Your Membership Card- It's Value

[FatalDST]

I'ono.. i saw 08 and assumed she was a neo..

[ivy08]

Jun 9, 2008 13:45:37 GMT -5 Mmm Mmm Brown! said:

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.)

No, I sm new, came over from onolympus. This site was mentioned in a link.

[ivy08]

I meant came over from stop hazing

[ivy08]

Oh, I see what your referencing camel. Active member benefitsd should serve as an incentive to become active I agree with that whole heatredly. However, there is such a fine line between the benefits of inactive and active sometimes that the line becomes a little fuzzy to me sometimes.

[No Screen Name]

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.

Are you talking about more along the lines of pulling out your membership card and getting a free night at Super 8 when you pay for two nights, getting an upgrade at Avis rent a car, or getting 50% ice cream at Ben and Jerry's?

[Cambist]

@ Melo

Actually, i'm not talking about social functions. I'm really talking about how your organization can add value to your financial membership by having events and opportunities that are only open to financial members. Period. Not just conventions themselves but also things such as networking events, corporate shopping opportunities (held at a location like a convention where corporations bring merchandise and only those with access can purchase at the discounted prices)

And when I say networking events, i'm not talking about standing around with drinks chit chatting about bullchyt. I'm talking about guests list worthy of envy.

That's the value i'm talking about. Not that we disown our brothers and sisters...just that you have to leave them at the door and they cannot enjoy the full benefit of membership unless they get financial.

[Cambist]

Jun 9, 2008 14:02:18 GMT -5 No Screen Name said:

Are you talking about more along the lines of pulling out your membership card and getting a free night at Super 8 when you pay for two nights, getting an upgrade at Avis rent a car, or getting 50% ice cream at Ben and Jerry's?

Not necessarily those exact items but that's the idea. LOL!! That is value added. And if you aren't a paid member then you don't enjoy those benefits.

[frozenmenace]

We had this same discussion at one of our chapter meetings. We were having a big event and we were contemplating making it free for all ALPHAs. Then the motion was brought up that non-financial brothers should have to pay. That sparked a big debate!

[Mmm Mmm Brown!]

Jun 9, 2008 14:04:06 GMT -5 Cambist said:

@ Melo

Actually, i'm not talking about social functions. I'm really talking about how your organization can add value to your financial membership by having events and opportunities that are only open to financial members. Period. Not just conventions themselves but also things such as networking events, corporate shopping opportunities (held at a location like a convention where corporations bring merchandise and only those with access can purchase at the discounted prices)

And when I say networking events, i'm not talking about standing around with drinks chit chatting about bullchyt. I'm talking about guests list worthy of envy.

That's the value i'm talking about. Not that we disown our brothers and sisters...just that you have to leave them at the door and they cannot enjoy the full benefit of membership unless they get financial.

gotcha!

[FatalDST]

We have a few events that ALL Deltas can go to.. but most of the time, the magic question is "Is she financial with a chapter?"

[Cambist]

Jun 9, 2008 14:07:06 GMT -5 @frozenmenace said:

We had this same discussion at one of our chapter meetings. We were having a big event and we were contemplating making it free for all ALPHAs. Then the motion was brought up that non-financial brothers should have to pay. That sparked a big debate!

@ Frozen and FATAL

We had that discussion AS WELL AS one about those Life Members who don't feel it necessary to pay chapter dues. That got hot too.

[FatalDST]

I bet it did! Well, I know ALL MY sorors know you can be life member all day long but you STILL have to pay MAL dues or local chapter dues to be considered financial...

[frozenmenace]

We have to stop giving Non-Financial members the same benefits financial members get. If you aren't financial, then you don't deserve to get into whatever for free.

[Robelite]

Jun 9, 2008 14:51:45 GMT -5 @frozenmenace said:

We have to stop giving Non-Financial members the same benefits financial members get. If you aren't financial, then you don't deserve to get into whatever for free.

Ditto!!!

If the non-financial brothers get all the rights and priviledges that the financial brothers get, what is their motivation to ever pay their dues?

