Fraternally Speaking

Fraternally Speaking

There is an old saying that nothing worth having comes easy. There are many derivations, but the gist of the saying is that almost everything in life requires effort, and those that work for it will be rewarded.

Admittedly I am generalizing, but that saying seems contradictory to societal expectations today. Too often we look for the easy fix instead of the right solution. We spend more time looking for an easier path than putting in the needed thought and effort to tackle our toughest problems. We rely on old ways, despite repeatedly being unhappy with the result, instead of charting a new – often difficult – course.

On May 1, Phi Gamma Delta celebrated its 175th anniversary, and with it the many adaptations over time have kept us strong and maintained our relevance in the lives of our members. None of those were easy, and often took significant time. From overhauling of our governance structure in the 1890s, to removing restrictive membership clauses from our laws in the 1960s, to adapting our joining process today, our Fraternity continues to prove its durability and timeless nature of its principles.

Implementation of the New Model is not easy, but it is right for our future. It recognizes the need to focus on a recruitment model that finds the men our chapters want and need, and who otherwise may not have availed themselves of the campus recruitment process. It also focuses on the continuous education and development of our undergraduate members to keep them involved and engaged throughout their academic careers. As our Early Adopters are finding, it takes work, it takes an open mind, and it takes support.

After learning of the New Model, a wise fraternal friend shared with me a graphic labeled ‘The Path to Innovation’, which describes the ups and downs of major change. It recognizes the ups and downs over time, and the ‘Dark night of the innovator’ – periods of significant challenge that are bound to raise questions as to whether the change is worth it. However, with time and effort, lasting results are seen.

I understand how some may believe that the New Model – initiation without pledging - is the easy way. Some may argue that eliminating pledging eliminates the need to work for membership, and thus it is no longer worthwhile. The reality under the New Model is that membership is more difficult to achieve, that chapters work much harder to evaluate a man during recruitment and set expectations that a man earn his membership every day, not just during pledgeship.

I am extremely proud of our 57 chapters who have begun implementation, and the many more who will throughout the coming year. It's not easy, but they are choosing a path which will improve their chapters and the Fraternity for decades to come.

On the topic, Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well."

Rob Caudill, Executive Director