It’s a Sunday afternoon. You’re dressed in white, walking out of the house an initiated member. The rituals were performed, the secrets were revealed and now you are an official member of your organization. The sun is shining, you feel enlightened, anew and home. You understand the meaning behind your letters, behind the crest and behind the true meaning of sister (or brother) hood. So, now, what? You’re no longer a pledge, associate member or new member; you’re no longer awaiting the mysterious ritual of initiation; and you’re no longer reading your new member book and memorizing the facts and history of your organization.

Do you remember this day? How sacred your organization felt? How empowered you felt? How close to your brothers or sisters you felt?

After such an emotional and stressful experience, after having secrets revealed that reflect the true meaning of your organization, why do we still have the culture we do in Greek life? Why are we getting national attention for hazing, drugs and racism instead of philanthropic endeavors, successful alumni and collegiate achievements on and off campus? Why do we abhor formal chapters and ceremonies but praise socials and formals? Why do the letters on our chests display a status symbol to others rather than a reminder to strive for excellence in all that we do?

Greek life today is at a pivotal moment. We can either shape up or ship out of our universities we call home; but why is this? Why do brothers and sisters nationwide compromise their sacred ‘hood for popularity, partying and inappropriate jokes? Greek organizations are intended to provide solace for such a chaotic time in our lives. They help form bonds with strong, intelligent and inspiring people, to be with you in times of hardship and times of prosperity. That’s invaluable. Yet, in campuses across the nation, we see Greeks discounting the value of their brother and sisterhoods.

Having just celebrated my own Founder’s Day, I’ve been thinking about what our founders intended these organizations to be. We were founded by courageous men and women who wanted to leave a legacy. We go Greek because we want to be a part of that legacy, part of something bigger than ourselves. We join to become leaders on campus and thereafter, to expand our networks, to find a home away from home, and to create memories and friendships to last a lifetime. At least, that’s what our Founders intended.

The next time you see violations of your national rules or behaviors not in line with your organization’s motto, think about what your founders wanted. Would they be proud of you or your brother/sister’s actions? Did they intend to create an organization that gains national recognition for this? Did they intend for a sisterhood or brotherhood in which the common goal is a high rating on GreekRank rather than a high ranked GPA? Did they intend for you to compromise your integrity, values, and organization for popularity?

We need to look to the past in order to succeed in the future. So put yourself in the shoes of your founders. Recall the day, around two hundred years ago, upon which your organization was founded. Recall your motto, your crest and the meaning behind your letters. Then, look around you. Consider your organization’s reputation on campus, the actions of your brothers or sisters and the legacy you are leaving for classes to come. Is this what your founders wanted?