In my opinion citizenship is fulfilling your civic duties while also taking care of your community. It's simple to understand, but not so simple to do. It takes dedication to your values and elements around you.
Fulfilling your civic duties are very important. If you want to be a part of something, you need to be involved. This means doing research on the issues around you, voting for your leaders, and having an active voice in the community.
However, fulfilling your duties is not enough. Fulfilling your duties just helps you to make the right decisions, acting upon them is much more important. Voting gets leaders into office, but you cannot stop there. You must take initiative to improve your community as well. This can be done through community service, raising money for a charity, or doing projects that will improve some aspect of life. It also means getting others around you involved as well. A group effort is much more powerful than the individual.
My fraternity does a lot of this. We are active in researching problems and voting on people who say they will fix them. We are active in philanthropies and very active in community service. However, there are still some member who are not. There are members that are just in it for the joy ride and none of the work. As I said the more people involved, the better the outcome. We must find a way to get these people on board if we want to make a powerful impact.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Panel...
Last week's panel of Greek was very interesting. The insight I connected with the most was Sherrel's statement that you are not only responsible for yourself, but also for your brothers and sisters as well.
I take this to hear for two reasons. One is because the actions of your brothers and sisters not only reflect on your chapter, but you as a person as well. If people see members of your chapter misbehaving in someway and creating stereotypes for your chapter, people are going to turn those stereotypes on you and see you in the same light. My fraternity really focuses on the statement of "be your brother's keeper." The second reason is because this is where change begins. It starts with people standing up to the members doing wrong and getting the rest of the chapter to stand up with them. One person cannot force a change, but the majority of a specific group can.
Another questions that got my attention was, what was your best Greek moment. I wish we could have answered that question. My best greek moment was shortly after I was initiated. I was taken to dinner by one of the older members of my chapter. He told me that he had quit coming around because he had lost all hope for my chapter, but he started coming back when he had heard about my pledge class. He said that he saw hope in us and knew we could fix things. That set very deep in my mind because i have come to realize that despite how hard it is, this "new generation" can commit and cause change. We can fix our problems.It just takes time.
I take this to hear for two reasons. One is because the actions of your brothers and sisters not only reflect on your chapter, but you as a person as well. If people see members of your chapter misbehaving in someway and creating stereotypes for your chapter, people are going to turn those stereotypes on you and see you in the same light. My fraternity really focuses on the statement of "be your brother's keeper." The second reason is because this is where change begins. It starts with people standing up to the members doing wrong and getting the rest of the chapter to stand up with them. One person cannot force a change, but the majority of a specific group can.
Another questions that got my attention was, what was your best Greek moment. I wish we could have answered that question. My best greek moment was shortly after I was initiated. I was taken to dinner by one of the older members of my chapter. He told me that he had quit coming around because he had lost all hope for my chapter, but he started coming back when he had heard about my pledge class. He said that he saw hope in us and knew we could fix things. That set very deep in my mind because i have come to realize that despite how hard it is, this "new generation" can commit and cause change. We can fix our problems.It just takes time.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Oath
Oath: a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says.
Every single Greek member takes a solemn oath on the day of his or her ritual. This oath is to live by the ritual and to better his or her chapter. This powerful promise should sink deep into the hearts of every member, but sometimes it falls short or is forgotten. If we want our world to be viewed in a better light, everyone must remember this oath and the obligations that come with it. They must take responsibility for it and see that they and their chapter are upholding it.
Let's start with the people who don't even consider it an oath. Some people who join greek life, view it with the stereotypical attitude that all they do is party and do bad things. They want that. It is an insult to your ritual and your chapter to allow these people to swear into your fraternity. It makes everyone look bad. If we want these stereotypes to go away, we must not add to them.
Now for the people who have forgotten. It is easy to forget this oath as years go by in your college career. It is difficult sometimes to uphold these obligations and people can get tired. College can become overwhelming and some of the responsibility gets set back. However, we must never forget our promise and always hold to it, no matter what.
