Pi Beta Phi Founders Day: April 28, 1867

Happy Birthday to Pi Beta Phi! Today the women's fraternity has 134 collegiate chapters and more than 241,000 members across North America. The Kansas Alpha chapter was established at the University of Kansas in 1873. Here's some information on the fraternity's history and its founders.

On April 28, 1867, 12 women joined together to form the first national secret society for women at a time when only five state universities admitted women. That society was founded as I.C. Sorosis at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Pi Beta Phi was the motto of this secret socitey and in 1888 the fraternity changed its official name to Pi Beta Pi.

Meet the Founders

Jennie Nicol, M.D. Jennie was a pioneer among physicians; she was one of the first women to study medicine. 
Quote: No woman ever entered the profession with a nobler purpose.

Libbie Brook GaddisThe youngest founder, she established Pi Beta Phi’s second chapter at Iowa Wesleyan University.
Quote: For while there are deeper and holier relations than that of … Pi Beta Phi, still nothing purer or lovelier graces the name of friendship.

Clara Brownlee Hutchinson Gentle and shy, she was Emma Brownlee’s younger sister. In challenging circumstances, she showed an admirable strength of character.

Ada Bruen Grier
A teacher and minister’s wife, she formed friendships in Pi Phi that lasted her entire lifetime. Her son, the Rev. James Harper Grier, became president of Monmouth College.
Quote: It has always been a real joy to me that I had a little part in the founding of Pi Beta Phi, and I wish you all continued prosperity of success.

Emma Brownlee Kilgore A true leader and Pi Beta Phi’s first president, she was the only founder to live continuously in Monmouth, Illinois. The Fraternity coat of arms is derived from the Brownlee family crest.

Fannie Thomson Radiating happiness, with a beautiful voice, in her short year of membership she was a faithful and enthusiastic member. The first Pi Beta Phi Convention was held at her house in Oquawka, Illinois, in August of 1867.
Quote: Our object … is to send out into the world women who will ever be an honor and a blessing.

Margaret Campbell Pi Beta Phi’s first treasurer and a promoter of philanthropic work.

Jennie Horne Turnbull Quiet and charming, she planned her life around her work as a minister’s wife and Pi Beta Phi. Jennie was a charter member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Club and had Illinois Alpha granddaughters.
Quote: The founders dreamed dreams as to our future but truly this has gone far beyond our wildest dreams. Words fail to express the pride the founders feel in the work, and well we should. It’s wonderful.

Rosa Moore Generous and sensitive to the needs of others, she spent her days in social work and missionary endeavors.
Quote: The one word out of my heart to every other heart is give all that you are and have, and this consecration will restore all that has been lost to you, to others and the world forevermore.

Nancy Black Wallace
Pi Beta Phi’s first secretary and an enthusiastic extensionist. She installed the third chapter of I.C. Sorosis at the Seminary in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Quote: I am glad that the great, sympathetic heart of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity has responded to the call of true service, that the result is worthwhile work in a needy field, uplifting the womanhood of our own America. This is a worthwhile work and commands the admiration of those of us who launched the craft.

Inez Smith Soule
Independent, beautiful and known for her keen wit, she established a long Pi Phi legacy through a Pi Phi daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
Quote: Said of Inez, “Any attempt to transfer her enthusiasm, her keen humor and her lovable charm into the category of printed words fails from the outset. There is an inner radiance expressed by her actions which finds no other medium.”

Fannie Whitenack Libbey It was in her home that the groundwork was laid for Pi Beta Phi. She always remained young at heart and found great joy in meeting with the girls of Pi Beta Phi.
Quote: I trust that the companionship and friendships formed in your college may prove sweet and lasting as those of us girls in 1867 … a tie that will bind you to achieve the highest and best in life.



 

Information taken from the Pi Beta Phi International website at http://www.pibetaphi.org/ 

Greek Recognition Night

Last night many of our Panhellenic chapters, women and alumnae were recognized for their hard work, and dedication. Thanks for making the KU Greek Community even better and Congratulations on your awards!

