Your Membership Card- It's Value

[Cambist]

What is the value of your current membership card? Mind you, this is a much different question than "what is the value of your membership?" To that question I know many of you would give the predictable answer: Priceless.

I'm asking about the value of your paid up, current membership card.

I have read on several threads and in several places that people don't necessarily place too much worth on whether an initiated member is paid up or not. What mattered to many is whether or not they pledged or came in the right way.

Many of you already know my take but i'll answer later.

So....what is the VALUE of a paid up card? Truly?

Discuss.

[Iceman]

What’s up Cam? I think you are correct in saying that it is true that many people don’t place too much worth on someone being financial or not. I think it’s understandable many could be going through excruciating life circumstances or the time constraints (school, family, work, etc) that don’t allow them to remain financially active or allow them to provide as much service. I believe that is true for a lot of people…but not all. I think in a situation like that, you can’t assume that someone loves the Org any less, but just that the Org is just not the highest priority on their plate at the time. However, there are some that do have the ability to remain active and do the work of the org but simply choose not to. That is not a beautiful look.

My older bro’s use to tell us that they did not put us through a process that broke us down and built us up only to become better men..but also to be better men built to serve in whatever capacity we can for APA for the good of all. Cam, I know yourself and I have a fundamental difference of opinion on the subject of pledging, but I believe all members, pledged or not should make it their goal to stay financial. The value of your membership card is more than just allowing you to attend official fraternity affairs, events, conventions, ect. Of course it will verify that you are a duly initiated member, but there is more. It shows that your are helping to financially support your Org in its efforts to assist in changing society’s ills and shortcomings that plague and hinder many in our communities. So it definitely has value..no question about it. If you are one that cares about tradition and pledging as well (myself), then that is something you will place value on too. It all really comes down to the individual. But one thing everybody can agree on is that it does takes money and payment of our dues to keep the show on the road. No, you don’t have to be financially active in your org to necessarily perform service, but being financial well help make sure the Org as a whole remains capable of carrying out its national directives and initiatives.

As always, good topic Bro….Ice

[Cambist]

@ Ice
Thanks for the response.

I agree with your assesment of those brothers who become financially inactive because of family or just hard financial times. I totally understand that as i've been there.

Also, I agree that the membership card can serve as "lawful information" to verify a persons membership but what I was asking was a little more to the entire organization.

What i'm trying to determine is whether there is actual benefit to being an active member (besides the obvious supporting the organization). To me it is the cruicial question that lies at the heart of the retention and reclamation discussions.

If undergrads don't see the benefit in being financial then paying dues bumps head with...say..the cable bill. Seriously.

Cable bill = daily entertainment from a long day at work.

Frat dues = ? (a convention call and some magazines?)

[Mrs. Eyes]

People don't care about their membership card anymore. It's a piece of plastic.

People will get frowned upon if they didn't "come inthe right way". I find that to be bullshit. Those are the people who ALLOWED themselves to let the Greek letters to MAKE them.

I value my membership card. When I see it, it makes me smile. People value charging someone to see if they are "real" then rather seeing their membership card. Not even their card. Some people value parties more than the work in the organization.

So yes, a card truly means nothing more than a piece of plastic.

[Cambist]

I guess my question is if being active has any added benefit to members? Do you get access to employment opportunities that are not available to others? Do you get discounts through some kind of business partnership?

[Mrs. Eyes]

Heck nah. Not for me it hasn't.

[Search1906]

I have a question....As members I keep hearing about doing the work of the org. Now there are some that say orgs are mostly social some service and others that say its about the service. If its social then what work do you speak of? If its service is it the work of the org or work that serves the community, other people and humanity as a whole?

[Iceman]

Jun 9, 2008 9:49:51 GMT -5 Cambist said:

@ Ice
Thanks for the response.

I agree with your assesment of those brothers who become financially inactive because of family or just hard financial times. I totally understand that as i've been there.

Also, I agree that the membership card can serve as "lawful information" to verify a persons membership but what I was asking was a little more to the entire organization.

What i'm trying to determine is whether there is actual benefit to being an active member (besides the obvious supporting the organization). To me it is the cruicial question that lies at the heart of the retention and reclamation discussions.

If undergrads don't see the benefit in being financial then paying dues bumps head with...say..the cable bill. Seriously.

Cable bill = daily entertainment from a long day at work.

Frat dues = ? (a convention call and some magazines?)

Cam, I think many Greeks may feel that being an active member probably benefits the Org more than themselves. Recently, it seems that more and more Greeks have a jaded view of the direction of our Org's. Depending on how one looks at it, at times they can appear to be structured strictly as corporate business entities that have put brotherhood and sisterhood way on the back burner for other agendas.

Other than those that may be in a financial bind, some may just desire to perform service with a local chapter or their UG chapter while keeping their money in their wallet. As much as I hate to say it, some do look at the regional and general conventions as "tedious" (to use a nice word -lol). So like you said, other than event access, a magazine, a calendar, etc......a general attitude is "Why bother?"

