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ALTERNATIVES TO HAZING
When organizations are challenged to eliminate hazing practices, some members are often resistant to this change. In many cases, those who are most vocal against eliminating hazing are those who are bitter and angry about the hazing that they themselves endured( but don ' t admit this publicly) and expect that others should be abused in order to gain " true " membership in the group. You will also find that some of these folks are likely to be bullies of the group--people who enjoy a " power trip " at the expense of someone else. Of course, if you try to eliminate hazing in your organization, you will likely encounter many elaborate reasons for why this will be devastating for your group. While there will be some staunch supporters of the status quo, there will be many who can be convinced of the negative effects and potential risks of hazing. Believers in the supposed " benefits " of hazing may be more likely to change their opinion if they can envision some alternatives. The supposed " benefits " of hazing follow in bold with non-hazing alternatives to accomplish the same goal listed alongside. Some specific means to eliminate hazing and make pledgeship a challenging, positive experience:
1. DEVELOP CHAPTER UNITY OF BOTH PLEDGED AND INITIATED MEMBERS: Involve pledged members on chapter committees, attend chapter meetings, hold sports events with mixed teams of pledged and initiated members, and have an all chapter / pledge class retreat. Clean the chapter room together. Pledges work together on a community service / chapter improvement project.
2. PROMOTE SCHOLARSHIP: Take advantage of university academic and tutoring services, designate quiet hours on your chapter ' s halls, invite university speakers to discuss test-taking skills, study methods, etc.
3. DEVELOP PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES: Have pledged members discuss chapter weaknesses such as poor rush, apathy, and poor scholarship. These solutions should be shared with the initiated members. The pledge class should then be involved in the implementation.
4. DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS: Hold a seminar on table etiquette and other social graces; plan a seminar with college resources on effective communication skills, body language, eye contact, and other aspects of communicating.
5. INSTILL A SENSE OF BROTHERHOOD OR SISTERHOOD: Plan special events when the entire chapter gets together, e. g., attend a movie, play, professional sports game, etc.
6. BUILD AWARENESS OF CHAPTER HISTORY: