Workshop bridges chasms in greek life

To improve relations between the chapters of IU's greek system, the four greek councils held "Seeking Alliances through Leadership and Diversity" on Saturday in McNutt Quad's Flame Lounge. \nThe Interfraternity Council, PanHellenic Association, IU PanHellenic Council and the Multicultural Greek Council sponsored the first annual event.\nThe sponsors originally hoped for two participants from each chapter, but the actual turnout was much smaller, with about 65 in attendance. \n"We did a lot with stepping out of your comfort zone," IFC representative Matt Beal said. "A lot of today's participants are new members, so this starts them off on the right foot within the greek community." \nThe barriers and rivalries that exist between chapters often keep the greek community fragmented. "The whole point of today is to encourage diversity," PHA representative Sarah Lovejoy said. "We wanted to encourage breaking down boundaries." \nIssues that impact the greek community were addressed, first in small discussion groups and then in a collective group discussion. The small discussion groups energetically debated hazing, stereotypes, financial discrepancy and the greek image. \nThe students also identified stereotypes about different chapters, not to reinforce them, but to recognize that they are stereotypes. The groups discussed the "popular" chapters and how they could encourage mixing between groups that don't often socialize together. \nThe facilitators were present to spark conversation and to make sure everyone participated. \n"I think that there are a handful of people who have been educated about these issues, but the newer members aren't," IU alumnus Todd Sullivan said. "They're the up-and-coming leaders. We're seeing a good level of participation. Everybody has participated in some way today." \nOne of the day's more creative exercises hit the students where it hurt -- right in the stomach. Lunch was a taco bar, but each group was given tickets that limited how many items they could take. The groups that had several tickets per student didn't have any trouble, but the groups that only had two tickets per student had some creative thinking to do. These students were forced to work together, with one student using the ticket to get a big plateful of meat, the next getting a plateful of cheese and so on. It was an exercise in teamwork and awareness. \nSaturday's spring weather may have made it a bittersweet learning experience, but the participants seemed happy for the opportunity. \n"It'll take time to see if we're really changing anything," sophomore Rachel Viers said. "We have to take it back to our chapters with us"