The Men of Principle Initiative
I am a Man of Principle.
I believe in the power of the mind, cultivating my own intellect and the minds of others.
I respect leadership, lead when called upon to do so, and help to prepare the leaders who will come after me.
I willingly lend my talents and abilities to the service of my community.
I recognize and respect the worth of each person, refusing to take part in activities that undermine the dignity of others or myself.
I choose to act responsibly, weighing the consequences of my action on those around me.
I speak honestly and listen actively.
I seek the company of other men of principle, extending them the bonds of brotherhood.
I build bridges, not walls.
I am a Beta.
In considering the Men of Principle initiative, it is important to understand the context of such a movement in an organization. Through the early-to-mid 1990’s, the entire fraternal community, Beta Theta Pi included, struggled mightily with academics and dwindled in numbers in both recruitment and alumni involvement. Fraternity houses were falling into disrepair and chapters were a risk management liability to their surrounding communities. Faced with the harsh understanding that principles of Beta Theta Pi were lost behind the uncomfortable reality of the Beta experience on many campuses across the nation, Beta’s leadership in Oxford challenged themselves to implement a plan to better achieve the true mission and vision of Beta Theta Pi, as stated in Article I, Section II of the Code, which states:
“It shall be constituted as hereinafter provided and shall have for its objects the promotion of the moral and social culture of its members, the establishment of confidence and friendly relations among the universities and colleges of the United States and Canada, in securing unity of action and sympathy in matters of common interest among them, and the building up of a fraternity that recognizes mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, unsullied friendship, and unfaltering fidelity, as objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.”
While the Men of Principle initiative contains little more than a contemporary restatement of the goals and values behind Beta Theta Pi in writing, it has been received with much success in fostering a systemic cultural change within the organization. In order to be a fraternity of integrity and relevance as the years go by, Beta could no longer simply claim to be one thing, yet act like another. Whether it is the data that points to the effectiveness of the program, shown through increased performance in virtually every measurable category, such as academics and chapter memberships, as well as through the closing of approximately 67 chapters over the past 10 years with the re/colonization of more than 41 more, Beta is once again reaching relevance and legitimacy as a result of the Men of Principle initiative.
The Men of Principle Goals
These nine goals describe the distinctive character of the Beta culture. They flow directly from the Mission and anticipate the Vision. While these goals are listed in numerical order, they are in fact interrelated and of equal value. There is no hierarchy. No single goal is more or less important than the others. They work together systematically.
Reading them in sequence gives a sense of systemic wholeness, of how they relate, fit together and mutually support one another. The programs relate specifically to the goals. When successfully implemented, the cumulative effect will be the achievement of the Mission and Vision.
I. Cultivation of the Intellect
The achievement of intellectual excellence is an enduring object of Beta life. Commitment to the cultivation of the intellect requires the culture of the chapter to encourage and support academic achievement.
II. Leadership Development and Self Governance
It is incumbent upon each chapter to identify future leaders, provide for their education and training, give them progressive leadership experiences and help them assume positions of leadership within the chapter, the host academic institution and community.
III. Commitment to Community
Beta Theta Pi calls for a commitment by the chapter and by each member of the chapter to make a meaningful contribution to his university, fraternal and local community.
IV. Member Education
Beta Theta Pi rejects hazing as a part of fraternity life, and emphasizes an educational experience which is morally uplifting and intellectually stimulating. The ongoing member education program teaches Beta ritual as the critical element of lifelong brotherhood.
V. Responsible Personal Conduct
Betas live by the highest standards of social conduct. The elimination of substance abuse through education, intervention, mutual support and progressive sanctions calls for and imposes the highest level of chapter self-governance, monitoring and discipline.
VI. Chapter Advisors
A network of advisors is a chapter resource of inestimable value. Advisors can enrich the intellectual culture of the chapter, assist with the administration of chapter affairs and help instill as sense of lifelong brotherhood.
VII. Member Recruitment
The process of consistently identifying good men year after year is a critical responsibility of chapter leadership, calling for the implementation of a Member Recruitment Management system, with Recruitment Through Scholarship as a natural element of this goal.
VIII. Communication
Each chapter and the General Fraternity must address the specific communication needs of their constituents. These include alumni, college faculty and administrators, prospective members and parents.
IX. Lifelong Fraternal Brotherhood
Fraternal brotherhood is created and strengthened by the intensity and integrity of effort required for success and enriched by the shared responsibility for achievement that endures.
