Understanding the Membership Commitment of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Membership is a solemn commitment. To this Fraternity, the maker of the commitment becomes synonymous with the commitment itself. Membership in Kappa Alpha Psi is a lifelong dedication to the ideas and lofty purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi, which considers for membership only those aspirants whose personal, social and academic qualifications are acceptable to both the Chapter and Fraternity.
Expectations concerning maturity and dedication are made upon new members and established members alike.
Maturity is more than simply reaching a certain age. Maturity to us means acceptance of reality, the ability to sacrifice and set goals, consideration of others, incisive judgment, emotional balance, development of social skills, intellectual competence, and moral rectitude. We expect our members to be mature.
Dedication means putting those characteristics of maturity into a lifelong program of action to advance the goals and purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi. We expect our members to be dedicated.
We recognize that many young men entering college are limited in experiences and unschooled in the complexities of group dynamics. Therefore, one of the primary membership goals of Kappa Alpha Psi is to prepare members for cooperative group living and a lifetime of dedication to the Fraternity. Kappa Alpha Psi hopes that its members will come to understand how the socializing influences of the group will contribute to personal advancement and achievement in all endeavors.
But do not let personal goals supersede those of the Fraternity. A person who feels he would do the Fraternity a favor by joining is not worthy of membership. No one who holds himself superior to the Brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi is worthy of this distinction.
Kappa Alpha Psi is not interested in the simple accumulation of members and chapters. Its emphasis, however, is in the quality and integrity of its membership. Membership quality manifests itself through an intangible element of brotherhood we call "that Good Old Kappa Spirit."
That Good Old Kappa Spirit is not bestowed by any external entity. It cannot be bought, sold, bartered, borrowed or stolen. It comes from within and the only way to keep it is to give it away. It comes from a personal love of Fraternity, loyalty to purpose and ideals, the acceptance of responsibility and interest in the welfare of others.
Acceptable qualities of Kappa Alpha Psi members include:
The disposition to live in close companionship with men of similar values.
The wisdom to abide by the will of the majority without sacrificing individuality.
The discretion to refrain from destructive criticism while seeking to remove the causes of such criticism.
The acceptance of responsibility for any effort that moves the group forward.
The desire to strive for, and ultimately achieve, excellence in everything you do.
The commitment to train for leadership.
The resolution to give lifelong financial support and commitment to the maintenance and development of the Fraternity's programs and purposes.