[pinkngreen06]

Jun 9, 2008 15:03:53 GMT -5 Robelite said:

Jun 9, 2008 14:51:45 GMT -5 @frozenmenace said:

We have to stop giving Non-Financial members the same benefits financial members get. If you aren't financial, then you don't deserve to get into whatever for free.

Ditto!!!

If the non-financial brothers get all the rights and privileges that the financial brothers get, what is their motivation to ever pay their dues?

I agree with this sentiment as well. To me having a updated / current financial card means that I am putting my money where my mouth is. That I am willing to support my organization and its programs on some kind of level. Personally I feel that if I am willing to pay I should at least be able to gain access workshops, conferences, SOMETHING that non-fiancial members can't. I agree w. charging financial members a discounted price over non-financial. Think of it one way, there is usually a difference between buying advance tickets versus buying at the door.

[THE emPRISS]

Jun 9, 2008 14:51:45 GMT -5 @frozenmenace said:

We have to stop giving Non-Financial members the same benefits financial members get. If you aren't financial, then you don't deserve to get into whatever for free.

*imitating Nupey*

But what if you PLEDGED!!! Like....harrrrrrrrrd!? That aint right!!

<---runs out

LOL

[AKAShannon]

Excellent topic by the way!

I am financial, and I work very hard for my org. However, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t join expecting benefits for being a member, active or not. I joined for service and vision that our founders had. I consider my membership as an extension of “Kingdom Building”. Your dues is like your tithes at church. That’s what you are supposed to pay. No one forced you to join! You took an oath and “pledged” to up hold the sanctity and ideals of your org.

I understand how “life” can limit a member’s participation. Generally, these members, once able, do become financial again. I only have a problem with people joining any org for the wrong reasons. Benefits are wonderful. Any benefits that I have receive as a member Alpha Kappa Alpha, it just another blessing.

I’m sure that I’m coming across as naive. I just don’t subscribe to that “what’s in it for me attitude”. Just do what it right!

[ClassyZeta]

Negative. People have the time and money to do what they want to do.

I have still yet to hear a VALID reason for not being financial....it's lame...to get in the org and then not continue to support it, yet you still maintain the association.

LOL and it always seems to be the ones who don't have time to be active or don't have enough money to be financial that end up being at all the greek events and all over the internet 'reppin'.

Skating is Skating is Skating.

[Cambist]

It's not necessarily a "what's in it for me" attitude though, sis. It's a "are we REALLY maximizing our resources" attidude.

I am a firm believer in partnerships. Everyone who knows me KNOWS this and my chapter brothers get sick of hearing it.

The stronger the commitment from the membership, the better positioned we are as organizations to leverage power throughout the commnity. So, if there is nothing there in terms of support or if that support is weak, then your ability to partner is weakened.

This is circular though. In order for us to KEEP members then we have to compete with life. And life says, "pay the cable" or "buy that dress" because you work like a Hebrew slave every day and you deserve it.

Is it easier to tell people to just do what they promised? Of course. Is it realistic? Unfortunately not.

[ClassyZeta]

^See that's my problem though-if I can hold off on buying that dress I want and budget for my org, why can't others?

How many budget for their org as they do their other bills?

Rent
Electricity
Car
Personal
Zeta
School
Phone
(in random order)

[Cambist]

I agree 100% CZ...I was just making a point (trying to at least) LOL!

If I can budget myself and pay my dues and other expenses (THAT I KNOW ARE COMING) then why should I share the same benefits with those who choose not to?

[AKAShannon]

Jun 9, 2008 22:12:52 GMT -5 Cambist said:

It's not necessarily a "what's in it for me" attitude though, sis. It's a "are we REALLY maximizing our resources" attidude.

I am a firm believer in partnerships. Everyone who knows me KNOWS this and my chapter brothers get sick of hearing it.

The stronger the commitment from the membership, the better positioned we are as organizations to leverage power throughout the commnity. So, if there is nothing there in terms of support or if that support is weak, then your ability to partner is weakened.

This is circular though. In order for us to KEEP members then we have to compete with life. And life says, "pay the cable" or "buy that dress" because you work like a Hebrew slave every day and you deserve it.

