Sunday, June 1, 2008

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friendship is a precious gift

Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA. HK The Lions Club at the Peak, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong 國際獅子會 (香港)

Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more humans. This article focuses on the notion specific to interpersonal relationships. In this sense, the term connotes arelationship which involves mutualknowledge,esteem, andaffection along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibitloyalty towards each other, often to the point ofaltruism. Theirtastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helpingbehavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflectivebehaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than thetrust that someone or something will not harm them.Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating on a consistent basis:

Friends in Nazareth, Israel. Friendships are often the most important relationships in the emotional life of the adolescent, and are often more intense than relationships later in life.

Friends in Nazareth, Israel. Friendships are often the most important relationships in the emotional life of the adolescent, and are often more intense than relationships later in life.

In a comparison ofpersonal relationships, friendship is considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees ofintimacy in both friendships and associations. Friendship and association can be thought of as spanning across the same continuum. The study of friendship is included insociology,anthropology,philosophy, and zoology. Various theories of friendship have been proposed, among which aresocial psychology,social exchange theory,equity theory, relationaldialectics, andattachment styles. SeeInterpersonal relationships

Friendship is considered one of the central human experiences, and has been sanctified by all major religions. The Epic of Gilgamesh, a Babylonian poem that is among the earliest known literary works in history, chronicles in great depth the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. TheGreco-Roman had, as a paramount example, the friendship ofOrestes andPylades. TheAbrahamic faiths have the story ofDavid and Jonathan. Friendship played an important role in GermanRomanticism. A good example for this is Schiller'sDie Bürgschaft. TheChristianGospels state thatJesus Christ declared, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."(John 15:13).

In philosophy,Aristotle is known for his discussion (in the Nicomachean Ethics) of North'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America">North America, they are also referred to as "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation_(university)">student corporations", "academic corporations", or simply "corporations".

The names of North American fraternities and sororities generally consist of two or threeGreek letters, often abbreviating a Greek motto. For this reason, fraternities and sororities are known collectively as a Greek Community or Greek Society and its members as Greeks. The use of Greek letters started with the first such organization,Phi Beta Kappa, which used Greek letters to hide their secret name. Some exceptions include "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_Fraternity">Acacia", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FarmHouse_(fraternity)">FarmHouse", and "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_Fraternity">Triangle", and the eating clubs andsecret societies at somehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivy_League">Ivy League colleges, such asSkull and Bones atservice'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_fraternities_and_sororities">service fraternities and sororities, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_fraternity">professional fraternity, and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honour_society">honour society

The most recognizable form of fraternity is the social fraternity, which present themselves as societies to help their members better themselves in a social setting. Other types of fraternities are chartered for (and not just emphasize) service to the community, professional advancement, or scholastic achievement.

Many fraternities and sororities are national or international organizations with chapters at individual schools. The organizations' headquarters or "Nationals" may place certain requirements on individual chapters to standardize rituals and policies regarding membership, housing, or behavior. These policies are generally codified in a constitution and bylaws which may be amended at conventions. Members of a such a fraternity or sorority may enjoy certain privileges when visiting other chapters of the same fraternity. Some fraternities and sororities are "local" and do not belong to a national organization.

Classification can also be made along religious lines, geographic extent, gender requirements (single-sex or co-ed), cultural or multicultural emphasis, and time of founding.Secret Societies are usually categorized separately from other types of fraternities.

Outside North America, organizations like college fraternities are now rare. The Philippines has a similar system, and a few European countries haveStudentenverbindungen andstudent nations. Historically, dueling fraternities were an important feature of student life in[1] Seefraternities and sororities outside the United States and Canada.

Membership in a Greek organization may be restricted to, or favor, members of a certain race, religion or national origin, although some colleges now actively discourage or ban groups that have such restrictions. Such membership rules have been a major objection to the presence of fraternities and sororities on college campuses, but in the past have provided such groups with distinct personalities and culture.

Structure and organization

Rituals and symbols

Most fraternities and sororities today maintain traditions which are generally symbolic in nature and closely guarded secrets, calling it their Ritual. They include an initiation ceremony, but may also include passwords, songs, handshakes, and the form of meeting, amongst other things. Meetings of the active members are generally secret and not to be discussed without the formal approval of the chapter as a whole.

