Summer 23 TBHC Newsletter

BUILDING TRIANGLE'S FUTURE

THROWAWAY CULTURE & THE DIY MOVEMENT

By Don Hatfield msu88, Triangle Building & Housing Corp. Assistant Secretary

Inthepastdecades,asproductshavebecomecheaperand easiertoacquireinaday’snotice,onemayhavelittle motivationtofixmostconsumergoods.Infact,itseemsthe worldhasembraceda“throwawayculture”.Thisalways seemstorubmethewrongway Trianglesshouldhavethe resourcesandknowledgetofix,reuseandrepurposeinstead oftoss.Thenagain,Iamratherbiased.Itrainedasan electronictechnicianinhighschoolandintheUSNavy;my fatherwasahobbyfarmer,racedhorses,andwasamillwright intheautomotiveindustry;andasaTriangleandengineer,I ameverfindingsolutionsandfixingthings

Tobehonestthereareprosandconsofathrowawayculture:

Pros:

ConvenienceandEfficiency–productsaremadequicklyand cheaplytotakeadvantageofcurrenttrendsandneeds They arecheapsothereislittleneedtoreusetheitem(ifitcanbe reusedatall).Thinkofdisposableplatesandcutlery–it makespicnicsmoreconvenientandefficientsincethere’sno dishesleftover.

EconomicGrowthandJobCreation–Bymakingproducts quicklyandcheaply,andencouragingdisposaltobuynew

thingsquicker,itcreateseconomicgrowthandprovides jobs Thisalsoallowsforinnovationtobeadoptedquicker, whichinturncreatesmoregrowth.

AccessibilityandAffordability–Throwawayculturehas madeproductsmoreaccessibleandaffordabletoawider population.Massproductionandeconomiesofscalehave resultedinlowermanufacturingcosts,enablingconsumers topurchasegoodsatlowerprices Thisaffordabilityhas madeessentialitems,suchasfood,clothing,and householdgoods,moreaccessibletoindividualswith limitedfinancialresources

Cons:

EnvironmentalImpact–Perhapsthemostsignificant drawbackofourthrowawaycultureisitsdetrimental impactontheenvironment Disposableproducts contributetopollution,deforestation,andresource depletion.Pollutionfoundintheair,groundandwaterare symptomsofthethrowawayculture

WasteGeneration–Throwawayculturehasledtoan alarmingincreaseinwastegenerationLandfillsare

Makerspace facility at the Illinois Chapter

overflowingwithdiscardedproductsthattakeyears,ifnot centuries,todecompose Thisoverconsumptionand disposalmindsetplacesanimmenseburdenonwaste managementsystems,leadingtoadditionalcostsand logisticalchallenges

UnsustainableResourceConsumption–Ourthrowaway culturepromotesalineareconomy,whereresourcesare extracted,manufacturedintoproducts,usedbriefly,and thendiscarded Thisapproachdepletesfiniteresources, includingfossilfuels,minerals,andwater.Italsooverlooks theimportanceofrecyclingandreusingmaterials,which canhelpconserveresourcesandreduceenvironmental impact.

Luckily,agrowingtrendhasbeensweepingacross communities,inspiringindividualstoembraceaDo-ItYourself(DIY)culture.YouseeitdailyonTikTokandother socialmedia,fixingand“flipping”discardeditems,and home-improvementshows Thistrendplaysrightinto Triangle’sstrengths–problem-solving,STEMskills,and innovation.Thistrendhasthepotentialofstrengthening Trianglesbymakingthemmorecapable,practical,and resourceful It’salsoagreatreasonforMakerSpaces–you needasetoftoolstocompleteDIYprojects.TheDIY culturenotonlybenefitsDIYersthemselvesbutalsotheir communitiesandtheworldatlarge

SkillAcquisitionandSelf-Empowerment–EngaginginDIY projectsempowersindividualstolearnnewskillsand broadentheirknowledgebase Throughonlinetutorials, workshops,andcommunityforums,peoplecanacquire practicalskillsthatenablethemtotackleawiderangeof tasksindependently.Thisnewfoundknowledgeboostsselfconfidenceandpromotesasenseofself-reliance, empoweringindividualstotakechargeoftheirlivesand overcomechallengeswithacan-doattitude.Soundslikea benefitthatTriangleshouldbeprovidingtoitsmembers!

