UpZete 4.11 - Fall Scholarships, help pass the Collegiate Housing Act today

Now what do we do with all those pennies?

Anyone in a business environment (or a political one) knows what a lobbyist is, but the opinions of why a lobbyist is needed vary by point of view.

A lobbyist is hired by an organization to provide accurate facts, support analysis, and expose others to positive impact of their organizations. The belief is that those "outside of their arena" may not have the "full picture" with which to make intelligent decisions regarding purchases, competitive claims, political impact and consumer preferences.

A less cynical view of that definition suggests that lobbying is needed, benefits the specific participants and society in general, and provides unique information that likely otherwise would be ignored, allowing others to make better, more informed and beneficial decisions.

Sound familiar?

It is what Greeks do every day...if they understand their true relationship. As we've established, society makes decisions, often, based on generalities, clich�s, and misconceptions. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in the Greek system.

We've established that a great deal of public perception of Greeks is tainted by these misconceptions. What would a business do? Get a good lobbyist to "tell the whole story."

Brothers---you are that lobbyist.

Every one of us, and no more so than active brothers, need to be conscious of our "bad press" and seek to inform---prospects, parents, University administrators, Elders, press---of the "correct", positive facts.

Recruiting should emphasis the real purpose of fraternity, i.e. the lifelong brotherhood, Greek association's contribution to business success, political involvement, strong academic achievements.

That freshman prospect already has his "preconceptions" about Greek life regarding drinking and partying. Society's Animal House glasses are still working fine! But today he, and the authorities to whom we are subject, also are concerned about the "real" purposes of college. They might not ask initially, given peer pressures to be cool, but they, and their parents, want to know about the chapter's academic policy, GPA requirements, study programs, leadership training and encouragement, interpersonal development. And we have ALL that and more! Do not be afraid to sell those aspects of fraternity. We all need to change those generalities to positive specifics. We need to be our own lobbyists to the world.

At the end of the day, it is the only way to change preconceptions from Animal House, to a lifelong personal commitment to mentor, develop, teach, and grow successful, thoughtful and engaged young men.

Always in Tau Kappa Phi,