For organizations with Greek letters composing their name, these letters can have a secret meaning, known only to initiated members. They can represent a motto (such as Upsilon), a set of virtues (such asAlpha Kappa Lambda), or the history of its organization (such ashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Tau">Phi Tau).

Fraternities and sororities often have a number of symbols by which they are identified, such as colours or flowers, in addition to a badge (or pin), crest, and/or seal. Anopen motto (indicating that the organization has a "secret motto" as well) is used to express the unique ideals of a fraternity or sorority.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy events are more personal and supported by all active members. Their semester dues go towards a good cause. TheDelta Delta Delta sorority helps raise money to help support St. Jude’s hospital for children with leukemia. One of the classic events held by Tri-Delta is "D-HOP" (Delta House Of Pancakes). The girls have all you can eat pancakes with a purchase of a ticket. Thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Beta_Phi">Pi Beta Phi sorority focuses on reading for children. They spend time reading to them and raising money to purchase books for lower class families. TheKappa Alpha Theta sorority volunteer and are trained community of citizens who are appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. As volunteers they research the child's background details to help the court make a sound decision about the child's future. All sororities have some sort of community service they do to help less fortune children and adults, or raise money for health care.

Artifacts

http://www.greekgear.com/" href="http://www.greekgear.com/" rel="nofollow">Apparel—shirts, pants, bags, jewelry, key chains— is sported by members with their Greek letters on them. These shirts and other articles may later be used for a Pass Down Ceremony between seniors and fellow members. Seniors may choose to pass down some or all of the clothing they own that is associated with the sorority. Some of the shirts are ten or more years old and in some chapters, girls will vigorously compete for them. In those chapters, generally members feel it is an honor to have older artifacts. Normally, artifacts with letters on them cannot be shown or presented when the member is consuming alcohol. It is considered disrespectful to have their letters on when drinking, regardless of their age.

Membership pins are not worn at all times. They are limited to times of professional or business dress, also known as “Pin Attire.” These items are kept forever, they are not expected to return them or hand them down.

Fraternity and sorority houses

Main article: Fraternity and sorority houses

Unique among most campus organizations, members of social fraternities and sororities often live together in a large house or apartment complex. This can help emphasize the "bonds of brotherhood (or sisterhood)" and provide a place of meeting for the members of the organization as well as alumni. For reasons of cost, liability, and stability, housing is usually owned or overseen by an alumni corporation or the national headquarters of the fraternity or sorority. As a result, some houses have visitor restrictions, and some national organizations restrict or prohibit alcohol on the premises.[2][3]

The http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Psi">Chi Psi Fraternity chapter inAnn Arbor, Michigan was the first fraternity to use a house for its meetings.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed">citation needed]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Phi">Sigma Phi'sWilliamstown, MA chapter was the first fraternity to own a chapter house.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed">citation needed]Delta Kappa Epsilon atKenyon College is often described as the first fraternity to build its own building, in the 1850s, although some sources state that the group bought an existing cabin. Alpha Phi was the first women's sorority to have a chapter house.

At some colleges where Greeks do not have residential houses for the general membership, they may still have chapter houses where meals are served for their membership and guests.[4]

Joining a fraternity or sorority

The process of joining a fraternity or sorority commonly begins with a "formal recruitment" period, often called "rush week," usually consists of events and activities designed for members and potential members to learn about each other and the organization. At the end of the formal recruitment period, organizations give "bids," or invitations to membership. Most organizations have a period of "pledgeship" before extending full membership. Some organizations have changed the name of pledgeship due to negative connotations to the process, or have given up the process in favor of other joining requirements. Upon completion of the pledgeship and all its requirements, the active members will invite the pledges to be initiated and become full members. Initiation often includes secret ceremonies and rituals.

Requirements may be imposed on those wishing to pledge either by the school or the organization itself, often including a minimumgrade point average, wearing a pledge pin, learning about the history and structure of the fraternity or sorority, and performing public service. When a school places an age or tenure requirement on joining, this is called "deferred recruitment," as joining is deferred for a semester or year. The pledgeship period also serves as a probationary period in the fraternity or sorority membership process where both the organization and the pledge decide they are compatible and will have a fulfilling experience.

Hazing issues

Hazing can be defined as the ritualistic harassment, abuse, or persecution of individuals in a group.

