Rebecca Shapiro Thesis (11 May 2011).pdf - Brandeis Institutional ...

I recommend a training program for staff and alumni working hands-on withchapters. These advisors should be available at least once a month in order to ensure atrained presence representing the national organization's values and missions. Thissystem would help create uniformity from chapter to chapter, whether a chapter wasfounded in 1911 or 2011. In order for this to be possible, organizations will requireincreased funding to pay for staff devoted to training and to provide travel expenses andcompensation to incentivize devoted alumni. The “history” section of this thesisdemonstrates the drastic changes in organizations from decade to decade. A staffpresence would provide greater assurance that chapters will be more properly prepared toadopt changes mandated directed by the national organization.Jewish fraternities and sororities would also benefit from increased research onthe effects of involvement with an organization on Jewish identity. Because there is somuch variation between the organizations in mission, vision and practice, this studyshould reflect with which Greek organization the study participants affiliate. Analysisshould be done based on involvement with Jewish organizations, philanthropic activity toJewish causes and participation in Jewish rituals. This study would investigate Jewishlifestyle, the role of Judaism in making family choices, ties to the Jewish community, andspecifically, involvement with Jewish organizations such as synagogues or localFederations. Another interesting aspect of this study would investigate Jewish GreekOrganizations role in promoting endogamy, and whether an individual met his or herpartner through the Jewish Greek system. These studies are important to undertake asthey have the potential to reflect the importance of affiliation with the Jewish Greeksystem.73