Observation 3

For my third observation of fraternities, I interviewed a few brothers that were members of different fraternities. I asked them the following questions in order to understand what they thought about philanthropy events that they participate in:

1. What fraternity are you a member of?
2. What philanthropic events has your fraternity participated in this year?
3. Do you participate in these events because you want to help others, or do you just do it because you are required to?
4. What other reasons do fraternities have for doing philanthropy?
5. At major philanthropic events, do you notice the different fraternities clustering together and acting like they would at normal social events?
6. Do you actively engage in the event you are participating in usually or just go through the motions?

Here are two very good responses that I received:

Eric Chamblee
1. Kappa Sigma
2. Cookouts and Fundraising for Military Wives Campaign
3. Though I would rather engage in a different philanthropy, I still recognize the importance of the one that we support and am happy to do it for that reason. However, it also is required.
4. Reasons for philanthropy include competition with other Greek societies to see who can raise the most money, to pair up with a couple of other fraternities or sororities in order to meet new people and develop long term relationships with said organizations, great way to improve your reputation in the eyes of your national chapter, and the chicks dig it. Also is a good resume booster and a way to obtain community service.
5. Normally during philanthropic events fraternities/sororities are encouraged to "mix and mingle" by their executive committees with the other societies with which they are paired in order to instill a feeling of cooperation, movement toward a greater good, and to get to know others in the greek community at the university.
6. Generally most everyone who volunteers their time actively engage in the event as you wouldn't want one fraternity saying they ran the show or a sorority viewing you (in terms of a group) as lazy, unsupportive, or uncaring. It goes back to the image and competition factors mentioned earlier.

Chris Pilley
1. Theta Chi
2. St. Jude's hospital visits, Duke Childrens' Hospital Radio-a-thon, and we will do a Bowling event for St. Jude's next month.
3. The fact that our chapter requires philanthropic events just gives me and others a pathway to help others. Originally I didn't have time to help out people but being involved gives me a sense of accomplishment and making a difference and having a good time are what we strive for. Also, being active in the community is the image and the ideal that we want to perpetuate as a Fraternity.
4. Fraternities usually do this to meet requirements set by their IFC and national requirements. Each chapter usually surpasses these requirements in order to look better abroad and to compete fraternally with other Greek organizations at their schools. Also, it is a great opportunity to network with businesses and to get involved in the community.
5. Usually philanthropic events are held by one fraternity or sorority and it is common practice for other Greek communities to show support and come out. All of the fraternities usually go out of their way to welcome their guests of the event and generally do hang out together to socialize.
6. When I go to events I go to have fun and to meet new people/show off my letters. You only get to be known in the Greek community by these events so being the most interesting, the most well mannered, or the best means your name gets out there. Most brothers only go to events that they want to go to so they all actively participate too.

The fraternities all seemed to have two or three major philanthropy events that they are involved in. The brothers all agreed that they originally became involved because it was required, but they also realize the importance of the events they are a part of and like to help others. Other reasons that fraternities are involved in these events include a competition with the other fraternities on campus, to boost their reputation, and to network with other fraternities and sororities along with businesses to create new relationships. Also, they seemed to overall be encourage to mingle with the other fraternities and sororities at events, even though they would rather stick together so that they were more comfortable. Finally, competition and image seemed to drive their active participation in events, and they also were able to choose the events that they actually wanted to attend.