Alumni Newsletter

Spring 2009

Are you a RESPONSE ABLE Bystander?
Alan D. Berkowitz, Ph.D.

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Most fraternity and sorority members are occasionally uncomfortable with the behavior of some brothers and sisters. This minority may cause problems, act insensitively, or draw negative attention to the Chapter. Members may occasionally talk about it – but unless extreme – the bonds of brother and sisterhood usually mean that nothing is done. Almost all the problems of the Greek system are problems in which there are bystanders
who don’t do anything. This is unfortunate because we know that most Greeks are responsible, hard-working, and contributing members
of their community, and that as bystanders they are in the majority and could do something. Currently efforts are being made to teach Greek men
and women to respond effectively. An important new resource is a book and DVD package titled “RESPONSE ABILITY: Transforming Values into Action” featuring Greek men and women discussing reasons and solutions for bystander behavior. I was the expert consultant for this project and in the DVD I demonstrate effective intervention skills.**


A bystander may not respond because they don’t: notice the event, interpret it as a problem, or feel responsible for doing something. These are the “stages” of bystander behavior. If you don’t notice something, you can’t do anything about it. For instance, many Greeks don’t understand that some pledging activities qualify as “hazing.” Or, someone may notice, but think that it’s not so bad. Even when concerned someone may feel that it is not their place to do something, or may not know how.

The ideals of the Greek system emphasize values, leadership, and doing the right thing. According to these ideals, we have a responsibility to “notice the event,” “interpret it as a problem,” “feel responsible for dealing with it,” and “learn the skills necessary to act.” If the Greek system is to fulfi ll its potential, we must go through these stages ourselves. Then why don’t we? There are natural reasons why people are bystanders and don’t act when
they want to, including fear of embarrassment, fear of retaliation, and the false belief that either others don’t recognize a problem or are not bothered
by it. Often these reasons are based on a misunderstanding of the situation and how others feel. Correcting these misunderstandings will help us to do “the right thing.” These reasons and possible solutions are discussed by the Greek leaders featured in the “RESPONSE ABILITY” DVD.


Working with Greek men and women I have learned that most want to do the right thing and care about their Chapters, but don’t always act on their concerns. As a result a minority can set a bad tone, create a bad impression, or get the Chapter in trouble. My goal when I work with you is to help you stand up for what is good in your Chapter and for what you believe in, to help you understand that your concerns are shared by others,
and to assist you in fi nding constructive solutions. If we could fi nd a way to be more true to our ideals, then our Chapters would come closer to fulfi lling what they were meant to be. People join for good reasons based on values, friendship, and community. By learning bystander “response ability” we can do more to realize these benefi ts. Thus, when someone is unsure about a problem they can ask a brother or sister how they feel and plan a response, seek out resources and speakers on bystander behavior, or utilize the skills demonstrated in the “RESPONSE ABILITY” DVD and book. My sincere thanks for the leadership of all those who are making their Chapters into all that they can be – places of growth, understanding, community and responsible citizenship.

Alan Berkowitz is a frequent speaker on college campuses, helping students to understand and address the problems they experience in their fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, living units, and communities. He works with Greek men and women to help them constructively address
the many challenges they face and offer steps that the Greek system can take to survive and be healthy. Alan has received fi ve national awards for
his work. To learn more go to www.alanberkowitz.com where you will find a list of workshops designed for fraternities and sororities. Alan can be
reached at: alan@fl tg.net.

*This article is a revision of the Introduction to the 2008 National Hazing Prevention Week Resource Guide.

Past Articles from the Alumni Newsletter

 

WPI Greek Life Programs Mission Statement
"To provide advisement,services and programs that ensure all chapter members, alumni and parents of Greek Life have a positive fraternal experience. Greek Life Programs reinforces the founding principles of fraternities; leadership, scholarship, community service, brotherhood/sisterhood in all aspects of the program. Greek Life Programs strives to provide a high quality, co-curricular experience for all Greek constituencies."

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Last modified: May 13, 2009 12:54:18