Here is a list of the Panhellenic awards given last night:

Outstanding New Members

1. Andrea Black

2. Alexa Buffington

3. Margie Carmody

4. Sarah Kenning

5. Lindsey Mayfield

Outstanding Grade Point Averages

Spring Semester 2010

1. Chi Omega, 3.42

2. TIE: Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Beta Phi, 3.33

3. Alpha Chi Omega, 3.28

Outstanding Grade Point Averages

Fall Semester 2010

1. Kappa Alpha Theta, 3.45

2. Chi Omega, 3.39

3. Kappa Kappa Gamma, 3.3

Highest New Member Class GPA 

Fall 2009

1. Kappa Alpha Theta, 3.48

2. Chi Omega, 3.31

3. TIE: Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi, 3.22

Blood Drive Award

 Kappa Delta

Outstanding Sorority Leader

Lindsay Moffitt, Kappa Alpha Theta 

 

Outstanding Panhellenic Council Leader Award

Sierra Wright, Kappa Alpha Theta

Bill Nelson Scholarship Winner

Andrea Olsen, Kappa Alpha Theta

David A. Ambler Outstanding Campus Leader Award

Sarah Weaver, Kappa Alpha Theta

  

Margaret E. Miller Multicultural Award

Delta Delta Delta

Outstanding Alumna Service Awards

1. Debbie Vingatelli-Konzem, Kappa Alpha Theta.
2. Sheila R. Wilson, Sigma Kappa
3. Jessica Cornwell, Sigma Kappa
4. Renny Arsensberg, Delta Delta Delta
5. Cynthia "Chi-Chi" Coe Allen, Alpha Gamma Delta

Outstanding House Director

 Kandyce Horn, Delta Gamma

Outstanding Greek Senior Award

1. Emily Loyd, Kappa Kappa Gamma
2. Jenna DeGennaro, Delta Gamma
3. Kelly Unger, Kappa Delta
4. Caitlin Wise, Delta Gamma
5. Tonia Salas, Kappa Kappa Gamma 

 

   Excellence in Scholarship Programming 

1.   Alpha Chi Omega
2. Chi Omega
3. Delta Gamma
4. Kappa Alpha Theta
5. Phi Beta Phi

Excellence in Community Service

1. Alpha Delta Pi
2. Chi Omega
3. Delta Gamma
4.  Pi Beta Phi 

Excellence in Leadership

1.   Chi Omega
2.   Delta Delta Delta
3.   Pi Beta Phi
4.   Kappa Kappa Gamma

Excellence in Growth

1. Chi Omega
2.  Delta Delta Delta
3.  Gamma Phi Beta
4.  Kappa Alpha Theta
5.  Kappa Delta
6.  Delta Gamma
7.  Kappa Kappa Gamma
8.  Pi Beta Phi
9.  Sigma Kappa

Excellence in Standards

1. Alpha Chi Omega
2. Alpha Gamma Delta
3.   Chi Omega
4.   Delta Delta Delta
5.   Gamma Phi Beta
6.   Kappa Alpha Theta
7.   Kappa Kappa Gamma

Excellence in External Relations

1. Chi Omega
2.   Delta Delta Delta
3.   Kappa Alpha Theta
4.   Kappa Kappa Gamma
5.   Pi Beta Phi
6.   Sigma Kappa

Excellence in Sisterhood

1.   Alpha Chi Omega
2.   Alpha Delta Pi
3.   Chi Omega
4.   Delta Gamma
5.   Gamma Phi Beta
6.   Kappa Alpha Theta
7.   Kappa Kappa Gamma
8.   Pi Beta Phi
9.   Sigma Delta Tau
10.   Sigma Kappa

Panhellenic Chapter of Excellence 

Chi Omega

Sisterly Support

"My expectations for life as a new member have reached leaps and bounds more than anything I could have imagined. I grew up with a kid brother and suddenly as I get to college I have 50 sisters? This was too awesome to handle.

I love being in a sorority and I feel like it connected to me school in a unique way and I would recommend it to anyone. I think of different sororities as a favorite pairs of shoes. I think it's important to find the sorority (shoe) that fits you're personality (foot) and you never want to be without.

I don't think I would have gotten through this year without my sisters. I came to KU knowing a handful of people I went to high school with but never hung out with and a church friend. But I will be forever grateful to my sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta for taking me in and accepting me just as I am.

