VALUES REFRESHER Updated July 2018 During the Pi Beta Phi New Member Education Program, New Members were introduced to the values of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. These core values continue to support and shape the growth and health of the Fraternity today. The Values Refresher serves to review and reconnect members to the core values of Pi Beta Phi. It gives members an opportunity to explore and discuss how individual values and Pi Phi values can and must co-exist, even in the face of increasing challenges. The workshop reviews what was covered in the New Member education program and reminds members of a commitment to the core values is a basic expectation of membership commitment to the core values is a basic expectation of membership in Pi Beta Phi. The following is a recommended outline for the Values Refresher workshop. Every Pi Beta Phi chapter is required to complete the Values Refresher once a year. This workshop may be used during spirit week in preparation for recruitment, just prior to Initiation as a study tool for the New Member test, as a leadership building exercise, as part of officer training and transition or as part of risk management programming. Before you Get Started: Select someone to present or lead the workshop. Because the development of Pi Beta Phi can be connected directly to the founding values, the Vice President of Fraternity Development (VPFD) is the officer charged with oversight of the Values Refresher workshop, but this does not mean the VPFD has to be the presenter herself. It is suggested that the VPFD work with the Leading with Values Committee (if the one exists) to come up with one to three individuals (Alumnae Advisory Committee [AAC] members, chapter officers or seniors) to help facilitate the workshop. These women should be comfortable speaking to a group, good at facilitating discussion and committed to the mission, the vision and the core values of Pi Beta Phi. Often, the chapter may have better attentiveness and participation with a facilitator they are not used to hearing from. As far in advance as possible, determine a date and time for the workshop and communicate the information to the members. Allow up to three hours for the workshop. Book a private location free from distractions. Be sure it can comfortably accommodate the number of people you plan on attending (preferably not a classroom). Review the material to be covered during the workshop and discuss with AAC members the facilitation plan for the Values Refresher workshop. Also, check to determine if any additional important topics or points should be emphasized. Prepare any slides, handouts and/or charts you ll be using to support the discussion.
Workshop Goals: Collegians will be reminded of Pi Beta Phi s core values and how to live these values throughout their lives; Collegians will be reminded of Pi Beta Phi s mission and vision and how they relate to the core values; and Collegians will be able to recognize Pi Beta Phi s values being lived out by other members and non-members. Materials/Resources: Whiteboard/chalkboard One copy of each of the following documents for every member present (located in appendices): 1. Vision, Mission and Core Values handout 2. Values Clarification worksheet 3. Obligations of Membership handout (Can be projected on a screen if easier) 4. Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Core Values and Learning Outcomes (All 12 of these will need to be printed, just one of each, and hung up around the room.) Posters or flip-chart paper (for handling conflict portion) Extra pens, pencils and markers Sticky notes (approximately 5-10 will be used per member) or star or dot stickers (approximately 5-10 per member as well.) If you choose stickers instead of sticky notes, please provide a piece of paper or have members bring some notebook paper to write in place of the sticky notes. Members can also use the notes app on their phone if you do not want to provide paper. Index cards or members can also use the notes app on their phone if you do not want to provide index cards Getting Started Talking points are indicated with a callout bullet ( ). Please use these as speaking guidelines, but be sure to jazz up the presentation with your own personality. Facilitation instructions are indicated with an arrow ( ) and serve as hints you might find helpful when administering the material. Most importantly, have fun! Introductions: Welcome members and introduce all presenters. If any Executive Council members are present, have them introduce themselves and explain their roles (or why they are here). If any alumnae or AAC members are present, ask them to introduce themselves and briefly talk about why they are here and/or the roles Pi Phi and Pi Phi values have played in their lives. (If time permits) Invite each member to briefly introduce herself and to offer a reason as to why she s there or why she thinks this event is important. It is a required event is a fair answer, but invite the member to explore briefly why she thinks the event is being required. Thank everyone for attending.
