By Dr. Corey Esquenazi (Iota Theta/Central Florida 2011)
Reaffirming our high and Sacred Purpose
This week, as we observe National Hazing Prevention Week, Theta Chi continues its commitment to protecting our brothers, and the broader campus community, by providing health and safety education. This commitment and initiative is known as our Sacred Purpose.
As Theta Chi celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the launch of the Sacred Purpose initiative, we can proudly say that Theta Chi is dedicated to empowering our brothers to incorporate health and safety education into all aspects of chapter operations. We also encourage our members to view Sacred Purpose as a mindset and as part of the foundational culture of a healthy and thriving chapter.
Sacred Purpose is centered around five different topics that are common issues affecting collegiate men:
• Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Fire and Life Safety
• Hazing
• Sexual Misconduct
• Suicide and Mental Health Awareness
Through these five areas, Theta Chi seeks to empower collegiate men to better themselves and those around them by prioritizing the health and safety of brothers and pledges and the campus community.
We envision our brothers setting an example of the fraternity experience. Fraternities create an environment that allows men to thrive, develop deep personal connections, and place value on personal and professional development. In order to accomplish this, we believe brothers must be committed to creating a healthy and safe environment that centers around the five topic areas listed above and by taking a proactive stance and intervening when something does not align with our ideals.
As fraternity men, we never walk alone. We are there for one another and we look to step up when our brothers need us most. Throughout Theta Chi’s 167-year history, there are countless examples of brothers extending an “Assisting Hand.” This academic year, we will endeavor for our members to live our ideals and prioritize the well-being of brothers, pledges, and others. We encourage the brothers of Theta Chi to commit to the following:
• Choosing to extend an Assisting Hand
• Choosing to live by the ideals of Truth, Temperance, and Tolerance
• Choosing to incorporate health and safety in all that we do
• Creating a culture and environment that does not permit high risk drinking, hazing, or any conduct that does not align with our ideals
• Immediately calling 911 in any emergency situation
The Fraternity looks forward to supporting our members this upcoming year by providing relevant programming and resources. If you or your chapter need additional assistance with any health and safety-related concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the International Headquarters staff. We are here to be a resource for you.
As we move into the second decade of this critical initiative, Theta Chi is strongly positioned to provide an experience grounded in the well-being of its members. That is our Sacred Purpose.