Is it easier to tell people to just do what they promised? Of course. Is it realistic? Unfortunately not.

I see your point!

[huey]

Members of NPHC orgs should get discounts to businesses owned by BGLO members.

Move over American Express, my membership card is the real black card.

[bulls3y3]

The membership card to me is of GREAT value.

Why is it that so many members of each respective organization are inactive? Yet they still continue to go to events, chapter vote, etc.

Being financially active is a true commitment to your organization and it should be everyone's aspiring goal to be a LIFE MEMBER....ya dig

[All Pledging Is Legal]

So it all comes down to money in the end.

A sisterhood/brotherhood at the graduate level these days is really all about connecting with people who are successful and can open doors for you. I see no other reason why someone would join a graduate chapter. The meetings are long and boring. Most of the memebers there only want to socialize afterwards. The events are not that well thought out, and only the same handful of members put in real work for events.

I see graduate chapters as advertisements for successful people. Every time I look at the national publication, I see so many advertisements. Even the stories about the different brothers are advertisements of that chapter and those individual brothers' achievements. Getting noticed in the publication is a way for other successful members to connect with one another.

Being made rarely matters at the grad level. Even those who pledged like hell become caught up in the allure of money and power. I have seen some of the same brothers who beat the life out of me talk about those who haze like they are the scum of the Earth. These grad chapters really do not care for undergraduate chapters, and would like for the m to go away.

The games played in grad chapters are sometimes heart-wrenching. There is so much drama and scandal. There are usually two different sets of thought in grad chapters. You have to choose sides and hope your side gains power in order to do anything. Being a maverick or independent will get you locked out of opportunities quickly. It is all about groupthink and conformity.

In the end, paying dues is only worth it if you are all about politics, wealth, status, power, class, achievement, and vanity. If you really love your organization, don't bother joining a grad chapter after undergrad. If you want to join after undergrad, just pay Nationals themselves. The lies, deceit, trechery, and cowardice in grad chapters may make your stomach churn.

[Robelite]

Got a tip for you....

ALWAYS check the dates of posts before you chime in. It will go a long way in helping you to not look...well...SILLY when you are responding to a thread which had its last post nearly two whole years ago.

[All Pledging Is Legal]

May 7, 2010 1:34:05 GMT -5 Robelite said:

Got a tip for you....

ALWAYS check the dates of posts before you chime in. It will go a long way in helping you to not look...well...SILLY when you are responding to a thread which had its last post nearly two whole years ago.

Dear Concerned Friend,

I intentionally bumped this thread because I had something to add to the discussion. I am fully aware that 2008 is two years before 2010. If you have any other jewels of knowledge for me, I would be more than delighted to ignore them.

Sincerely,

APIL

[ReignMan19]

now come on..... yall gotta admit........

[AKAShannon]

If you do not see the value in your org, why join? It is this “What have you done for me lately” attitude that is hurting the black community as a whole! To me, this is a selfish way of thinking that goes totally against all our founders’ purposes.

My membership card is priceless to me! It signifies a major accomplishment in my life. Ever since I became aware of Greekdom, I have always wanted to be an AKA. I am the type of person when I commit, I commit fully and take my oath seriously. That’s why I stay so busy, and can only pop in and out here! I understood completely what I was signing up for, even discussing with my pastor about Greekdom and the Bible.

I can understand about financial hardships and events in life that may cause a Soror or other orgs’ members to be inactive for awhile. I agree that a Soror is a Soror! However, at some point they should find their way back home!

In my chapter, you can pay monthly on your dues. Any amount you want to pay. I have personally help pay a Soror’s dues because she was pregnant with her third child and husband was out of work. This is what sisters do for each other! If we can’t be of service to each other, how can we be of service to anyone else? If more members were active, dues would not be as high! A few is paying for a party for all to enjoy!

[Cambist]

I don't think it's the "what have you done for me lately" attitude that presents the problem. What presents the problem is when members look at their card and say, "I've got it and it's great because it has those letters" and they leave it at that.

Think of it a wind up watch....may folks are walking around with a card in their pockets that's like an unwound watch. There is still value....especially historical value....but what good is it NOW.....