Thank you for attending! Over the last couple of years, we have annually been reminded of the promise we made to uphold Pi Beta Phi s core values through participation in the Values Refresher seminar. Our dedication and commitment to these core values binds us together in what we believe. This year, we hope you will not only be reminded of the vow you took to live by these core values as a member of Pi Beta Phi but challenge yourself to discover new ways to practice these values on a daily basis. The next 90 minutes are important, not just to the chapter and the Fraternity, but also to each individual member, as values have an impact on everyone. Not only will we be reviewing the core values of Pi Beta Phi, which you learned as a New Member; but everyone will also get a chance to explore her own personal values. The Values Refresher workshop allows us to consider how those values can help in making wise or positive choices, even in very stressful or difficult situations. Values Clarification Worksheet Before we being, can anyone recite all of Pi Beta Phi s core values? Hint there is a mnemonic device for remembering our core values! o The mnemonic device (the first letter of each word corresponds with the first letter of a value) is: I Love Having Pi Phi Sisters! Write down what they believe the answers are on the whiteboard. The six core values of Pi Beta Phi are: o Integrity o Lifelong Commitment o Honor and Respect o Personal and Intellectual Growth o Philanthropic Service to Others o Sincere Friendship Refer to the Values Clarification Worksheet. Give members 5 10 minutes to individually pick out and list the 10 values most important to her. Then, rank those values from one to ten, with one being the most important. This should be done individually. Small Group: When everyone is finished, break into small groups (4 8 people per group depending on chapter size) and spend 10 15 minutes discussing the following questions. Go through the list and see who picked which values. Discuss how you went about prioritizing/picking your top values and how you define those values. What does your number one value mean to you and how do you show others this is a value that is important to you? Large Group: Allow all members who picked the same number one value to stand together in different areas of the room. Are there any surprises in the group? Can any assumptions be made about the individuals based on the particular value they chose? Might there be any misconceptions? Are there any other values the majority of the group selected? Are there any values nobody selected? Were there values not on the list members wanted to include? Small Group: Again, break into small groups Briefly discuss the similarities and differences between your lists. Talk about any difficulty you experienced leaving certain values off of your list, or having to prioritize values. Did any of the values you chose change since the last time you completed this activity? Why?
Large Group: Ask everyone to keep their lists out as they may be referring back to them, and to their personal values later in the workshop. The values or principles you choose as the most important can be defined as personal values and come into play in almost every decision or action you take, whether you realize it or not. They can also be the means by which others judge or define you. This is why I asked about assumptions and misconceptions a few minutes ago. The same holds true for Pi Phi values, for all Pi Phi s, at all times. Would anyone be willing to share a situation or example in which they have had to choose between Pi Phi values and personal values? o How did you resolve the situation? (If others in the room noted a conflict between a personal value and a Pi Phi value, ask if they can they identify a way to resolve this conflict.) What are some unhealthy ways we deal with a conflict between our personal and Pi Phi values? o What are some healthy ways we can use to deal with a conflict between our personal and Pi Phi values? Make a list of healthy ways to deal with a conflict on whiteboard or flip-chart paper. Pi Phi s expectation is you will uphold Pi Phi values. This is a basic expectation of membership. During the Pledging Ceremony, and again during the initiation ceremony, you took an oath to abide by and uphold these values. Let s list other expectations of membership (adherence to Constitution and Statutes/Policy and Position Statements/chapter bylaws, adherence to university and Panhellenic policies, adherence to local/state/ federal laws, attendance in accordance with local and international policies, etc). Write the answers on the whiteboard or flip-chart paper. Pass out Obligations of Membership or project on a screen so all participants can see. Discuss how each expectation reinforces a core value or values and which value(s). Write the expectation and value(s) discussed on flip-chart paper.
Sticky Note/Sticker Activity Refer to the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Core Values and Learning Outcomes page as well as the 12 pages that follow it. Keep the first page for yourself and make additional copies for each member. Set-up: o Attach each of the 12 learning outcome to a different piece of flip chart paper and hang these around the room in different places (For smaller chapters, two learning outcomes may be placed on the same poster). You may want to hang them in order to avoid confusion. o Have enough sticky notes to give about 5 10 to each member. If it is a larger chapter, 5 may be more appropriate, smaller chapters can use more sticky notes or stickers. You will also need to pass out copies of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Core Values and Learning Outcomes or display this handout on a projector. Getting started: You have each been given a copy of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Core Values and Learning Outcomes along with approx. 10 sticky notes. Take the next 10 minutes to write, on separate sticky notes: o Ways you expect your sisters to uphold a particular learning outcome; o Ways you have observed your sisters living according to one of the learning outcomes; or o Things you would look for in Potential New Members who might practice one of the learning outcomes. After you have written your responses, place them under the appropriate learning outcome. After all members have placed their post-it notes around the room, have some of the members volunteer to share what they wrote. Discussion Questions: Which learning outcome had the most notes, and why? Which had the least? What does this say about the focus, emphasis or importance that the chapter puts on certain values? Are you surprised at how the results turned out?
