Do you have an absolute, clear definition of Hazing? If you do, you are among the minority (and please leave your hazing definition in the comments below)…If you don’t, you are not alone. Hazing takes many forms & definitions, making it difficult to draw the line between what is and what is not hazing. Fortunately, HazingPrevention.org has developed a concise definition…
Hazing is any action taken or situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule; risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of an group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Unfortunately, there are countless incidents demonstrating the harmful effects of hazing on individuals and organizations. Hazing has taken lives, ruined relationships, emotionally scarred members and torn organizations apart – our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who’s lives have been affected. That’s why, more than ever, we must stand together to educate our peers and prevent future incidents.
It is our ability to respond to hazing that will ultimately put this demon to sleep…It is our ResponseAbility.
Monday marked the beginning of National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW: Sept 19 -23) – an opportunity for organizations and individuals from all backgrounds to stand together against this cultural demon. During this week, organizations from around the country are setting up initiatives on campus and throughout their communities to shed light on the dark, harsh reality of hazing.
Thousands of Greeks have joined the movement to eliminate hazing throughout their organizations. HazingPrevention.org has a series of events all week to raise awareness and the North-American Inferfraternity Conference made a video to call you out to do your part to Stop Hazing.
Although hazing prevention must continue year-round, NHPW is off to a great start! I’ve compiled a handful of tweets and facebook posts demonstrating a small fraction of the initiatives taken this week to stand hand in hand against hazing…
Now, it’s your turn – Let us know…
What are You doing to help raise awareness on campus?
What is Your Chapter doing to eliminate hazing within your organization?
…Tell us in the comments below!
Be the first to give a HOOT!