CostSavingsandResourcefulness–TheDIYcultureoften leadstosubstantialcostsavings Byundertakingprojects themselves,individualscaneliminatelaborcostsand customizeprojectstosavemoney.TheDIYapproachallows peopletomakethemostoftheirresourcesandreduce unnecessaryexpenditures.Additionally,thepracticeof upcyclingandrepurposingolditemsnotonlyreduceswaste butalsocontributestoamoresustainablelifestyle

CommunityBuildingandCollaboration–Thisisabenefit thatTrianglecangivetoitscommunitiesaswellasitsown members:Asenseofcommunityandcollaboration Useofa MakerSpaceandDIYprojectsprovideopportunitiesfor like-mindedindividualstoconnect,shareideas,andlearn fromoneanother ThishelpsTriangleformtight-knit communities,offeringsupport,advice,andinspiration A MakerSpacecanbeaplaceforcollaborativeprojects,bring peopletogether,promotingsocialinteractionandcreating stronger,moreresilientcommunities

PersonalizedandUniqueSolutions–ADIYsolutionlets youcreateasolutionthatworksforyoursetof circumstancesandtastes Ratherthanrelyingonmassproduceditemsorstandardizedapproaches,DIY enthusiastshavethefreedomtotailorprojectstotheir specificneedsandpreferences DIYallowsindividualsto createitemsthatreflecttheirpersonalityandfulfilltheir exactrequirements.

UnleashingCreativity–Oneofthesignificantadvantages oftheDIYcultureisitsabilitytounleashindividual creativity.DIYenthusiastshavethefreedomtoexperiment, innovate,andexpressthemselvesthroughvariouscreative outlets TheDIYcultureprovidesaplatformforindividuals toexploretheirpassions,exercisetheirproblem-solving skills,anddeveloptheirartisticskills

Afterreviewingthebenefits,it’sclearthatTrianglehasan opportunity Wecanuseourskillsandresourcestotake advantageoftheDIYtrend.Furthermore,MakerSpacescan betheenvironmentwherewebuildstrongerbonds,save money,andcreatesolutions MakerSpacescanevenbea placewherewecanhelpthecommunity.TBHCcanhelp alongwithTEFandtheNationalHeadquartersinhelping youconsiderwhetheraMakerSpaceisagoodadditionto yourChapter.

Here’showtheDIYculturetiesintoTriangleandMaker Spaces:

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO YOUR CHAPTER HOME

By Don Hatfield msu88, Triangle Building & Housing Corp Assistant Secretary

Have you wondered how to manage your Chapter Home? Are you ready to buy a House for your Chapter? Do you need a Housing Corporation? How do we create a roadmap to get to our goals?

The Triangle Building and Housing Corporation has released their Housing Corporation Manual, which provides a comprehensive guide to proven Chapter housing practices and initiatives. This resource aims to empower your Alumni and Active Chapters with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle the complex challenges associated with housing your Chapter.

The manual, available for download here, or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/tbhcmanual offers invaluable insights into the many facets of Chapter housing. It addresses the concerns surrounding property management, provides best practices, and outlines strategies to create your Chapter’s environment and create the enduring friendships we strive to create in Triangle.

As Chapters grow and look toward the future, they look to have a place of their own where they can meet Chapters that already have a House often have a turnover of volunteers, and therefore loss of institutional memory and local knowledge The TBHC seeks to remedy this in part by providing this Corporation Manual in addition to its tailored one-on-one advice This manual serves as a pivotal resource for Members and Chapters to create and maintain their Chapter Homes.

The manual covers a wide range of topics, including:

Role and Organization of a Housing Corporation: What is a Housing Corporation and its purpose; the advantages of a Housing Corporation; how to form and recruit for a Housing Corporation

Legal and Tax Considerations: The importance of creating and maintaining a 501(c)7 Non-Profit Status; property taxes; forms that must be filed with the IRS to maintain status; taxes for employees; records management

Strategic Planning and Goal Setting: The necessity of planning; options for purchasing, remodeling or replacement; and types of housing

Financial and Property Management: Developing a House Corporation budget; overseeing chapter finances; setting chapter rents; property maintenance

Property Safety, Insurance, and Risk Management

By sharing their extensive knowledge and experiences, the TBHC Housing Corporation aims to foster collaboration with the Actives, alumni, and TBHC staff; and encourage the adoption of effective strategies and policies for all of Triangle’s Chapter Homes.