I think we both know there is an underlying benefit to being a member.......But truth be told, even without being financial, many will still be able to work (to an extent) in the name of the Org, and still be able to enjoy the social aspects and Brotherhood benefits. So in the end, is it a real benefit to the member for being active/financial? I cant really say. I guess the individual has to decide for his or her self and it becomes an issue of personal conviction. That's a tough one Cam.....You may have to take a survey..haha

[Mmm Mmm Brown!]

Jun 9, 2008 10:16:17 GMT -5 Cambist said:

I guess my question is if being active has any added benefit to members? Do you get access to employment opportunities that are not available to others? Do you get discounts through some kind of business partnership?

Being active has helped me greatly. I have had access to many resources that I would not have had I been inactive. First, I have been able to brush shoulders with sorors who I would not have even met had I not had an ACTIVE membership card to gain access to events open only to ACTIVE, FINANCIAL members. I have had some opportunities CREATED for me, because some sorors judge your character and commitment on your ability to remain financial and active (because IMO that is two different things.)

In terms of discounts, I haven't had that, but I did get bumped to the front of the line at MVA when I needed to renew my license... Now, anyone from MD knows thats SERIOUS!

[Iceman]

Jun 9, 2008 10:40:38 GMT -5 Search1906 said:

I have a question....As members I keep hearing about doing the work of the org. Now there are some that say orgs are mostly social some service and others that say its about the service. If its social then what work do you speak of? If its service is it the work of the org or work that serves the community, other people and humanity as a whole?

Search, when you hear the word "social" it may not mean external service. It is more so men or women aligning themselves together that have common bonds, interests or friendships. They may build each other up, help train and develop one another to be better individuals, ect.

If it is "service", it's pretty much self explanatory. Serving the community, your fellow man, preparing and developing the youth, etc. Many of the Orgs started out with those strong "social" aspects but also evolved into "serving" as well. I think Fraternity membership works on its highest level when there is a perfect balance between the two.

[Search1906]

I hear you Ice. You get where my question is pointing though right?

Melo that is definitely serious the MVA is hell even on the weekends if you are lucky to have a branch near you that is open on Saturdays.

[Robelite]

The value of my membership card is simply this:

For ME, it means that I am upholding the OATH that I took on the evening I was initiated. Remember "esprit de fraternite'?"

Being active is part of what being an Alpha (or any other org member) is about, and I'm always disappointed and disgusted at those who often dismiss it as "whatever." Hell, if ALL of us took that attitude, how long do you think any of us would survive?

That membership card makes me 100% Alpha! For anyone who doesn't want to be 100%, they need to stay on the ---------------> other side of the door!!

[No Screen Name]

I think Fraternity membership works on its highest level when there is a perfect balance between the two.

I agree 100%!

[adisa]

(what ^^^ said)

What's up, robe?

[coldfront06]

Jun 9, 2008 11:30:15 GMT -5 Robelite said:

The value of my membership card is simply this:

For ME, it means that I am upholding the OATH that I took on the evening I was initiated. Remember "esprit de fraternite'?"

Being active is part of what being an Alpha (or any other org member) is about, and I'm always disappointed and disgusted at those who often dismiss it as "whatever." Hell, if ALL of us took that attitude, how long do you think any of us would survive?

That membership card makes me 100% Alpha! For anyone who doesn't want to be 100%, they need to stay on the ---------------> other side of the door!!

I was going to mention Espirit de Fraternite

[Iceman]

Jun 9, 2008 11:50:15 GMT -5 @coldfront06 said:

Jun 9, 2008 11:30:15 GMT -5 Robelite said:

The value of my membership card is simply this:

For ME, it means that I am upholding the OATH that I took on the evening I was initiated. Remember "esprit de fraternite'?"

Being active is part of what being an Alpha (or any other org member) is about, and I'm always disappointed and disgusted at those who often dismiss it as "whatever." Hell, if ALL of us took that attitude, how long do you think any of us would survive?

That membership card makes me 100% Alpha! For anyone who doesn't want to be 100%, they need to stay on the ---------------> other side of the door!!

I was going to mention Espirit de Fraternite

No doubt...I guess Bro. Gavin did about sum it up in a nutshell.

[Cambist]

Here's why I ask...

Every organization must have something that appeals to the public at large. That is it's primary recruiting tool.

As many of you know, I came into the org through the graduate chapter. This can be a double edged sword as people don't think you can understand the undergraduate view (and sometimes you don't) but you also have insight that many members who came in undergrad dont. I have no preconceived or preformed notions or ideas about how something "should" be run or how it "always" has been run.

Not only that but I also came in a week after my chapter member was voted a Regional Vice President (or Regional Director for some of your organizations) So I came in working on the regional and national level. Every convention I was working. Every Alpha event was politics. Most of my Alpha time has been ATYPICAL for someone just being made.

Because of these two things I have had unbiased conversations with many brothers who are jaded (as Ice mentioned) This is not just an Alpha thing either. Many organizations deal with retention of members, especially when they graduate.

I read an article a month or so ago that mentioned the sentiments of younger people today and those coming up. It said that these individuals are questioning "what is the value" in organizations they join.

