the whole race. When interviewed later, Vogel said, “Helping her across the finish line was a lot more satisfying than winning the state championship.” Why would someone do this? I mean, usually a runner gets disqualified for helping another runner, and this was the state finals. Instead of taking the opportunity to place higher, Megan put this other woman ahead of herself. Character. It’s a word that’s meant a lot to Phi Taus over the years. Not only that, but integrity, humanity and selflessness. When I joined my chapter, there were several men who exemplified these characteristics. I had a lot of personal stuff that I had been bottling up for years, and I was OK with dealing with it on my own. Sparing you all the dirty details, a few brothers realized this and showed they cared. These men knew I needed to talk to someone. They understood I just needed to vent. I had to figure out life, and they took it upon themselves to help me. It’s kind of like helping a competitor finish a race. They lifted me up, put me in front of themselves and helped me cross the finish line to a better college experience. These men cared about my well-being. What have you done for your brothers lately? The moment you take an avid interest in this brotherhood and in your brothers, you get more out of Phi Kappa Tau. It’s when Phi Kappa Tau will benefit from you, as well. What did I do with my Phi Tau experience after these men helped me? Sure, I did my best to show them my appreciation. Some of that was just in the continued bonds we have held over the years. A lot of that was also my dedication to our Fraternity. I wanted to help other brothers the way they helped me. That’s part of the reason I’m working at our Executive Offices now. So, help a brother out. College is tough, and we all could use a lift and a push at some point.
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 9:06:03 GMT -5
Fraternal Wisdom from my Father •June 18, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Phriends of Phi Tau Chairwoman, Cat Sohor, Theta Phi Alpha fraternity. Cat is the assistant director of fraternities, sororities and independent living groups at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
As the month of June begins, we start seeing commercials about finding the perfect gift for Dad for Father’s Day. There are images of families grilling together; grandfathers getting thoughtful cards and pictures from their grandkids and wives giving watches to their husbands. It’s always a bittersweet time for me, because my father passed away in October of 2008.
While I don’t need to find the perfect gift for my dad, I instead like reflecting upon his life and being grateful that for twenty-five years, I had the best dad in the world. There is always one constant in that reflection. There is no doubt that I am who I am today because my father lived the Ritual of his fraternity.
My father joined Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at Rutgers University- Newark in May of 1970. He did not speak often about his fraternity experience but was always willing to let me play with his badge that sat in my mother’s jewelry box. I remember seeing its pearls and the skull and crossbones and my dad saying little about what it meant.
Sometimes I wish I had more thoughtful conversations with him about his experience, because I would have asked him why ZBT, when he was not a Jewish man or how he was taught the values of the fraternity.
Even though my dad did not recite his creed or values to me, it was in his actions and the way that he raised me that I know he lived those values every day.
Living your Ritual is not just an undergraduate expectation. Making an oath to your fraternity is a lifetime commitment.
For the men of Phi Tau, it’s a lifetime commitment to exemplary character. There may no longer be chapter meetings, standards board hearings or chapter excellence programs in place to ensure that you are living up to the expectations of your Fraternity, but every day you make choices.
Those choices should be guided by your values. You never know who you might meet and more importantly, who’s life you may impact. It could be a coworker, friend, your future spouse or partner or like in my case, your child. Without reciting your values or creed, would those around you know what they are based upon your actions? I hope the answer is yes. If it’s not, it isn’t too late to change that.
Thank you, to all the fraternity men like my dad that have inspired us, coached us and served as a role model. Happy Father’s Day!
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 9:07:10 GMT -5
Success the Marvel Way •June 20, 2012 • Leave a Comment By Resource and Development Coordinator Ray Sophie, Southern Illinois ’08
“Success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.”
—Arnold H. Glasgow
I have seen the Avengers twice already, and would not be opposed to a third showing because it was that awesome. And I can’t wait for more. Sequels, spin-offs, deeper character introductions (let’s go Hawkeye movie!).