The OATH we take to our ritual is our promise. If we keep it, we can turn our world around for the better, and maybe people will stop seeing us in this negative light.
Every single Greek member takes a solemn oath on the day of his or her ritual. This oath is to live by the ritual and to better his or her chapter. This powerful promise should sink deep into the hearts of every member, but sometimes it falls short or is forgotten. If we want our world to be viewed in a better light, everyone must remember this oath and the obligations that come with it. They must take responsibility for it and see that they and their chapter are upholding it.
Let's start with the people who don't even consider it an oath. Some people who join greek life, view it with the stereotypical attitude that all they do is party and do bad things. They want that. It is an insult to your ritual and your chapter to allow these people to swear into your fraternity. It makes everyone look bad. If we want these stereotypes to go away, we must not add to them.
Now for the people who have forgotten. It is easy to forget this oath as years go by in your college career. It is difficult sometimes to uphold these obligations and people can get tired. College can become overwhelming and some of the responsibility gets set back. However, we must never forget our promise and always hold to it, no matter what.
The OATH we take to our ritual is our promise. If we keep it, we can turn our world around for the better, and maybe people will stop seeing us in this negative light.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Who we are.
"To set the standard of integrity, intellect, and achievement for our members, host institutions, and the communities in which we live." This is the Pi Kappa Alpha vision. This statement is the goal and guideline we are supposed to strive to achieve and live by.
It has been a very centered focus the last couple of years to start striving to follow our mission statement and what we call the true pike. We have done so by striving to be the best in everything. We are number one in athletics, we are becoming more community service focused, we are challenging ourselves to raise our GPAs, and we are becoming very conscience about how we present ourselves to the public.
But, there are still some problems that need to addressed. Where as the majority of the chapter have these same goals and are working hard to achieve them, we still have some of those who have yet to jump on board, and in some cases, there are guys who want to be flat out counter productive. With a large group of people, you will always have instances such as this. Its just frustrating when you work so hard to achieve a goal, and its made even harder by people who are supposed to be striving to achieve the same goal as you.
These mission statements are very similar amongst all greek chapters. Following them is what has to be done in order to silence the stereotypes that surround our world. Practice what you preach.
It has been a very centered focus the last couple of years to start striving to follow our mission statement and what we call the true pike. We have done so by striving to be the best in everything. We are number one in athletics, we are becoming more community service focused, we are challenging ourselves to raise our GPAs, and we are becoming very conscience about how we present ourselves to the public.
But, there are still some problems that need to addressed. Where as the majority of the chapter have these same goals and are working hard to achieve them, we still have some of those who have yet to jump on board, and in some cases, there are guys who want to be flat out counter productive. With a large group of people, you will always have instances such as this. Its just frustrating when you work so hard to achieve a goal, and its made even harder by people who are supposed to be striving to achieve the same goal as you.
These mission statements are very similar amongst all greek chapters. Following them is what has to be done in order to silence the stereotypes that surround our world. Practice what you preach.
Monday, October 18, 2010
BuckeyeThon
A huge organization on campus is very good at projecting it's values, BuckeyeThon. Their primary value is in their motto, "For the Kids." Philanthropies like this, I feel, are the best organizations when it comes to letting everyone know their values and priorities. Its pretty much because they are so obvious.
BuckeyeThon in particular spends the entire year promoting and organizing this huge event that raises money for the Nationwide Children's Hospital. Their values are not only expressed through their advertising, but also their endless hard work and effort. Individuals volunteering in this group spend countless hours working for this cause. Their values are in their priorities, which is helping children, and doing it the best way they can. Each member puts 110% into his or her part. As I said, the represent their values through themselves, and that is amazing.
I picked this organization to talk about, one to advertise, two because my girlfriend is one of those hard working volunteers, and three because this is an amazing organization that always stays true to their cause. They have no hidden agenda, it is purely one purpose and one goal. They never stray from that goal and never lose track.