Our membership roster is the most valuable assest our organizations have. Imagine if you were a non-profit with our roster as a mailing list. Some of the most influential people in Black America. Many wealthy members. I don't believe we are maximizing this resource in a way that makes the few funky hundred bucks a year worth paying.

[Cambist]

Think about this....

When we talk about Espirit de Fraternite, we must also ask, "What is the total sum value of every members contribution?"

If every brother ever initiated into the organization actually believed and lived Espirit de Fraternite then the value of membership and therefore the value of the card would be tremendous.

Think of our organizations as a talent clearinghouse. If everyone offered their time and talents to the organization then the output would be GREAT. The money you pay in dues would pale in comparison to the benefit. It would be like paying $200 for a pass that gets you into Disney World, Disney Land, Knotts Berry Farm, Busch Gardens, etc... all year long. That's value.

When you pay that same $200 and all you get is the opportunity to pay more for a convention....that value is questionable.

[FatalDST]

Granted, a soror is a soror.. but a finacial sorors gets alot more respect from me! I can understand maybe one year or so, because life is unpredictable and sometimes things just happen; new baby, lost job, etc., but, I challenge most sorors to remember the oath they took.. espcially if you so call were "made"... why go thru the bullshit for nothing... dont be a statistic, remember the fouders purpose! Remember this was much more than strolling and Greek parties! When I see that card with that current sticker on the back.. I rejoice on the inside! Sorry, I will disown a soror who will party but wont work! *hmph* ask my UG neos!

[coldfront06]

I might be in the minority, but I actually enjoy the benefits of being a financially active member. I like being able to actually attend workshops and business meetings at Conventions.

[ReignMan19]

^^ Dweeb

[Mrs. Eyes]

I actually can't wait till I'm financial again........i'm counting the DAYS!

[frozenmenace]

Being financial will only begin to matter when those of us who are financial stop acting like it is ok for those who aren't financial to not be financial. I know that people have different reasons for not being financial, but I have heard some excuses that were straight jackassery. For example: "I didn't get along with the bruhs in the grad chapter, so I just decided to be inactive." WTF??!! To this I advise them that they can become a General Member and still pay dues to National. However, there is no incentive for them to do that when those of us who are financial still allow them to have all the priviledges afforded to financial members. There are brothers who attend our monthly chapter meetings and actually participate in discussions like they are financial. WTF?! If it was up to me, they wouldn't even be able to get through the door.

[ivy08]

My financial card means a great deal to me on the smaller picture. I am a memeber and that card is a constant reminder of my strength and effort. It is a symbol of the lengths that I would endure to meet my utlimate goal of the sisterhood of my choice. On a bigger scope, inactive and wayward members (haven't been to a meeting in 10+years) are still sorors a card does not alter that fact. A soror is a soror, financial is necissary but not necissary depending of how you look at it.

[FatalDST]

Jun 9, 2008 12:28:28 GMT -5 @coldfront06 said:

I might be in the minority, but I actually enjoy the benefits of being a financially active member. I like being able to actually attend workshops and business meetings at Conventions.

Im the same way cold.. I feel out of place being at convention and not being able to attend anything!

[Cambist]

Please dont take this as an attack on you Ivy as many others feel the same way.....

.... but what you said is like a Christian saying that they wear their cross to remind them of the sacrifice of Christ. While that's true, then the cross itself could be made out of wood and fishing line and still achieve the same result.

Your membership card for AKA comes with some "Paid Member Only" benefits, right? This is what i'm talking about. Not that you have to diss inactive members but like Frozen said, at one point do we (active members) get the benefit? I'm not saying that there is none...i'm just asking what is it?

And regardless of whether you really like the soror/frat or not, in the end, you support the institution and should DISPROPORTIONALLY benefit from it's fruits and benefits. This should be the incentive for non-active members to get active.

[FatalDST]

Jun 9, 2008 13:07:33 GMT -5 ivy08 said:

My financial card means a great deal to me on the smaller picture. I am a memeber and that card is a constant reminder of my strength and effort. It is a symbol of the lengths that I would endure to meet my utlimate goal of the sisterhood of my choice. On a bigger scope, inactive and wayward members (haven't been to a meeting in 10+years) are still sorors a card does not alter that fact. A soror is a soror, financial is necissary but not necissary depending of how you look at it.

awww aint that sweet... holla back in like 5 years!

[Mmm Mmm Brown!]

Who is Ivy08? Its this an old OOer?

Anywho... Cam, I see what you are saying... But, how do you stop including your LB/LS when they cant afford to be financial? I get where people are coming from. This is a completely hypothetical question, because all 8 of us are still financial (which we damn well sure be at this point.)

[ivy08]

Yeah, I guess there is a difference on the grad level. I am aware of that. With experience comes change.

[frozenmenace]

Maybe if the LS/LB can't afford to be financial, they should ask for assistance in becoming financial. The same way that I have assisted folk with money for pledge fees, I would be willing to assist a member who wishes to be financial but sincerely can't afford it. But that's just me.