*** User362 *** 03/31/2008 24:00 EST ***

Some general comments...  It's important that all members actively serve on at
least 1-2 committees of interest, and participate in the success of the Chapter.
 The minimum committees for the Chapter should include Rush, Pledge,
Activities/Social, HouseManager/Projects, and Futures.  Impromptu committees may
also materialize to meet temporary needs.  Periodically, the committee system
should be reviewed for effectiveness and updated as needed to keep things fresh.


*** User493 *** 03/31/2008 15:08 EST ***

A better system would be a manager system for each category.
It is written that a camel was a horse designed by a committee.
Shark  '59


*** User259 *** 04/01/2008 06:51 EST ***

The VP, when I was in the house, was in charge of maintaining the committee
system.  Unfortunately, there was was only interest in the more 'glamorous'
committees such as rush.  

   1.  What committees should the Chapter maintain?
       - Execs should have committees to support their reports and initiatives

   2. What is the recommended size for each committee?
   3. On how many committees should each brother serve?
   4. How often should each committee meet?
   5. How can committee members be motivated to participate?


*** User259 *** 04/01/2008 07:08 EST ***

*continued* 

2. What is the recommended size for each committee?
- Committees should be 3-4 people based on current chapter size
3. On how many committees should each brother serve?
- One, maybe two.  
4. How often should each committee meet?
- I found that the most opportune time to have committees meet is before/after 
non-ritual house meetings.  Brothers have already set aside time in their 
schedules for the meetings. Committees should meet based on the schedule of 
events for a particular exec.  Committees should give reports at house or exec
meetings for greater effectiveness.  I would suggest 2/3 times a term.    5. How
can committee members be motivated to participate? - Committees were often used
to reduce the amount of work placed on one  individual (rush/philanthropy)
during manpower intensive events.  One of the  most powerful committees is the
ad-hoc committee, as it allows non-exec  members to contribute to discussions
and topics outside of a meeting setting.  

All in all, I believe that a house with 30 people is already under a significant
amount of pressure to complete details on top of such fraternal obligations as
meetings/rush/pledging/philanthropy.  A formal, forced committee system could
add stress to an already hectic, work-intensive curriculum.  

I do, however, believe that a few large committees should be formed to help
execs during their busy seasons (rush,pledging,philanthropy events, altar
award).  Of course, an ad-hoc committee should also be formed. This way,
brothers can be involved with house operations that he is interested in, without
adding too many additional obligations.  Committee operations/reports can be
delivered to the brotherhood during house and exec meetings.

Sorry for the incomplete post above  (Hit the wrong button). 

Chris Johnson, 2004


*** User386 *** 04/01/2008 21:26 EST ***

What a hard question to answer.  I can see two uses for committees:

- To accomplish a specific task for the house
- To organize and guide the efforts of the entire house in a particular area.

An example of the former might be the kitchen committee, which plans meals and
orders the food for the house.  An example of the latter would be Rush, where
the committee charts the work that the whole house does to bring in members.

You use a committee when there's too much work for one individual to do alone,
or when you want multiple perspectives on an idea.

As was mentioned in a earlier post, the house needs several standing committees,
like Rush, Pledge, House Manager, and Social.  Other committees can be added to
meet other needs.

It used to be, when I was a brother, that the officers and exec committee
chairmen were excused from kitchen and house details.  With membership this low,
I don't know that you can do that anymore.  You'd have too many chiefs and too
few indians.  Everybody needs to pitch in and work hard to get the house built
up again.  

It may be that the actives decide that their leaders are doing enough to justify
reducing their detail workload.  If that is the case, I'd limit it to the top 6
officers.  Rush and Pledge would only get relief when they're actively serving. 
House Manager and Kitchen Steward are effectively doing details 24x7 anyway.

It's all in the mindset of the actives.  They must realize that with fewer
bodies to do the work they must all pitch in a little harder.  Prioritize the
most important work/committees and focus on them.  Failure to do so means
failure to thrive and the house continues its slide down the tubes.  The mantra
of my time at OXe was "Leave the house better than you found it."  We managed to
do that and have fun at the same time.


*** User386 *** 04/01/2008 21:29 EST ***

Did I say "It used to be, when I was a brother?"  What a Gaffe.

I meant to say, "when I was an ACTIVE."  I am always a brother, and am very
concerned about the state of the house.


*** User343 *** 04/06/2008 21:57 EDT ***

Committees are a very important part of the fraternity.  They provide an
opportunity for all brothers to participate in the Chapter success, not just the
top officers.  Also, it provides leadership training for ambitious younger
brothers.