υπεθυνότητα (Greek Accountability)

Dr. Martin Luther King was a man committed to leading a life of values. He was the son of a minister and followed in his father's footsteps and became a minister himself. Dr. King's values of civic involvement, human justice, and service, among other values is echoed in the fraternal values established by Alpha Phi Alpha. Dr. King, like many of us, chose his career because he wanted to help people and make a difference in the world. I believe that that the reverend's career choice, which eventually led to his mission in fighting social injustice, is the result of some existing values developed early in life by his commitment as a follower of Christ. BUT I also believe that Dr. King's fraternal experience did serve to reinforce and provide an environment where men of common values could sit at that "table of brotherhood" he talks about.

FarmHouse fraternity began as a Christian men's fraternity and like many other fraternities, cites numerous bible passages in our ritual. While I do believe my fraternal experience has changed me, I was drawn to FarmHouse because of the common values of the individuals in the fraternity, not the values written in the book. Fortunately, in my experience, those values of scholarship, service, desire to meet and make friends, and congeniality mirrored the values that hooked me in the beginning. Also in my fraternity, a shared interest in "rural life". What about other fraternities? Do most fraternity men and women know and are able to recite their groups' values? Even if they can recite their values, how are they doing in living the values that they swore to uphold?

My favorite blog this week was Ryan's blog that shined the light on the lack of accountability and the dysfunctions of the Greek community. I like this blog because it didn't sugar-coat the issues and he was less concerned about political correctness and diplomacy and more concerned about identifying the issues that plague his council and the greater community. For every issue that Ryan, or any other Greek leader can identify, I provide one solution: ACCOUNTABILITY. Every member of this community, in one way or another, committed to upholding the values of their organizations. It's time that we hold those members accountable that fall short of their commitment. Whether it's throwing water balloons at sorority women on bid day, hosting parties involving alcohol as a method of recruiting members, or hazing members "because it's tradition". The Greek community needs to be held accountable for upholding the values that they vowed to uphold. Whether it's through formal punishment or social pressure, I believe that we can and should shine the light on those that do well and punish those that give us all a black eye.

Dr. Martin Luther King was a great American hero that lived the values of his church and also of his brotherhood. Can you imagine the change that's possible if we hold ourselves and others accountable the same way Dr. King did through his "fraternal movement"? It was in fact a fraternal movement with the end goal of one day sitting in harmony at the "table of brotherhood".

Change happens...