I don’t want to discuss the virtues of characters or the teamwork they displayed, nor the concepts of good and evil.
I want to dissect how this movie became so successful with so much at stake.
Here’s why Marvel has been successful long-term: they are passionate about their characters, and they’ve built their empire the right way.
Instead of the quick money grab, which Hollywood is so very prone to doing, they carefully built an audience starting with the foundation of passionate comic book fans.
It took them almost five years to build buzz and excitement for this movie, while many studios would have been impatient and made the movie right off the bat.
Although Iron Man created a slew of new fans, there were nuggets and Easter Eggs strewn about that movie to acknowledge the customers that have built Marvel through the graphic novel industry.
After the huge success of Iron Man, each new Marvel movie introduced characters in a satiating and productive way, allowing the audience to further grow and spend less time on exposition later. Each character and his backstory has been cast and illuminated brilliantly, allowing for a deeper appreciation and contextualization during the Avengers.
Then, instead of hiring the hot name to direct their make-or-break, $200 million production, they hired a lesser known TV guy named Joss Whedon. For those who don’t know, Whedon has a very passionate fan base from such creations as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the short-lived Firefly (another personal favorite). Before Avengers, Whedon had only directed one movie prior, a low budget finale to Firefly named Serenity (which I highly recommend).
So why did Marvel trust such an “inexperienced” director? Because he’s smart, incredibly hard working, and all of his fans are also Marvel’s foundation audience. And Whedon delivered in a way that only he could.
So what does all of this have to do with you as a Fraternity Man?
How about recruitment?
Does your chapter painstakingly prepare the whole year by building a core audience or niche?
Does your chapter rely on the “hot ideas” or does it recruit year round with hard-working and less flashy members?
Do you put the right people in place to succeed?
Do you reward those most passionate in your chapter while simultaneously casting your net wider and wider?
Do you actively network with new organizations and build relationships with new people?
Does your chapter want to create “buzz,” but not put in the effort or time to build it (see timeline from Iron Man to Avengers)?
Does your chapter do it the right way, or the easy way?
Don’t be DC Comics. They have been futilely holding onto the Superman movies made famous by Christopher Reeve in the 1970s. Their only saving grace has been Christopher Nolan, who has re-booted Batman with the Dark Knight series. Sorry DC Comics, you’re only cash cow is going to end this summer.
Don’t let your chapter rely on what has always been done, and what was successful more than a decade ago. Don’t rely on your one rock star member to bail your whole chapter out of recruitment because they are lazy.
Because while DC Comics has relied on short-term success, Marvel has built it for the long haul.
Which one do you want to be?
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 21:16:37 GMT -5
Putting Pen to Parchment •June 27, 2012 • 1 Comment By: Resource and Expansion Consultant Jason Sweet, Saginaw Valley State ’09
Your heart is beating out of your chest, you begin to get tunnel vision, your hands become slightly damp with sweat, your mind is racing all in anticipation of two words.
FINALLY!
You hear your first and last name called and you stand.
You seem to glide more than walk towards the person who called your name. All the sounds around you mash together into one audible noise.
You reach your destination and get snapped from this fog by the words “sign here.”
Suddenly you are looking down at an official charter of The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. This particular one granting YOUR colony full membership and rights as a chartered chapter of this great national fraternity…
Coming from an original charter member, trust me, this is an extremely surreal and gratifying feeling. One that I honestly never thought I would experience again. That is until I found myself standing in the Gamma chapter house at The Ohio State University, after a LONG day of initiations, watching man after man get called to the front to put pen to parchment.
I began to relive my experience as an undergraduate, remembering all the hard work that it took to get to the point these men were at.
I had the pleasure of working with the men of the Gamma colony before they were chartered, and can attest to the hard work they put in to becoming the Gamma Chapter.
To see the look on the faces of these men reminded me how proud I am to be a Phi Tau and how lucky I am to be a founding father of my own chapter.
It is a tradition within Phi Tau to have people who have played a role in the development of the group sign the back of the document. I heard my own name called for a second time in just 3 years, this time to take part in this age old tradition.
