INDIANAPOLIS (September 17, 2015) — Alpha Kappa Psi recognizes the importance of bringing hazing awareness to its members.
HazingPrevention.Org organizes National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) during the last full week of September, which will be September 21-25 this year. NHPW raises awareness about the culture of hazing not only with college campuses, but with organizations, communities and individuals. The purpose of this week is to generate awareness so that hazing prevention can occur on a daily basis; not just during one week.
Throughout National Hazing Prevention Week, Alpha Kappa Psi will be posting various scenarios adapted from HazingPrevention.Org’s #40Answers campaign to promote dialogue between members on how they would react. In addition to online discussions, AKPsi will host a webinar “Traditions: Transmitting Cultural Norms One Student at a Time”, presented by Christian Nuccio (judiciary committee member), Brian Parker (managing director of operations), and Liz Vickers (chapter educational resource coordinator). Tradition is a strong word and typically evokes strong emotion. During the webinar, the presenters will explore the origins of “tradition” and how members can choose to stand up and step in to make powerful and impacting changes on their chapter.
By taking a proactive stance against hazing, the Judiciary Committee of Alpha Kappa Psi maintains resources and tools for chapters and volunteers to assist with the education of risk management issues. The function of the JC is to investigate the actions of chapters, members and guests that may have violated policies or be considered detrimental to the fraternity. By providing members with the proper education and awareness, hazing can be diminished and ultimately, prevented altogether.
Alpha Kappa Psi encourages its members to hold discussions, activities and events revolving around the discussion of hazing prevention. Bringing attention to the hazing culture is the first step in eliminating it from an organization. As said on HazingPrevention.Org’s website, “The ultimate goal is to prevent hazing. Strong education efforts, diligent policy development and reinforcement, and comprehensive planning and ongoing community efforts can do just that”.
