FARMHOUSE ON THE HILL

Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Capitol Hill visits returned to in-person activity this spring and were hosted April 18 and 19, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the Hill visits is to advocate for federal legislation important to the success of fraternity and sorority organizations across the country. These visits provide students an opportunity to directly engage with and impact the national legislative process. The program is in coordination with other fraternities and sororities, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), and associated industry groups. Collective legislative priorities are freedom of association, anti-hazing legislation, and the tax code relating to contributions for chapter housing.

Two undergraduates, Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) and Griffin Wild (Texas Tech 19), were selected to represent FarmHouse. The Fraternity and Foundation work collectively to fund this initiative for two student representatives to attend the program. This year, Chris Frasier (Colorado State 80) generously gave to the FarmHouse Foundation to help support the students’ attendance.

Rep. Tracey Mann (R, Kansas 1st District) with Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) and Carson Wiltfong (Nebraska 18).

When asked about the experience, Caleb said, “When joining FarmHouse, I was looking for a place that would challenge me to be a better man, and that’s exactly what I gained through my fraternity experience. I want to be sure other young men around the country can have the same, positive fraternity experience I have had. Advocating for the value of fraternity and sorority life to those who have the power to protect and improve our time in college was a great personal experience and, hopefully, proves beneficial to FarmHouse and fraternity and sorority life as a whole.”

From left to right; Christian Wiggins, outgoing Fraternity CEO, Griffin Wild (Texas Tech 19), Cody Cramer (Oklahoma State 08), Gabriel Eckert (Kansas State 95), Past IEB President, Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) and Carson Wiltfong (Nebraska 18) during their Hill visits.

Griffin felt similarly about the experience and his role in ensuring fraternity life is beneficial for others. “My time as a member of FarmHouse Fraternity has helped me to grow exponentially as a person and has offered opportunities such as attending FGRC that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I want other young men to experience the growth, brotherhood, and leadership that I’ve enjoyed in FarmHouse. By continually advocating for the true values of Greek life and its importance to college students, we can continue the rich traditions and great work FarmHouse chapters achieve across the country!”