It’s no secret that fraternity parties have a reputation for being rowdy. However, things are beginning to change. Greek lifers are looking to shift this narrative with the growing introduction of harm reduction. It’s now a common practice for fraternities to hire a fraternity risk manager to soften the edge at parties or gatherings. Having a risk manager at the local mixer could be what prevents a party from getting out of hand.
If you feel like this could be of value to your fraternity, you’d likely benefit from a risk manager! Want to learn more about risk management and its benefits? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Choose Risk Management?
Greek life presents the opportunity to join a network of like-minded individuals. Joining a fraternity provides an experience for anyone looking to expand their student network and immerse themselves in a social scene. This can often involve mixers, gatherings, and other fraternity events. When alcohol is involved, it’s vital to avoid unwanted outcomes. This is where risk management comes into play.
If the idea of risk management is new to you, here are some examples of how it can support your fraternity:
- Talk the talk and walk the walk: speak about safety at your fraternity and legitimize it with action
- Create a reputable and respected space for individuals to achieve success
- Cultivate a community culture that boasts a positive character
- Reduce harm and increase fun
- Protect and preserve safety at all costs
Enlisting a risk manager reduces harm from occurring at gatherings. With this, members can network and socialize securely, as intended. Fraternity individuals then reap the benefits of a stimulating social environment while upholding the tone of safety in their community. In many ways, risk managers are there to take the guesswork out of ensuring a protected fraternity setting.
What is Risk Management?
What is risk management, and how is it defined? The idea is pretty simple. It’s about finding a way to maintain safety in your space. It usually involves a designated individual responsible for de-escalating unwanted situations at fraternity events.
There will be a heavy door presence to screen the entrance point. This keeps the space free of anything that could threaten safety. Inside the gathering, there is typically a backup team. This can help place the responsibility in the hands of a trusted few rather than one sole individual.
Develop a Risk Management Plan
To increase your fraternity’s safety, start by introducing the idea to fellow members. Having a conversation can help people understand why the issue is so important. This is where you can begin to develop a risk management plan.
Another idea is to ask your fellow members what their idea of safety looks like. Ask them what they want to prevent from occurring at a gathering, and how. Doing this creates a call to action and implements a risk management strategy decided upon as a whole. When everyone is on the same page, expect change!
Establish Boundaries and Prevent Risk with a Fraternity Risk Manager
Of course, eliminating risk at a party won’t happen on its own. It takes a solidified plan of action. Firstly, there need to be boundaries and support elements set in place to drive home the goal.
With this in mind, stand firm on nonnegotiables that should remain upheld. Clearly identify unwelcome party favors or behaviors to guests. Establish a curfew and regularly scan the space for anything that pushes past these necessities. Above all, creating a standard for your gathering will remove harm and uphold fun.
Keep Learning With GreekXperience
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