BuckeyeThon in particular spends the entire year promoting and organizing this huge event that raises money for the Nationwide Children's Hospital. Their values are not only expressed through their advertising, but also their endless hard work and effort. Individuals volunteering in this group spend countless hours working for this cause. Their values are in their priorities, which is helping children, and doing it the best way they can. Each member puts 110% into his or her part. As I said, the represent their values through themselves, and that is amazing.
I picked this organization to talk about, one to advertise, two because my girlfriend is one of those hard working volunteers, and three because this is an amazing organization that always stays true to their cause. They have no hidden agenda, it is purely one purpose and one goal. They never stray from that goal and never lose track.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Values: Plain and Simple
I believe values are some one's personal priorities in regards to ethics, morals, and life. My personal values come from how I was raised and the life experiences I have encountered. My main values are a blend of family and friends. Growing up I was never close to my blood relatives, so my friends became my family. I treat them like they are blood and would do anything for them. They have gotten me to where I am today. I "value" them more than anything else. Next would have to be my principles. Growing up, I was always taught to have righteous morals and manners. My principles make me who I am and define my character. People pass judgment based on those aspects, good principles are very important to make it in society. Next is my education, my backbone to success. Working is all so you can enjoy the life you have to fullest, and in order for me to do that, I need a good education to get a high paying job that I enjoy. Without it my life would fall apart.
My values are my life. They make me who I am and give my life meaning. The way a person values the things in their life can tell you so much about the individual. It can give insight into a person's history, if can give you a fair judgment on their character, and it can tell you how similar they are to you and where they stand on a lot of issues. Because values are so broad, they are a very good summary of who we are. They are something everyone should hold close to them and come up with themselves. The values must be a reflection of you and no one else.
My values are my life. They make me who I am and give my life meaning. The way a person values the things in their life can tell you so much about the individual. It can give insight into a person's history, if can give you a fair judgment on their character, and it can tell you how similar they are to you and where they stand on a lot of issues. Because values are so broad, they are a very good summary of who we are. They are something everyone should hold close to them and come up with themselves. The values must be a reflection of you and no one else.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Who are you and how do you want to change the world?
I'm Justin Eckelberry, a sophomore microbiology major. Everyone calls me Georgia, so it's easy to guess, I'm from Georgia. I decided to come here to try something new, and of course, I was raised a Buckeye! I am a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and in charge of the new member intake program. In high school, my passion was horse racing. I trained for Oak Valley Farm. I love horse racing and it made me a lot of money. Now, I'm still involved in racing, but I also enjoy being a part of my fraternity and hanging out with friends and my beautiful girlfriend who keeps me in line. I am an outgoing person, who enjoys life to the fullest. I take what comes to me one day at a time and enjoy every second of life. I am very laid back and relaxed. I am also very easy to talk to; one of my best abilities is listening when something is wrong.
Changing the world is a monumental task. I believe it's possible, but one must start small, and come up with something that would grow exponentially. However, when some one thinks like that, most assume it must be something very creative and new, but few realize that small actions can have exponential impacts. Pay It Forward is a great example, just helping three people and asking them to help three people impacted the whole country. Small things can make a huge impact even if its not seen immediately. Simply being polite can change someones entire day and that could lead to them helping someone. Any chain reaction can start change. I will start change by doing what I have been doing my whole life, be the best person I can and respect everyone. I may try something bigger in the future, but for now, that's my impact on the entire world. Now in regards to the Greek community at OSU, that's a completely different story.
Changing the world is a monumental task. I believe it's possible, but one must start small, and come up with something that would grow exponentially. However, when some one thinks like that, most assume it must be something very creative and new, but few realize that small actions can have exponential impacts. Pay It Forward is a great example, just helping three people and asking them to help three people impacted the whole country. Small things can make a huge impact even if its not seen immediately. Simply being polite can change someones entire day and that could lead to them helping someone. Any chain reaction can start change. I will start change by doing what I have been doing my whole life, be the best person I can and respect everyone. I may try something bigger in the future, but for now, that's my impact on the entire world. Now in regards to the Greek community at OSU, that's a completely different story.
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