Today’s article is a little different. I usually write about communication issues, given that I am the Communication Chair. Although I suppose almost anything can be tied to communication, I am stretching those boundaries by being candid with you about my thoughts on apathy and brotherhood.
Apathy is an issue that can plague any organization, and it can have an awful snowball effect when it starts. The symptoms:
- Lack of passion
- Sluggishness
- Distraction
- Poor attendance
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of interest
Sound familiar? You’ve likely been witness to such symptoms within your chapter, perhaps recently. Take any chapter at any given time, and it is very likely you will find at least one apathetic brother. Once you’ve found one, you’re likely to find more—apathy breeds apathy. It can be difficult to achieve success when brothers are skipping meetings, not paying attention when they do attend, and hoping others will sign up for events so they don’t have to (and still not stepping up with no one else signs up).
You are hopefully wondering what can be done to address these issues. Unfortunately there is no easy solution.
Many people blame the leadership, and indeed that can be the case. If your officers don’t show an interest in the things they are leading, it is quite difficult for them to inspire passion in their fellow brothers. Similarly, if officers are not attending fellowships and service projects, why should anyone else?
If you are an officer, try to step back and take an objective look at yourself. Are you passionate about your area of specialization? Are you passionate about service? About being in this brotherhood? Do you regularly attend chapter events? How about events that go beyond your chapter and extend into the section, region, or even nation?
Nobody is saying you have to attend everything. We are all busy—yes, even us alumni. But do realize that a big part of being a brother of Alpha Phi Omega is a commitment to serve. There are bound to be service projects that appeal to you. If there aren’t, suggest them to your Service Vice President, and maybe even offer to lead the projects yourself! Many people use the excuse of not having enough time. But some things you make time for.
These thoughts apply to non-officers, too. We all need to make sure we try to be the leaders we have committed to be through our membership in this fraternity. Some of us lead by taking on obvious leadership roles, like officers or committee chairs. But there are other ways to lead. The easiest way is to demonstrate your passion by attending service projects, fellowships, leadership courses, and always putting your best foot forward. Simply attending isn’t enough. Be engaged. Be engaging. Service is not a passive activity. Nor is fellowship obtained by sitting in a corner with your laptop while others are socializing and bonding.
It sounds simple, but chances are good that the people reading this are not the ones suffering from apathy. So you guys holding onto your enthusiasm should work to identify your apathetic brothers and engage them. Show them (don’t just tell them) how excited you are to be a part of this brotherhood. Let them see you getting passionate about service. Set a good example, and make them wonder what they’re missing.
Apathy is not easily cured, but you have a greater chance of success if you catch it early. Best of luck to all of you. And please let me know if there is anything I can help with!
Passionately yours,
Jessica Szweda
Section 67 Communication Chair