Remember when you joined that
We've come a long way, yet we have
a long way to go.
This week we saw multiple postings
on social media related to Columbus Day and the 'true' story of history often
untold. I want to expand on the notion that history tells this story of
exploration and discovery, often omitting death and demise of the indigenous
people of the native land. Let's bring that to the fraternity/sorority world.
Our organizations have evolved over
time to be inclusive of the current context, particularly with our language. In
fact, we as a community have changed several of our terms over time. But there
is one word/concept that I feel needs a revolution: COLONIZATION.
Colonize (verb)
1. to establish a
colony in; settle.
2. to form a
colony of
Colony (noun)
1. any group of
individuals having similar interests, occupations, etc. usually living in a
particular locality; community
The definitions above seem suitable
in building community, but when placed in a historical context we uncover the
problem. When we 'colonize', the actions assumed are to have a western
civilization interrupt a native culture, promote power and privilege, and
become the dominant leader of the land. But often that's not our goal. Rather,
we intend to be recognized in the campus community and by governing councils,
succeed with high expectations, recruit diverse and inclusive members, and
sustain on campus with a focus on values-based recruitment and programming. The
goal, however, is to promote positive change and growth within the entire
community on that campus.
Growth and expansion are crucial
efforts for sustainability and success, as each of our organizations have
intentional plans for the future of our membership across multiple
institutions. I was honored to be a founding father founding member
(this is another issue as we continue to welcome trans* and gender inclusion)
of my fraternity the spring of my sophomore year, so I have been a product of a
‘colony’.
So what if? What if ‘colonization'
become the next phrase we transform to meet modern context? What if we stick to
extension and expansion? What if ‘colonies’ were renamed associate chapters,
pre-chartered organizations, societies, interest groups, establishments, etc? I
commend those organizations that have courageously and progressively changed
their culture and language and I urge others to challenge these terms. For some
it’s just semantics, but for others it may reflect a lifetime of oppression and
pain.
I challenge us all to continue to
transform our values into action, through positive social change, cultural
competency, and inclusion. We have an obligation to cultivate a place for all
students, promote community, and challenge words that often have a negative
connotation, history of oppression, or meanings that do not reflect today's
context. Let’s shift from micro aggressions to micro (if not macro)
affirmations. It’s my hope that inter/national headquarters colonizing
seeking charters on campuses consider this idea when recruiting new colonies
associate chapters.
Brent Turner serves as the Executive Director of Student Involvement at Northwestern University. He has been actively involved with the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, American College Personnel Association, The LeaderShape Institute, UIFI, and his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. He can be reached at bdturn03@gmail.com.