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The issue of initiating colony members came up at our International Convention earlier this month. While our Arch Chapter (Executive Council) can allow the initiation of colony members, the voting body turned down a proposal to allow the initiation of colony members after a specified period.
The arguments for the proposal was that we lose some of the colony guys who are seniors the first year of the colony and then never come back when the colony is installed and that allowing the more senior members of the colony to be initiated would get newer members desirous of the same.
Also, it was said that many universities are beginning not to allow a colonization effort unless the central office/headquarters can state that they will initiate the colony members within the 6, 8, 12, 16 weeks that the university requires for initiating members. Since we do not initiate colony members until charter, then we would not be allowed to colonize at certain schools.
The argument against was only "chapters" should be allowed to initiate. There would be a problem with logistics. If a colony member was initiated, obviously, he couldn't be initiated by his colony, he would need to be initiated by another chapter and would be considered a member of that chapter. He would have no ties to the initiating chapter except it would be a Delt initiation.
Also, it is believed that once initiated, you lose the focus to have your colony chartered. ktsnake may have a better perspective or thought on this. From what was said, the colony goal is to work together to become a chapter. Everyone is on the same footing, when there are some initiated and others not, the goal to becoming a chapter is a tad strained.
It's an interesting argument. I actually argue for a change in chartering policies. There are some colonies that take years to become a chapter. I believe these days that the time can be considerably shortened with the watchful eye of the central office/headquarter staff.
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