To access the TBHC Housing Corporation Manual and learn more about their initiatives, please visit https://tinyurl.com/tbhcmanual.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult the TBHC Staff and professional advice directly for guidance specific to their situation.

DO UNIVERSITIES VIEW FRATERNITIES AS COMPETITORS?

TBHC DEBENTURES WITH THE TRIANGLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION (TEF)

By Don Hatfield msu88, Triangle Building & Housing Corp. Assistant Secretary

NEW MEMBER MOVE-IN CHECKLIST

The TBHC sells Debentures to various Chapters and other organizations of Triangle Fraternity Debentures are a type of bond or other debt instrument that is unsecured by collateral Since debentures have no collateral backing, they must rely on the creditworthiness and reputation of the issuer for support. Both corporations and governments frequently issue debentures to raise capital or funds. This provides additional capital to the TBHC for improving and managing additional properties. The TBHC Debenture provides guaranteed interest to the debenture holder during its term.

To the mutual benefit of the TBHC and the Triangle Education Foundation, the TEF purchased a debenture of $200K from the TBHC, which matured at the end of June. The debenture was paid back to the TEF effective July 3. Since the TEF was happy with the debenture arrangement, the TEF purchased a new debenture from the TBHC for $500K, effective July 3.

Closet organizers & hangers

Underbed storage for clothes

Batteries

Mattress bed & bedding

Shower tote or caddy

Shower flip flops

School/office supplies

Computer

Mini fridge/microwave

Food storage containers/Snacks

Laundry basket

Cleaning supplies

Power strip & chargers

Fan

WHAT HAS THE TBHC BEEN UP TO LATELY?

ABOVE: New for the 2023-2024 school year Michigan State will now be offering all single rooms, providing an upper-class living experience focused on academic success, leadership, and personal development

BELOW: One of the single bedrooms in the Michigan State chapter house

CHAPTER HOUSE MOVE-IN PREP LIST

Inspectthehouse Conductathoroughinspectionof theentirehouse,includingbedrooms,commonareas, bathrooms,kitchen,andoutdoorspaces.Addressany necessaryrepairs,maintenance,orsafetyconcerns

Deepclean.Deepcleantheentirehouse Thisshould includedusting,mopping,vacuuming,cleaningwindows, andsanitizingsharedsurfaces.

Furniture.Makesureallcommonareashaveenough seating,tables,andstorage.Replaceanydamagedor worn-outfurniture

SafetyItems.Checkfirealarmsystems,smoke detectors,carbonmonoxidedetectors,fire extinguishers,andemergencyexitsigns.Ensureall safetyequipmentisingoodworkingconditionandhas beeninspectedperregulationsandinsurance requirements

Utilitiesandappliances.InspectandserviceHVAC system,plumbing,electrical,andkitchenappliances. Makesuretheyareinproperworkingorderbefore move-in

InternetandWi-Fi.ChecktheinternetandWi-Fi connectionsbasedontheexpectednumberof residents,guests,anddevices.

Bedroomassignments Assignbedroomstoeach memberandcommunicatetheassignmentsinadvance Updateroomlabelsornametags,ifnecessary

Roomessentials.Provideessentialbedroomitemslike beds,mattresses,desks,chairs,andstorageoptionsfor eachmember Ensureeveryroomhasproperlighting andventilation

Houserulesandguidelines.Reviewandupdatethe houserulesandguidelines.Communicatethemclearly toallmembersbeforemove-inday.Considerpreparing awelcomepacketwithimportantinformation,house rules,emergencycontacts,andcampusresources

Securityitems.Reviewsecurityprotocolsandensureall locks,entrypoints,andsecuritysystemsareinworking condition.

ABOVE: TBHC Chairman, Dick Beaubien speaking at the VPI Chapter Installation in April 2023

LEFT: Based on TBHC's mission of improving life safety, the Michigan Tech chapter house is in the process of receive a fully integrated fire alarm system in the chapter house this summer

TBHC HELPS WITH MORE THAN THE HOUSE...

WE IMPROVE THE ENTIRE CHAPTER

The chapters we service are generally more successful on their campuses, have more members, and perform better in academics. How does the TBHC measure its own success?

We measure success by the success of the chapters we support.

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