Signing my name alongside the many volunteers and staff members who have aided in the process of guiding these young men helped me realize how important it is that we have our volunteers and alumni.
So alumni from across the nation, volunteers and friends, thank you for all the hard work you do for these men. To help them achieve the greatness they aspire to. Without your support their journey would be that much harder.
I know I work for the Executive Office and I’m supposed to be highly involved with the Fraternity, but this recent experience has solidified my lifelong dedication to Phi Kappa Tau.
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 21:17:15 GMT -5
Thoughts from a Phi Tau Roommate •July 3, 2012 • Leave a Comment
By: Educational & Leadership Consultant for Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity Cory Stopka, Phriend of Phi Tau
Last year at about this time I took a risk. I moved 700 miles from home to start on a new career path as an educational and leadership consultant with the co-ed professional fraternity Delta Sigma Pi.
The move was difficult. My family, friends, and brothers were my life and being so far from them took a hefty toll. Luckily, the brothers of Phi Tau—and fellow Deltasigs—were there for me.
Phi Taus specifically gave me a new place to live with other Executive Offices staff, which became a welcome environment. All of the brothers that I met were quick to extend a helping hand.
My interests became their priority. Their inquiries were genuine from the day I arrived in a U-Haul.
Over time, we became close friends. We shared stories and thoughts about life.
Many activities fostered this bond—roasting a hotdog over a bonfire, smoking a cigar, spotting eagles while kayaking, sharing a meal or watching a ballgame. They all provided an avenue for each of us to bond and develop an understanding of each other.
Those activities took place because we all genuinely cared for each other.
Granted, some of these experiences shed light on some weaknesses of others and myself. I was forced out of my comfort zone and also did some forcing. We realized each other’s quirks and tendencies.
Disagreements happened. Silences happened. Anger happened.
In the end, a family happened. Although I am not a Phi Tau, I can honestly say that I have come to call these men my brothers. I understand what the Fraternity is all about—not because my roommates told me, but because they showed me.
I’m grateful for my experience with the great men of Phi Tau that now live in Oxford, away from their own families. We have learned from each other and grown, both as men and leaders. As a Deltasig and a business major, there can be times when you forget that you don’t need a degree in management to be a leader…
A leader is one who sees a need and humbly fills it while making those around him better. Phi Taus taught me that.
So go ahead and take your own journey. See what you can learn from complete strangers while learning about yourself. And while you do, take a lesson from the men I mentioned—show people your values through your actions.
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 21:25:07 GMT -5
You Are Not Special •July 5, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Undergraduate Advisory Board Member and Upstate Domain Director Phil Frandina, RIT ’08 “A person can succeed at almost anything for which they have unlimited enthusiasm” —Charles Schwab When I was asked to be a part of phitaublog’s “guest blogging month,” my initial reaction was humbling graciousness. Why should my thoughts and messages be included with the great minds of the bloggers, and the other guests to follow? What would the audience learn from me? What could I possibly be considered an expert on? The short answer is nothing. I am not an expert in anything. The longer answer comes with a bit more insight. Fact: I have no superior knowledge in management, in planning, in motivating those around you. Like George Washington, Thomas Edison or Wolfgang Mozart, I’m just a man. Fact: What I do have in common with these legendary men is but one thing—passion. Each of these men found something they were passionate about and did everything they could to make sure they would find success in that. At some point over the past five years, I realized I was passionate about Phi Kappa Tau—and that was enough to push me day in and day out. So what’s the point? Close to two decades too late, David McCullough Jr. told around 300 graduating high school seniors that they were not special. The good news is that neither are Clapton, Obama or Jordan. They just cared more, and they tried harder. Find something that YOU (not your mom, not your big brother and not your peers … YOU) are passionate about. Want to be a writer? Read so many poems, novels and song lyrics that you can’t pick a favorite. Want to be a musician? Play your guitar until you can barely feel