Before I got to KU, I had a few thyroid surgeries, which left a pink scar on my neck and I went through a cancer treatment. But I don't let it define me. And honestly, unless I am thinking about thyroid stuff, I forget I have it. I told a few people what happened. But I didn't really explain it to one of my sorority sisters until around February. She also happens to be in charge of Relay for Life for our sorority. Because of her, the encouragement of a few other sisters and in order to support another sister with cancer, I attended Relay for Life 2011. Through everything that happened with my illness, I spent a lot of time feeling like many people didn't understand what I was going through. Then a large number of my chapter showed up to support me and our other sister. I broke down. They care. They are here when they could be doing anything else. It meant the world to me.

Words don't give justice to how I feel about my sorority. But what I do know is this, a majority of the stuff I did with them this year, is what I will remember when I am a wrinkly old woman looking back on life." - Courtney is a Freshman Alpha Gamma Delta majoring in Journalism.

Circle of Sisterhood: The Story of Srey Rath Chapter 1

When Srey Rath was 15 years old, she went to work in Thailand as a dishwasher to help support her family who was suffering from financial need.  Srey went with her new employers but was surprised when she was not taken to work as a dishwasher but was actually given to gangsters and sent to Malaysia.  She arrived at a brothel and her boss told her she must repay the debt she owed to him. She tried to fight back but was beaten each time she did.  All of the girls at the brothel were beaten and tortured into compliance and forced to smile.  They were forced to “work” every day of the week for at least 15 hours per day. The girls were never allowed to leave the brothel and never saw any of the money.  

Srey Rath was lucky. She was a strong young girl who was able to escape. One night, she and a few other girls broke open a window and climbed across a board only 5-inches wide to the balcony of the nearest apartment building.  Many girls were too afraid to follow in fear that they would fall and die.  Srey was willing to take that chance.  She escaped and was able to find a social worker who gave her the information for a group that supports girls who fall victim to sex-trafficking.  They gave her $400 of money that had been donated to their organization so that she could by a cart and become a street peddler.  Srey Rath is an intelligent young woman and was soon able to start saving money and expand her business.  Today she owns not just a cart but a stall, and the stall next to it. And the stall next to that. Today she is married and has a young son. She is currently saving money to provide her son the education she was never able to receive.

Story summarized by Kelly Tankard from Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kriston and Sheryl WuDunn, Vintage Books, © 2009.

A New Philanthropy: Circle of Sisterhood

The Circle of Sisterhood is an organization created by sorority women that has made it's way onto many college campuses. Now, we have decided to bring it to KU. Below is what the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation calls their story;

"In the mid 1800s in America, women stood together for the right to go to college and thus began the sorority movement.  Now, almost 150 years later and more than 5 million strong, we vow to continue our Founders' legacy by standing together again to help girls and women go to school around the world.

As women, who have in common a college education, we know that access to quality schooling affords a better life for a woman and that of her family. For too many girls and women around the world, access to quality education is often limited. And education is the answer to many of the global issues related to women - poverty, oppression, misogyny, brutality. Ultimately, more and more educated girls will mean stronger and healthier villages, communities and entire countries.

One person can make a small difference. But as a community of 5 million, our collective efforts will be transforming for generations to come."

© Copyright 2011 by Circle of Sisterhood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity

This organization was created based off of a book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kriston and Sheryl WuDunn. The Panhellenic Association has decided to introduce this organization to campus by creating awareness and becoming educated ourselves on the issues and problems Circle of Sisterhood is trying solve. In order to do this we will read a chapter and present a story from one of the women featured in Half the Sky during each council meeting. We then encourage all our members to bring this story back to their chapters by reading the information at their own chapter meetings. Stay tuned to our blog and website for updated information and story summaries. 

April Scholar of the Month: Laura Vinci

Laura Vinci of Kappa Kappa Gamma has been awarded the April Scholar of the Month for her outstanding academic and leadership achievements. Laura is a senior majoring in journalism with a 3.35 GPA. Outside of her successful academic career she has found time to volunteer, participate in campus organizations and be an outstanding member of her sorority. Laura is currently Alumni Relations Chairwoman for the Rock Chalk Revue Advisory Board, a member of the Student Alumni Leadership Board and previously served as newsletter appointed officer for the Panhellenic Association. Congratulations Laura! 

