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A Bad Rap?
     Fraternity members are portrayed as beer-guzzling neanderthals who throw toga parties and crush beer cans on their heads. Sorority girls are depicted as anorexic, blond bimbos who parade around in skimpy outfits, while getting plastered on punch at frat parties. As Greeks around the country try to revamp their image through philanthropy and awareness campaigns, the scrutiny of the few who perpetuate these myths continues to threaten the entire system’s existence. Following the lead of Bowdoin, Colby, and Middlebury Colleges, trustees at Dartmouth College, whose Greek system was the inspiration for Animal House, announced a new policy in February to force single-sex fraternities and sororities to become co-ed. The plan "uncorked a firestorm of student and alumni protest," according to The Dartmouth Review.
     To shake their negative image, Greeks partner with national philanthopies such as the Red Cross and March of Dimes to show their dedication to giving back to the college and community. "Sororities and fraternities are about so much more than just partying," says Amy Bellin, vice president of chapter life for Alpha Xi Delta sorority at the University of Florida. "We’re the ones that are cleaning the highways, volunteering at nursing homes, and raising money for the terminally-ill children."

Alcohol Abuse
     As the media continues to bash Greeks for a handful of alcohol-related incidents, non-Greek students who overconsume in bars, dorms, and apartments are seldom mentioned. "You’ll see on the news, ‘Greeks caught drinking,’ but you never hear that a chapter raised money for charity," says Ashley Burns, vice president of programming for Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Central Florida. "It’s the Animal House image—we get the stereotype of being rich drunk kids with nothing better to do, but as far as the kids off campus who aren’t Greek, I’ve seen a lot worse out of them."
     Veteran Greek leaders at UCF introduce new recruits to responsible consumption. "We try to get each fraternity to have their new pledge classes come to meetings and put on workshops—not to preach to them, "Don’t drink," but more importantly that you can drink and still be responsible," Burns says. At UCF parties, IFC members patrol for infractions such as underage drinking or alcohol-related accidents, and chapters are required to have at least three UCF police officers on-site. Groups that violate the rules can be fined from $50 to $3,000 or required to do mandatory service such as presenting seminars on alcohol abuse.
     Burns says maintaining a sterling image is critical, because Greeks often are in the spotlight. "At our school, the Greeks make up 10 percent of students, and we run everything," Burns says. "The past five SG presidents have been Greek, and we’re constantly above the average GPA. If we’re out making jerks of ourselves in public, it negates the image we’re trying to build."
     However, Burns says the societies’ negative image is largely undeserved. "We’ve seen fraternity pledges who have died in the past couple of years nationwide because of binge drinking," he says. "That was maybe five years ago, and at this point, we don’t see that anymore—the Greek systems are maturing a lot better."
     To decrease chapter liability and prove that they can have fun without alcohol, many fraternities have opted to go dry by eliminating alcohol consumption at all chapter-sponsored activities. In addition, Greeks have become very involved in alcohol peer-education or teamed up with GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol). "We had a recovering alcoholic discuss negative results of alcohol abuse," says Sarah Scott, activities chair of Alpha Chi Omega sorority at Florida Southern College. "It had a really strong impact."

Hazing
     The existence and continued relevance of organizations such as the StopHazing.org and the Committee to Halt Useless College Killings (CHUCK) is a reminder that hazing can still cross the line from fun camaraderie to dangerous or even fatal coercion. The StopHazing.org web site offers alternatives to the traditionally covert practice including athletic contests, community service projects, or joint socials with other chapters to foster unity among new members, says Brian Rahill, co-founder.
     CHUCK is led by Eileen Stevens, whose son Chuck Stenzel was locked in a car trunk in 1978 by frat brothers and told to drink a pint of Jack Daniels, a six-pack of beer, and a variety of wines before being let out. Stenzel died at age 20 of pulmonary edema—he drowned as his lungs filled with fluid. Since her son’s death, Stevens has spoken out against hazing at about 40 campuses and fraternity conventions nationally each year. "Since many states have made it a crime, some of the hard-core hazing has softened," Stevens says. "But sadly, much of it has gone underground and remains in secrecy." Stevens says national Greek organizations are making strides in the right direction, however, by creating policies for chapters to follow and educational projects that are open to both Greeks and non-Greeks.

Greek Domination of Student Leadership Roles
     Fact or fiction? Most influential student leadership roles are held by Greeks. "It’s much easier to get involved when you are Greek because you are a part of a large unified organization," said Andrea Weems, assistant rush chair for Phi Mu sorority at Florida State University. "My sorority has a delegate that brings us applications for every campus organization and event. We also post fliers around the house and make announcements at dinner so that everyone that wants to get involved can."
     Involvement has more to do with the individual than a specific group, says Tiffany Pokabla of the University of Florida. "I didn’t pledge until my sophomore year," says Pokabla, Phi Mu pride leader and assistant philanthropy chair. "In my freshman year, I got involved on my own. Although the Greek system may help in some cases, if you are a strong leader and can prove yourself, a non-Greek member can achieve the same success as any Greek member."
     Pokabla points to efforts to involve both Greeks and non-Greeks in Phi Mu’s philanthropic ventures, including the annual "Romp in the Swamp," a date auction that benefits the Children’s Miracle Network. Prior to the event, sorority sisters wear and sell promotional T-shirts to get the word out and announce the event on local radio stations and in their classes. "The event brought out Greek students, non-Greek students, and even non-students from all over the community, while raising over $2,000," Pokabla says.
     In instances where fraternity and sorority members have infiltrated influential campus groups, Greeks themselves have taken action. "It’s easy for Greeks to get involved on campus, because they do have the support of their organization for voting and publicity. Sometimes it can be a positive, and sometimes it can be a negative—it depends on whether they’re advocating their interests or the student body’s," says Valerie Brennan, Panhellenic president at University of Central Florida. "Sometimes it does seem like the same people are holding the same leadership roles. That’s why we’re doing Students For a Better Student Government, which was started by a former Greek to encourage more involvement from everyone—Greek and non-Greek."

What’s the best way you’ve found to motivate others and prevent apathy?
     "Offer a break in dues to members that actively participate. It’s always better to reward than punish."
—Jared M. Ross, president emeritus, Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Florida State University

"Enthusiasm is the best motivation! You have to have a very positive attitude, and it will become contagious."
—Julie Ann Miller, president, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Ringling School of Art & Design

"Seek them out individually, give them a job or task and make it seem like it’s the most important job in the organization."
—Robb Tessmer, parliamentarian, Kappa Sigma fraternity, University of Central Florida

Greek Resources
Greek Zone—http://www.greekzone.com
Greek Pages—http://www.greekpages.com
Greek Spot—http://www.greekspot.com
GreekNet—http://www.greeknet.net
Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol
    (GAMMA)—http://www.bacchusgamma.org

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