Because of the association of fraternities with hazing, some schools banned fraternities as early as the mid-1800s. Hazing became widespread afterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I">World War I, with soldiers re-entering colleges, they brought with them the discipline and strict responses to authority they learned inhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_camp">boot camp. Hazing began to be officially banned at the national and international levels of fraternities and sororities, is against many colleges' Greek Codes, and is illegal in most U.S. states.[5][6] TheNorth-American Interfraternity Conference also requires anti-hazing education for members, as do many Greek organizations and universities. Hazing can result in the revocation of the local chapter's charter, and expulsion of members from the national organization or university.

In Hank Nuwer’s “Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking,” a list is provided of the different techniques and activates are considered hazing—“burning, sexual favors, drugs, kidnapping, branding, bribes”—on American college campuses[7].These inhumane acts towards incoming members have been an issue focused on in Greek Letter Societies. On the University of Nevada, Reno campus, Alpha Tau Omega was accused and proven guilty of hazing early in the spring semester of 2008 because some pledges were branded on the buttocks and sought medical treatment for unspecified problems it caused. [8]


History and development

Main article: History of North American fraternities and sororities‎

Early Beginnings

ThePhi Beta Kappa Society, founded onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_5">December 5,1776 at theCollege of William and Mary inWilliamsburg,Virginia, is generally recognized to be the first Greek-letter student society in North America. By legend, it was founded by individuals rejected for membership from an older student society known as thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Hat_Club">Flat Hat Club. The Flat Hat Club, or FHC for short, was founded at the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg, Virginia onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_11">November 11, 1750, by six students at the College of William and Mary. While it largely disappeared in 1776, a modern secret organization using the same name exists at the College of William and Mary.

The meaning of "FHC" is lost, but the group consisted of students who frequented the Raleigh Tavern as a social escape from academic rigors. They overheard tales about sailing on the high seas, politics, business, and gambling that were not taught in the classroom. William & Mary faculty discouraged these departures from their studies. Soon the boys met upstairs in a private room. To shelter themselves from scouts sent by the faculty, the boys invented a secret handshake, oath and password by which they could identify themselves to each other.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society was formed as a forum to discuss topics not covered in the regimentedclassical education ofuniversities of the era, lending the name literary fraternity to its type. Most students were well-versed inGreek, Latin, andHebrew; Phi, Beta, and Kappa were the initials of a secret Greek motto, Philosophia Biou Kybernētēs = "Love of learning [is] the guide of life". In addition to its secrecy and selection of a Greek name, it also introduced a code of high ideals, secret rituals and handclasps, membership badges, and oaths that characterized later Greek letter societies.

As Phi Beta Kappa developed, it came to be a very influential association of faculty and select students across several colleges, with membership becoming more of an honor and less of a functioning society. The increasing influence of the society came to seem undemocratic and contrary to the free flow of intellectual ideas in American academia, and under great pressure, the undergraduate members at Harvard revealed the secrets of Phi Beta Kappa in 1831. Doing this actually provided a template for subsequent societies to follow in the years following. Phi Beta Kappa continues as an honorary society today.

The first general fraternity is considered to be theKappa Alpha Society, established athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_College">Union College inSchenectady,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York">New York onhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_26">November 26, 1825 byJohn Hart Hunter. Kappa Alpha's founders adopted many of Phi Beta Kappa's practices, but formed their organization around fellowship, making the development of friendship their primary purpose. Thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Phi">Sigma Phi Society formed in March 1827, followed byhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Phi">Delta Phi in November. These three constitute thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Triad">Union Triad.

The http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Phi">Chi Phi fraternity was founded in 1824 at the College of New Jersey, which would later becomePrinceton University. However the fraternity has not maintained a continual existence, as it was inactive from 1825 until its revival in 1854.Kappa Alpha Theta was founded atDePauw University in 1870 as the first Greek-letter fraternity for women, although women's societies were well-established before then, withhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Beta_Phi">Pi Beta Phi, originally founded as I.C. Sorosis, being one of the earliest fraternities for women, although not adopting Greek letters until the 1880s.

