WHY PHI RHO ETA? I TESTIMONIALS I COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS I START A CHAPTER I PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP I FRATMAIL I INTRANET
Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. is a dynamic brotherhood of Charismatic men dedicated to academic achievement, leadership, fellowship, and community development. Members of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. set a positive standard of manhood. They boldly face the challenges of today with integrity, honor, strength, and the Charismatic leadership that the public expects from Phi Rho Eta.
On campus, members of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. are leaders in the classroom, leaders among student organizations, and leaders in the community. The desire to actively take leadership roles, on every level, is a bond shared by all members. It is not uncommon, for example, for a Charismatic brother of Phi Rho Eta to be a Dean's list student, the president of a student organization, a mentor, and a daily volunteer at an area Boys and Girls Club.
Upon graduation, Men of Charisma continue to advance in a wide array of professional and civic activities. From attorneys to teachers, professional athletes to police officers, members continue to strive for excellence in all that they do. And while pursuing such professional endeavors, members continue their relentless work to ensure the fruition of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc's Four-Fold purpose.
If there is one thing, above all else, that makes Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. more than an organization -- it is the shared belief that Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. is a social movement. Phi Rho Eta believes that African-American men must stand up for their communities, their women, and their children. The burden on our communities and our families have been too heavy for far too long. Men must own the problems together. Men must create solutions together. Men must make real change together. The Charismatic brothers of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. already serve as a unified source of indestructible pillars. Will you stand with us?
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Why I joined Phi Rho Eta?
"I joined Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. because I wanted to leave behind a legacy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a freshman and sophomore, I had been very involved in several campus activities. However, I didn't feel any of those organizations were truly making a difference in the lives of students, or people in the surrounding community. I'd always been interested in Greek-life, having come from a family of Greeks. However, none of the fraternities at the U of I spoke to me. That was until I learned about Phi Rho Eta. I found the purpose of the organization to be exactly in line with what I had been working to achieve in my own life. I was also really attracted to the idea of building an organization from the ground up. The youth of the Fraternity was a great attribute. While membership in Phi Rho Eta has been a lot of hard work, it has also proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."
-- B.R.S. Brainstorm a.k.a. Quincy Hudson
"Phi Rho Eta was the most respected Frat on the yard. They did everything. Their members led all types of organizations, they were smart, they gave back. Everyone on campus knew that there was something admirable about them. Their members were the type that still believed in chivalry - the type that would give up their seats to a young lady on a crowded bus. That type of reputation combined with their desire to create social change amazed me. Rather than using their popularity to take advantage of younger students (e.g., freshman girls), they used their influence to encourage others to succeed and leave legacies of their own. I respected that, and I respected them for having the courage to always do the right thing because they believed in the integrity of their purpose. Their popularity was the by-product of their sincerity, not the result of an intended goal."
-- B.R.S. Quicksand a.k.a. Aaron Thomas
"I was never interested in joining a Fraternity. I did not see the benefits of joining one, and I could not reconcile my Christian beliefs with what I saw on campus. When Phi Rho Eta was 'introduced' to campus, I decided to take a closer look at fraternal life. Quite frankly, it became evident that I accomplished more by myself than most organizations did with twenty members. Then I considered Phi Rho Eta. I was impressed by Phi Rho Eta's extraordinarily high membership standards, the vision that the Fraternity had for community development, the ethical behavior of its members, and most importantly, its action. I was tired of hearing organizations talk a good game, but not walk the walk. When I joined Phi Rho Eta, I was already well established on campus. I led numerous student organizations. I volunteered regularly. I was on my way to law school. I did not need to join a Fraternity. I ultimately decided to join Phi Rho Eta because I saw it as a tool for real change, a tool for community development. I made a principled decision, and today that decision remains one of the greatest decisions I've ever made."
-- B.R.S. Ingenious a.k.a. Lindsey D. G. Dates, Esq.
What have I gained most as a member of Phi Rho Eta?
"The
brotherhood. The Frat has become a second family to me. To be honest, I didn't
really expect that when I joined because of the Frat's emphasis on community
development, leadership, and grades. But make no doubt about it, the brotherhood
of Phi Rho Eta is serious. Brotherhood is just as important to the Frat as
any other part. My brothers are ALWAYS there for me. I know for a fact (it
has been proven to me many times) that if I am down or struggling, be it financially,
academically, physically, or emotionally, that my brothers are there for me.
Some say that blood is thicker than water, but I'm not sure if that is always
the case. In fact, I rarely use the term 'frat-brother,' I usually just say
'my brother' or 'my brothers.' The relationship that I have with them goes
beyond friendship, it is the true epitome of love, family, and brotherhood.
