Greeks will be integrating their new member classes soon. Here's an activity, found in Brotherhood Building Activities (published by the National Interfraternity Conference), that builds rapport among members and enhances unity. This makes a great, positive, pre-initiation ritual and can be easily adapted for sororities.

For this activity, you'll need one brick, painted with fraternity symbols, Greek letters, motto, founding date, etc.

At one of the first meetings, show the new member class the painted brick. The chapter president or new member educator tells everyone that throughout the orientation period, they should be looking for this particular brick. It could be anywhere on campus, in the fraternity house, in the student center, etc. The brick will be at eye level and it can't be missed.

Throughout the orientation period, the initiates should casually ask the new member class if they've found the brick yet (don't hound them, for in reality, the brick is never physically hidden anywhere.)

During one evening of pre-initiation week, the officers of the fraternity assemble the new member class and ask if they've found the fraternity brick. The answer will be "no." The new members should be instructed to go into a room (preferably a basement room if available) where four to five full-length mirrors are placed on one wall. The lights should be dimmed or the room should be lit with candles. The new members should be instructed to stand as a group facing the mirrors, thereby facing themselves.

Chapter officers and initiates stand on the sides and in the back of the new member class.

The President (or New Member Educator), with brick in hand says:

"Since the group was unable to find the brick, I wanted to bring the brick to you. The reason why you couldn't find it physically is because it was never really hidden. The brick is really a symbol of our brotherhood.

"I told you that it is at eye level. When you speak with your brothers you will always look him straight in the eye. You may not always see things eye to eye, but you should be man enough to confront each other and air things out face to face.

"I also told you the brick could be found anywhere. Brotherhood is not confined to the walls of the fraternity house. The house is merely a building. A fraternity is built on friendships and our common purposes of: (adapt to your fraternity creed).

"This brick is also a symbol of our fraternity unity. The brick is made of mortar, stone and water. And, like the brick that is made up of a diverse mixture, we are a fraternity of brothers with unique backgrounds, values, and experiences.

"As you gaze into the mirrors, you can see that the new member class is not a single unit. You are a part of a greater whole. You will always have initiated brothers and alumni at your sides for support."

The President continues with:

"Each of you has helped to build the fraternity in his own way. This brick will also symbolize the foundation you will help establish for future members of the fraternity. What will you contribute to this fraternity?"

Each brother and new member then passes the brick and tells:

The brick is then ceremonially placed in the room as part of the wall or floor (or adapt to your particular chapter situation).

Source: Michael Arthur, former Educational and Leadership Consultant, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Colorado State University, 1989.

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