Alpha Delta Pi and the Ronald McDonald House

Spring becomes a busy time for the Panhellenic community because almost every chapter on campus starts to host their own philanthropy event to raise money for their national cause. Alpha Delta Pi held their Race for Ronald, a 5k walk/run with proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald house, the morning of April 2 at Hollywood Southwind Theater track in Lawrence.
Their philanthropy coordinator was pleased with this year's turnout and wanted to share their success with the Panhellenic community!

"When I became philanthropy chair of Alpha Delta Pi, I knew I wanted to get involved as well as get the women of my house more involved with our cause. When I walked into the Ronald McDonald House for the first time, I was immediately welcomed into a calm, happy environment. From then on the Ronald McDonald House became a personal mission. My goal was to find a way to help this house become even more comfortable, well- stocked and friendly. More and more girls began volunteering and taking pride in their dedication to the house. On April 2, 2011, we held our 7^th annual Race for Ronald. This is a 5k race followed by a raffle that has become a yearly tradition at Alpha Delta Pi. I had an absolute blast organizing this. The weather was beautiful, we had a lot of wonderful people show up, and the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Topeka spoke a couple words before the race. With over 250 registries, we raised almost 5,000 dollars. With this generous amount of money Alpha Delta Pi and I couldn’t be happier in continuing to support the mission of the Ronald McDonald House." - Lauren Lottino is a freshman Alpha Delta Pi serving as Philanthropy Cordinator

Vote! Support Panhellenic Women in Campus Elections.

Leadership is one of the four pillars of Greek Life. Don't forget to vote and support these Panhellenic women in their run for Student Senate! Vote April 13-14th!

KUnited

 

Libby Johnson – Member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Presidential candidate

Sarah Kenning: Member of Pi Beta Phi. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS

Kendall Kraus- Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Nell Neary- Member of Chi Omega. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS

Alex Kincaid- Member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Allison Kohn- Member of Alpha Chi Omega. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS 

Jenny Pisklo- Member of Gamma Phi Beta. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Megan Ketchum- Member of Alpha Delta Pi. Running for School of Engineering
Lauryn Reinhart- Member of Delta Gamma. Running for School of Architecture
Sarah Weaver- Member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Lizzy Watson – Member of Delta Delta Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Kait Perry- Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative
Hannah Bolton- Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Christine Lee- Member of Alpha Chi Omega. Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Enaam Gettino - Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Junior/Senior CLAS
Whitlee Douthitt – Member of Delta Delta Delta. Running for School of Journalism

RenewKU

Caroline Godfrey - Member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Running for School of Education
Sarah Schwalm - Member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Running for Freshman/Sophomore CLAS
Emily Fike - Member of Kappa Delta. Running for Off-Campus Representative

April is Advisor Appreciation Month

Advisors are often the lifeblood of our organizations. They provide a constant to our ever changing executive and leadership boards. They offer advice and comfort to our over-worked and over-stressed leaders. They make sure the chapter stays a well-oiled machine and they double-check every detail. They are our friends, our support and our sisters. They do so much for us behind the scenes, that this month we need to put them center stage. Take the time to thank your advisors this month. They donate their time so that we can have an amazing collegiate experience. Thanks advisors!

National Panhellenic Conference has declared April as Advisor Appreciation month and they have provided a list of 30 ways to thank an advisor. We have picked our top ten and posted them here! These small gestures are easy ways to show you care. For more information on National Advisor Appreciation month visit http://www.npcwomen.org/.

Top Ten Ways to Thank Your Advisor

1.    Send a heartfelt e-mail with personal details about how an advisor has made an impact.
2.    Throw a small surprise luncheon in recognition of advisor service.
3.    Feature National Advisor Appreciation Month on your website.
4.    Write a profile on a special advisor, and submit it to your sorority magazine for possible publication.
5.    Offer to provide free childcare for advisors with children for a personal night off.
6.    Personally deliver a single flower to your advisor.
7.    Send an e-mail or thank you note to an advisor’s supervisor.
8.    At a chapter meeting write thank you notes and notes of appreciation to your  advisors.
9.    Sponsor a dinner for your chapter advisors and Panhellenic administrative staff.
10.   Purchase a small Panhellenic gift or sorority-themed gift for your advisors. 