I have an unbroken bond of fellowship. The Fraternity has given me brothers,
true friends for life, that I would not have known had it not been for my
work with Phi Rho Eta."
-- B.R.S. Equanimity a.k.a. William B. Thornton
"These brothers are about the business. I was already pretty focused before I joined. I had a 3.5 GPA. I was already a leader on campus. Even so, my brothers have helped propel me to the next level. The peer pressure that I have to lead, serve, and succeed academically is a huge benefit. The level of excellence expected has opened the door to many opportunities. Some might be intimidated by the high expectations of Phi Rho Eta, but the constant challenges have helped me reach my full potential."
-- B.R.S. Excalibur a.k.a. Brandon Loggins
"I have gained confidence that there are other brothers that are dedicated to taking action to cure problems that have plagued our communities. I have realized that I must make a difference as a member of this elite group. I must make my mark in the world by combating negativity and spreading positive vibes to all generations. Phi Rho Eta is an organization dedicated to improving the economic, social, political, mental, and spiritual conditions of Black men. It has proven to be an opportunity to build with brothers and enhance an image that shows the god-like characteristics within ourselves."
-- B.R.S. Chilmode a.k.a. Dimetreus C. Maxey
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Does Phi Rho Eta haze?
Hazing directly opposes our concept of brotherhood. There is no excuse for it. We have developed a Fraternal culture that understands and despises the hypocrisy of Fraternal hazing.
What is your "intake process" like?
Our process is challenging. It is thoughtfully designed to develop brotherhood and transition new members into their roles as Charismatic members of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. We do not "make" men (members of Phi Rho Eta were men before their "process" ever began). Instead, we ensure that those that are given the opportunity to join our brotherhood, are equipped with the tools necessary to face the enormous challenges that Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. has decided to address.
Do you step?
Phi Rho Eta has gained wide recognition for its Charismatic step shows. Our step teams continue to push the envelope with innovative steps. Some of our most well-known steps from the past include the infamous"Table Step" and the standing ovation invoking "Motorcycle Step" as performed by the Gamma chapter when it won the 2003 step show at Illinois.
Do you stroll, strut, and/or party walk?
If you have never witnessed the renowned CHARISMA walk, you will have to wait until we come to a campus near you to see what we can really do. Suffice it to say, our members strive to set the standard in ALL aspects of Fraternal life.
What is your relationship with other Greek-lettered organizations like?
We remain overwhelmed by the extraordinary outpour of support we have received from members of other organizations, particularly members of NPHC organizations. Our relationship pattern on each new campus is generally the same.
At first our presence is met by intrigue (even resistance on some campuses). Shortly after our "introduction," however, our members begin to demonstrate the ideals of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. through their Charismatic action.
Before long, members of other organizations understand and appreciate the unique nature of our organization and the strengths we add to their respective campuses and their surrounding communities. Indeed, whenever possible, our members work closely with other organizations to reach common goals.
Through leadership and fellowship we have developed lifelong ties with many members of other organizations. We continue to believe that positive relationships with other organizations serve an important role in our quest to change lives.
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Starting a chapter for Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. can be an extremely rewarding yet challenging proposition. Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. expects potential chapters to meet the full demands of Fraternal life regardless of membership number or location. Although the Fraternity equips potential chapters with all of the tools and support needed to be successful, it takes ACTION and perseverance for potential chapters to fulfill the steps necessary to receive a Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. charter.
The National Expansion Committee ("NEC") works with potential chapters to develop a plan of action that will be used to gain student organization status and to formally "introduce" the potential chapter to campus. The precise steps may vary, but there are some key elements that must be completed before this process can begin:
1. Gain membership into Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc.
2. Find at least one other person with whom you would like to start a chapter.
3. Find out what it takes to become a registered student organization on your campus.
4. Create and submit a detailed proposal to the NEC that describes (a) the background of your campus (e.g., student life, needs on campus, etc.), and (b) preliminary ideas for steps you believe Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. can take to help you transition on campus.
5. Begin your work on campus and in the community by fulfilling the Fraternity's purpose, and completing Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc's Ten Step Plan to start a chapter (i.e., receive a charter).
If you are interested in starting a chapter, we encourage you to contact the NEC at nec@phirhoeta.org.
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Professional
membership in Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. is an extraordinary opportunity
for professionals to give back and work to promote change in our communities.
Professional members work to ensure the success of the Fraternity, its vision,
and its programs. If you are interested in professional membership, please
forward your resume to membership@phirhoeta.org.
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