The Fraternity system becomes "national"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Phi">Sigma Phi became the first "national" fraternity when it opened a satellite chapter atHamilton College in 1831.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_Theta_Pi">Beta Theta Pi was founded atMiami University inOxford,Ohio in August, 1839. in response to the chartering of the west-most chapter ofAlpha Delta Phi (1832).Phi Delta Theta (1848) andhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Chi">Sigma Chi (1855), also founded at Miami University, emulated Beta Theta Pi's focus on establishing new chapters. These three constitute thehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Triad">Miami Triad. These and other fraternities spread West, South, and even into Canada.

The first fraternity to be founded in the southeastern United States wasSigma Alpha Epsilon which was founded at theUniversity of Alabama in 1856.Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the only fraternity founded in theAntebellum South that still operates and boasts the largest number of initiated men of any fraternity. At presentSigma Phi Epsilon, which was founded in 1901, currently has more than 14,000 undergraduates members at 260 chapters and is the largest college fraternity in North America.

Growth was then mainly stunted by theAmerican Civil War.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theta_Xi">Theta Xi, founded atRensselaer Polytechnic Institute inTroy, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York">New York on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_29">29 April 1864, is the only fraternity to be established during the War. However, following the War, the system as a whole underwent phenomenal growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both in the number of organizations founded and chapters of existing organizations established. This was aided, in part, by the reopening of schools and the return of veterans as students.

Alpha Phi Alpha,[9]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Iota_Alpha">Phi Iota Alpha,[10]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Sigma_Nu">Phi Sigma Nu, andSigma Alpha Mu were founded as the first fraternities for African-American, Latino-American, Native American, and Jewish students, respectively.

Modern sororities

Women's organizations also formed contemporaneously. TheAdelphean Society (nowhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Delta_Pi">Alpha Delta Pi) was established in 1851 atWesleyan College inMacon,Georgia, making it the first secret society for collegiate women. The Philomathean Society (later namedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Mu">Phi Mu) (not associated with thePhilomathean Society of the University of Pennsylvania) was also founded atWesleyan College in Macon, Georgia in 1852. The Adelphean Society and the Philomathean Society did not take on their modern Greek names (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Delta_Pi">Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Mu, respectively) until 1904 when they took on expansion beyond the Wesleyan campus.

On http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_28">April 28,1867, I.C. Sorosis (later known by its original Greek mottohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Beta_Phi">Pi Beta Phi) was founded atMonmouth College, inMonmouth, Illinois. It is the first sisterhood founded on the model of the men's fraternity. It is first in the National Panhellenic Conference rotation, based on its year of founding. A year after its founding, a second chapter was founded on the Iowa Wesleyan College campus. Within a month of the second I.C. Sorosis chapter's founding, the P.E.O. sisterhood was formed on the Iowa Extensions of the Lions family


In addition to adult Lions Clubs, the Lions family includes high school Leo Clubs and Campus Lions Clubs. These divisions are important parts of Lions Clubs International. They allow service-minded individuals the opportunity to build better communities at the high school and college or university level.

Leo Clubs

The Leo Club Program began in 1957, and has grown to include more than 5,500 clubs in more than 130 countries. There are approximately 140,000 Leos worldwide. The objective of the Leo Program is "to provide the youth of the world an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international community." The name Leo originated as an acronym that stood for the motto of the clubs, “Leadership, Experience, Opportunity.”[14]

Campus Lions Clubs

Many Leos join a Campus Lions Club if they attend a university or college after high school graduation. There are more than 125 Campus Lions clubs in the world including nearly 2,500 members on college and university campuses in Australia, Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, United States, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Campus Lions Clubs empower their members to create meaningful change in their communities while developing leadership and professional skills.[15]

International Convention

An international convention is held annually in cities across the globe for members to meet other Lions, elect the coming year's officers, and partake in the many activities planned. At the convention, Lions can participate in elections and parades, display and discuss fundraisers and service projects, and trade pins and other souvenirs. The first convention was held in 1917, the first year of the club’s existence, inDallas, Texas. The 2006 convention was due to be held inNew Orleans, but damage sustained duringHurricane Katrina meant that the convention had to be relocated toBoston.[16]

Past conventions

Past convention locations include the following:

Lions Band

Many clubs sponsor a Lions Band to compete in the International Lions Parade at the International Convention. The parade champion for 25 years between 1951 and 2007 was the Lions Band fromMississippi,USA. Mississippi Lions All State Band has won the last 5 championships in a row.

Lions Clubs International in the news




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