Pi Beta Phi, NV Alpha: September 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011

NHPW Comes to Close

Although National Hazing Prevention Week is coming to a successful close, it doesn't mean that hazing prevention and education won't continue throughout the year at NV Alpha. It is every members' responsibility to prevent hazing in their chapter. Pi Phi's value accountability, and we appreciate that sincere friendship includes holding one another accountable. Preventing hazing is what makes the chapter grow, achieve and excel in all of its endeavors.

There are so many ways that members can ensure that no hazing is involved in the life as a Pi Beta Phi. Here are some things you can do!

1. See it? Report it!

No member should ever feel uncomfortable. If a member ever feels hazed, sees hazing going on, or even hears about it, it is her responsibility to report it. Hazing can be anonymously reported to
1-888-668-4293 at any time.

2. Be Kind.

Every member should ask herself, "Is this behavior kind." Only kind, uplifting and spirited activities should be taking place within the chapter. Every member is a sister, so treat her with respect and dignity!

3. Educate Yourself.

Hazing laws and policies provide clear, concise information on what can be considered hazing. If in doubt on what constitutes hazing, consult the Risk Management Chair, Micah Holley.

Hazing Excuses

In spirit of National Hazing Prevention Week, NV Alpha would like to present some common excuses for hazing, and dispel them with the truthful responses!

1. Excuse: "We give our new members the option to not participate. "

Response: "Do they really feel like they can opt out? No one should be faced with the decision to “participate” in hazing."

2. Excuse: "They have it easy compared to what I went through."

Response: Let go of what you went through and create meaningful new member ed. I promise it will be harder than what you went through.

3. Excuse: "It's tradition."

Response: "Consider this: How long has this really been a tradition anyways? Every tradition started somewhere, so start a new one!"

4. Excuse: "You should see how bad the boys haze. What we do is nothing compared to that!"

Response: "Hazing is hazing...period. There's no such thing as an "acceptable" level of hazing. Psychological hazing can be the most damaging, and victims are often too ashamed to talk about it."

5. Excuse: "We can’t do anything fun anymore. Everything is hazing."

Response: "I think the disconnect is how you are defining "fun"...hazing is not fun."

6. Excuse: "The University only prohibits hazing because they have to for liability reasons."

Response: "Yes liability is one motivator ~ YOU should be concerned about legal issues as well."

7. Excuse: "If we stop hazing then we’ll lose alumni support."

Response: "Alumni want your organization to be recognized for your accomplishments, not your hazing reputation."

8. Excuse: "They have to earn their membership in the sorority and earn their letters."

Response: "Hazing shows a person can take abuse. Have members earn their place with positive displays of intelligence and integrity."

9. Excuse: "It used to be much worse in the past."

Response: "Then someone must have stood up and said something! Be that person for your generation!"

10. Excuse: It's not like anybody will die or get hurt."

Response: "Hazing breeds an extremist culture where heavy drinking and risky behavior is favored. Even if no one in your chapter has died, doesn't mean that there are many who have lost their lives to hazing."

NV Alpha only allows behavior that supports personal and intellectual growth, positive relationships, and respect. See hazing? Report it!
1-888-668-4293

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

National Hazing Prevention Week

Pi Beta Phi, NV Alpha is promoting National Hazing Prevention Week by raising awareness on our campus. During chapter meeting, a presentation was given on common myths of hazing. Throughout the week, Pi Phis are tabling outside of the Joe Crowley Student Union to raise money through a bake sale for the Gordie Foundation.

Hazing has no place in Pi Beta Phi's Core Values. Membership in Pi Beta Phi includes no hazing activities, practices, or rituals. Every member is treated with equal respect and dignity.

Stand up against hazing with Pi Beta Phi!

Integrity
Lifelong Commitment
Honor and Respect
Philanthropic Service to Others
Personal and Intellectual Growth
Sincere Friendship