your fingers. Then, pick up drum sticks and use a different part of your hand until your fingers heal. Want to run a marathon? The only thing stopping you is spending more time dreaming than training. And trust me, there’s plenty of time to refresh Facebook every 30 seconds after you go outside and run. Mr. McCullough ended his commencement speech with that not-so-subtle reminder: “You are not special.” His reasoning? “… because everyone is.” A million thanks to our wonderful bloggers for giving me this opportunity. I make sure to read every new post, waiting for the page to load with the same giddiness as when I stare at the microwave watching the popcorn bag slowly inflate. I’m honored to be a part of it and can’t wait to see everyone in Nashville! Frandina’s passion for Phi Tau led him through several leadership positions during his time as an undergraduate and earned him the 2011 William H. Shideler Award. issuu.com/phikappatau/docs/winter_2011_laurelPage 35
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Post by modorney on Aug 20, 2012 22:00:59 GMT -5
Guidelines to Make a Successful Chapter – Part 1: Recruit a Foundation •July 10, 2012 • Leave a Comment
By: Leyalle Donnelly, president of the Pi Kappa chapter of Delta Zeta at the University of Idaho
Leyalle’s leadership and support was invaluable during Phi Kappa Tau’s expansion to Idaho. Her two-part blog offers eight thoughts on how to create a great chapter from someone who is doing it from the ground up.
In the last year, myself and other dedicated members of my sorority have built a chapter from the ground up (with help from our headquarters of course).
Joining a chapter is easy. What do you do? Accept a bid. Start the new member process.
The hard work is getting quality people to join your chapter. Personally, we have had a lot of pressure to make our chapter the biggest it can be. It has been the constant battle between having enough members and having quality members.
In order to get those quality members you have to do something a little different than normal.
When most chapters think of recruitment, they think of information sessions and tabling … maybe big events. This leaves a lot of underutilized ways to get the right men to join your fraternity.
Here are some ways I have learned to recruit the best non-greek (yet) people on campus:
1. Find the person that knows it all. Most people would automatically think of the greek advisor to get their information. That is a great source but he or she is not a student.
You need that one student that is really involved. They can tell you all about the current greek chapters and other organizations that are available to talk to. They are going to know a lot of people on campus, and chances are they will know some quality men who are not greek.
2. Sororities are your best friend. We LOVE matching shirts. That means free advertising all over campus. Stop by every sorority with a clipboard for names and a tall stack of Phi Tau shirts. When Phi Tau came to our campus, my sorority loved wearing the shirts and ended up being great recruiters for the Fraternity.
Also, sororities know how to recruit. Have you seen sorority recruitment? We live for talking to people and singing songs. Tell the women a little bit about the values of your fraternity, GPA requirements and contact information. Within a few days there will be quality men calling.
3. Quality over quantity. Cliché but true. There are two types of organizations that “greek” men belong too: frats and fraternities. You want fraternity men not frat boys. There are guys walking all over campus dying to join a fraternity but you have to be able to separate the men from the boys.
Fraternities are a social organization, but if a guy is only looking to join your fraternity to party and get with chicks then please do yourself (and all of us) a favor. Do not hand him a bid.
Yes, many boys will put up a front convincing you they are a man, but if he is asking you about more about socials and less about your values then he might not be the right fit. Make sure these men are going to uphold the values of your fraternity.
4. Know the greek climate. Every campus is different, so make sure you know what you are working with. On my campus, greeks are the leaders—they have the best grades and they walk in groups. On other campuses, fraternities are nothing more than an off-campus boys club with lots of danger lurking around.
When building a new fraternity you want to show the campus your men are here to enrich the community, not help burn it down. If greeks have a bad reputation on campus, be the chapter that sticks out from all the rest. Reach out to the faculty and staff so they can be familiar with the members and reach out to non-greek students.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you. Stay tuned for Thursday when I share four more tips on creating a great chapter!
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Post by modorney on Aug 21, 2012 20:47:35 GMT -5
Guidelines to Make a Successful Chapter – Part 2: Make it Better •July 12, 2012 • Leave a Comment By: Leyalle Donnelly, president of the Pi Kappa chapter of Delta Zeta at the University of Idaho
Leyalle’s leadership and support was invaluable during Phi Kappa Tau’s expansion to Idaho. Her two-part blog offers eight thoughts on how to create a great chapter from someone who is doing it from the ground up.
Last post, I focused on the first four steps of building a great chapter. Here are some more tips I have learned to recruit the best people on campus who aren’t greek (yet):
To recap part one…
Find the person that knows it all Sororities are your best friend Quality over quantity Know the greek climate ——————————————————————-
People join people, not organizations. My campus greek advisor, Matt Kurz, told me that. Men will join your chapter because of the people they relate to.Think back to when you became a member of your chapter. Did you accept a bid because you thought the men you had met were great? Or was it because Phi, Kappa and Tau were the coolest looking letters in the greek alphabet? Or because Phi Tau had the coolest flyers hanging up? Think about the ONE man that you attribute your membership to. To you, is he Phi Kappa Tau? If so, you want to be more like that person, right? If your members are striving to hold up the values stated in the Phi Tau mission statement, creed and Ritual, then potential members are going to respect the life members are living and will agree or disagree with what is being offered.
If your chapter’s most recent new member class is a bunch of trouble-makers, then maybe you should look at your current members. Maybe you should also look at how you recruit. Are all of your members men that your founders would be proud of?
Team up. Do a community service project or philanthropy with another organization on campus. Team up with a non-greek organization. It creates an opportunity to meet other people who could potentially join your fraternity.If they are already volunteering to do community service or philanthropy then maybe they will have other views that match yours. Remember and learn. When recruiting new members it is a good reason to remember why you joined the organization. In college, we have some of the best times of our lives and more often than not those memories are with members of our chapter.Potential members want to hear those memories and I bet you want to share them too. When they see that smile that comes over your face when you tell the story, they are going to want to smile the same way. They want memories. Share them with your new members and provide them with opportunities to start having them as well. As a leader, that is your responsibility. Also, learn from those who don’t join. Don’t take criticism negatively because it is actually a great tool for making your chapter stronger. If someone shares something they don’t like about your chapter then make changes in the future if it will benefit.
It is going to be tough. To founding fathers: starting a chapter is draining, but when you see the charter on the wall with your name on it, all that work seems worth it. Don’t be discouraged when some of your original members leave before you become established. When my chapter was becoming established, it took many late nights and long talks to decide what we wanted to be as a chapter. There are going to be disagreements and some of the best days of your life, but be thankful that you get to have both.Your first few campus events will be hard to get attendance, but not every tradition started with 100 people. It takes a small group to get the ball rolling and the word out. So, when you are at the point of quitting try to remember the light at the end of the tunnel instead of the traffic jam in the chapter room. To existing chapter members: While you may have many of these same issues, remember that someone (no matter how long ago) made this experience possible for you. Go look at your charter. Read those names. Put yourself in their shoes. Think about the things that they went through to get your chapter started. Honor their hard work by committing to being the best chapter you are capable of.
Matt Mattson, co-founder of Phired Up Productions, has a belief that “fraternities don’t have operational problems if they don’t have recruitment problems.” If you want to be an excellent chapter, then recruit excellent men. It is easy to recruit Average Joe but you should really be looking for someone that looks like Clinton Dewitt Boyd or Taylor Albert Borradaile.
Every morning while I am getting ready I say my sorority’s creed. I say it so that I can remind myself of the values I represent and the person I am expected to be. Roy Disney once said that “It’s not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are.”
To look at the quote in the eyes of a greek leader, “It’s not hard to run a chapter if your members know what our values are and live them.”
Posted in Membership, Recruitment Tags: find the person that knows it all, Guidelines to make a successful chapter, it is going to be tough, know the greek climate, people join people, quality over quantity, recruit a foundation, Recruitment, remember and learn, sororities are your best friend, team up
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