How have your Advisors helped you or your chapter? What are you doing this month to show your appreciation?

Like Mother Like Daughter

Every spring sorority mothers flock to Lawrence to spend some quality time with their daughters. Many of our chapters have either celebrated Mom's Weekend last weekend or are getting ready to celebrate this weekend.

Each chapter usually has a few fun things planned as a group and then some free time just to hang out with Mom. Mom's and their daughters can always be found shopping on Mass St. or even, like these Delta Delta Deltas, at a KU Baseball game!

As sorority women, Moms tend to be a big part of our lives! So if you and your Mom are looking for ideas to spend time together and support your sorority at the same time, we suggest looking at the Sorority Parents blog for tips! http://sororityparents.com/ also has great information for parents on any topic related to Greek Life. But, we thought we'd share with you some of our favorite ideas.

The following ideas were posted on International Badge Day, but they can really apply to everyday! Visit http://sororityparents.com/2011/02/our-family-international-badge-day/ to read the full article.

"My daughter is coming home next week. So I started thinking, what we could do together.  After all, we are our own little Panhellenic-she an AOII and me a ZTA.Here is what we have come up with to promote Panhellenic spirit.

• Since we can’t have matching letters, we have decided to select a “family pattern” and have a set of sewn letters made in that pattern.  I haven’t had sewn letters in years and I am excited to have a pair that represent our family.  Even cooler, this was her idea!  And should my younger daughter decide to go Greek, she can then get a shirt with the same pattern.  Heck, we may get a set for my husband with DAD!
• We are looking for a way to volunteer our time to some cause or organization that might need help-a food bank or a clothing donations center.  Just something we can do together to give back.
• We are definitely going to get dressed up and put on those shiny badges.  Its been a long time since she and I went to lunch together (other than Chick-Fil-A). So we will go somewhere a little more formal and dine like ladies.

I love that I get to share this experience with my daughter.  And I hope the traditions we start become long standing in our family!"

Is your mom in a Panhellenic chapter? What are your favorite things to with your mom?

Chi Omega Founder's Day: April 5, 1895

Happy 116th birthday to Chi Omega Fraternity! Today Chi Omega has more than 235,000 members in more than 170 chapters. Here's a little history of the organization and its founders.

Chi Omega was founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas by Ina May Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Jobelle Holcombe and Alice Simonds, with help from Dr. Charles Richardson (an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity).

Ina May was an artist and designed the official Chi Omega ring worn by members of the Governing Council. She also designed the seal of Chi Omega and the first crest. Ina May served as the New York City Alumnae chapter president while living in the City with her husband, Benjamin Morton. Many of her paintings are signed Christina Morton. Ina May's sister, Flora, was an initiated by Xi Chapter at Northwestern University.

JeanVincenheller was very active in establishing Chi Omega's esoteric traditions. Jean was a student of music, the editor of a college magazine called "Cardinal," and President of Math and Literary Societies. She served as the first National President in 1900 and as National Vice President from 1900-1901. Jean was married with two daughters; one was initiated at Psi Chapter. Jean is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Jobelle Holcombe was a true intellectual. After graduation, she became an English professor at the University of Arkansas and was the first woman to receive the honor of "Doctor of Laws" from the University. There is a women's Residence Hall named after her at the University called Holcombe Hall. Jobelle served as National Vice President from 1906-1908. She is buried in Fayetteville, Arkansas and marked as a founder of Chi Omega.

Alice (Allie) Cary Simonds was the oldest of Chi Omega's female founders. In school, she specialized in zoology. Allie served as the first President and Vice President of Psi Chapter. She married and had one son, but died shortly after he was born. She was only 27 years old. Allie is buried in the Congressional Cemetery and is marked as a Founder of Chi Omega.

Dr. Richardson studied dentistry at Vanderbilt University where he was an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He never married, but was a big brother figure to many Chi Omegas. Dr. Richardson designed the first Chi Omega badge from dental gold. He is buried in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is marked as a founder of Chi Omega.

