We have been told how great the Balanced Man Program is and that it is the essence of what makes us "different." But, it seems that the "difference" may be something of the past. Other fraternities are catching on and designing similiar programs and beginning to implement them on campuses across the country.
The Crusade Program of Kappa Alpha Order even has four "processes" of development. This seems rather parallel to Sigma, Phi, Epsilon and Brother Mentor. The Accolade Program of Phi Delta Theta also focuses heavily on development and building a well-rounded fraternity member. Other fraternities have similiar programs, and some of them may have even had their programs before the Balance Man Program came to fruition.
As a Greek member, I am very pleased to see that SigEp is joined by other fraternities in efforts to focus on developing great men rather than just the frat image of non-stop partying.
But, fraternities are a competitive market and it seems that the competitors are approaching our heels when it comes to designing a similiar program. It's no secret that mediocrity will get the best of anything. While there may be an effort on behalf of Headquarters to continue raising the bar in this area just as quick as the competitors are trying to raise theirs, most of the chapters are not seeing it.
The BMP is also a great recruitment tool. But, chapters may experience a harder sell if the other fraternities on their campus have a similar program.
In ten years from now, will the Balanced Man Program really be all that different? When the Pikes implement their Quest to Amsterdam, we might as well throw in the towel.
Has anyone seen other fraternities on their campuses that do well at implementing a development program similiar to the BMP?
News and opinion for all the SigEp brotherhood. SigEp's "unofficial" blog.