Information taken from the Chi Omega National website

Service, Leadership, Scholarship and Sisterhood... Total Sorority Move

Recently, two new phrases have cropped up in our popular culture, with websites to go along with them. These phrases are being tweeted about, posted on facebook and even used in everyday language. TFM or TSM for short, these phrases stand for Total Frat/Sorority Move.

This new trend has become more than just a little disheartening for the Greek community. Is this stereotype really how others on campus see our organizations? Worse yet, is this how we portray ourselves?

As members of Greek organizations we have a collective purpose and values. These organizations were created because we hold ourselves to higher standards. Although, simply by reading these TSM posts you would never guess what Greek life is truly meant to be. The tile of this post includes the four pillars of Greek Life, what we as sorority women and fraternity men are supposed to stand for; service, leadership, scholarship and brotherhood/sisterhood.

At the beginning of every chapter meeting we read our ritual and our purpose, we know the values our founders have set forth for our organizations. We read the Panhellenic Creed at the beginning of every council meeting. We KNOW what our organizations stand for and these values should be deeply ingrained in our memories. So why aren't we living those values in our everyday lives? Why are we okay with these "TSM" posts? And why do even think they are funny?

The discussion of this issue is beautifully put in a recent blog post by AFLV (Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values). I don't think I could say it any better myself, so I'm reposting it here. To see the orginal post visit aflv.blogspot.com.

Smack dab in the middle of conference season, the power of social media in our world is more evident than ever. As an association, we used Twitter, Facebook, and FourSquare to interact with our attendees at #CFLNBGLC11 and will do the same at #WFLNCGLC11 in a few short weeks. Our peer associations like @TheNACA and other Higher Ed Associations like @AFA1976, @NASPAtweets , @ACUItweets, and @ACPA are all using social media to engage participants. It is neat to see the connections being made, and the additional learning that can take place on the conference backchannel.

As with most tools, in the right hands they can be used for good - and in the wrong, for bad. Amongst all this excitement surrounding the potential of social media in our little corner of the fraternal world, there has been something that has been bothering me for a while. I saw a tweet re-tweeted by several people this weekend that brought my frustrations back to the surface.

"@TFM: Charlie Sheen parties pretty hard for a GDI, but I don't think he would have survived the weekend I just had. TFM. "

I don't personally follow TFM, because in my mind, following is a silent endorsement, or approval of content. And that is content I'd personally rather not be connected with, thank you very much. But apparently a lot of people I follow, follow TFM. And over 100 people re-tweeted that tweet. Sad. If that is your definition of the fraternity/sorority experience, I'd invite you to spend some time with your ritual, and tell me where your organization has taught you to value "partying hard". And if Charlie Sheen is an example of "winning" then I'd rather be a loser. If that is the experience you'd like to continue to have in college, please go ahead and take off your badge and turn it in.

I did some quick research to see how many people are following some fraternity/sorority related Twitter accounts. As of 9:00am MT this morning, here are the numbers:

@TFM: 74,050 followers
@TSM: 16, 955 followers
@AFLV: 1,687 followers
@FraternalValues: 221 followers
@fraternalthghts: 875 followers
@fraternityinfo: 680 followers
@nicfraternity: 1,369 followers
@npcwomen: 2,800 followers
@NPHC1930: 235 followers
@AFA1976: 337 followers
@FraternalRitual: 373 followers
@GreekCompass: 239 followers

#thataintwinning, friends, that's worse than I thought. Obviously the followers of TFM are not limited to affiliated members. But consider for a moment that there are hundreds of thousands of living affiliated people. Even if only 5% utilize twitter, our followership is dismal. Clearly, the tweeters of the fraternal world need to be doing more to provide valuable, engaging content for followers (we here at AFLV included). And just like in the "real world", we need to be aware that like it or not, to an outsider, our interfraternal brothers and sisters are representing us to the world. Challenge others when their content is not in line with our shared values. We need to take ownership and responsibility.

We would love to hear your thoughts and comments. How do you represent your values through social media? How does your organization? How are we holding our members accountable for representing our founding values in their tweets? Is this a conversation you've even had? What could we be doing differently?