Mission, Vision and Values It is important to remember why most fraternities and sororities have mission and vision statements. Given what we know about the Pi Beta Phi s founding, why might it have been important to have some sort of mission or vision? When you were a new member, you learned Pi Phi has both a vision and a mission statement. Can anyone remember any part of the mission statement or vision statement? (Write the answers on the whiteboard or flip-chart paper.) Pass out Vision, Mission and Core Values handout (refer to resources at the end of the program for a copy). Advise members if they don t already have these handouts, they should hang on to them as a reference for future workshops. Does anyone know the purpose of a vision statement? A vision statement takes into account the current status of the organization, and serves to point the direction of where the organization wishes to go. Let s take a closer look at the Pi Beta Phi vision statement: o Pi Beta Phi Fraternity is committed to being recognized as a premier organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to the betterment of society. What do you think this means? What are some examples of Pi Phi offering lifelong enrichment, or contributing to the betterment of society? How do you see yourself contributing to or being impacted by this vision? Does anyone know or remember what a mission statement is or does? A mission statement is a brief description of an organization or company s fundamental purpose. It answers the question, Why do we exist? Now let s take a closer look at the Pi Beta Phi mission statement: o The mission of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women is to promote friendship, to develop women of intellect and integrity, to cultivate leadership potential, and to enrich lives through community service. What do you think this means? What are some ways we individually or as a group support the Fraternity in fulfilling the mission? Discussion: How the actual mission and vision statements differ (or are the same based on the definitions above)? Have each member take a few minutes to write about why they think these are important for our organization today. Have a few members share their thoughts. Another look Let s take another look at Pi Beta Phi s core values (I Love Having Pi Phi Sisters!): o Integrity o Lifelong Commitment o Honor and Respect o Personal and Intellectual Growth o Philanthropic Service to Others o Sincere Friendship
Small group: Have members discuss the question Why do values matter? Have them write key points from their discussion on large sheets of white paper to share with the large group. o Large group: Have a spokesperson from each group share why they think values matter. Do you see the core values reflected in the mission and vision statements? In what ways? Can you list specific activities or requirements of membership (chapter events, programming, etc.) illustrating or connecting to each of the core values? Write answers on whiteboard or flip-chart paper. Why would these values matter to Pi Phi? (Values matter in general, because they drive our action or reaction, when faced with a choice, and they send a message to the world about who we are.) What do the core values say about Pi Beta Phi? Values reflect who we are and why we act the way we do. They reflect what we stand for and are the standards by which we choose to live our lives. Pi Beta Phi, like many groups, is a values-based organization. The more positive and well-defined the value system, the stronger the organization. How can the chapter better adhere to Pi Phi s core values? (Write the ideas on large sheets of white paper.) What are some ways Pi Beta Phi can strengthen its organization by adhering to core values (recruit women of similar values; servant leadership; campus and community service, etc.)? Final Thoughts, Going Forward The situations we ve been discussing are true examples of the kinds of decisions and choices you ve probably already had to make, and will continue to make during college and throughout your life. As members of a values-based organization, we must hold each other accountable to Pi Phi s core values, even when it is not easy to do. When we notice our sisters not upholding the values of Pi Beta Phi and stand by without saying anything this is called being a bystander. Are there times that you have been a bystander and allowed a friend to do or participate in things that do not hold true to our values? What statements have you heard before, that illustrate Pi Phi s feelings about accountability? Every act of yours reflects either credit or discredit on your fraternity sisters. Care enough to confront. No one is perfect all of the time. The goal is to give your most earnest endeavor to try your best and to understand when you fall short, one of your sisters will be there to help you back up. Stop, Start and Continue Index Card Activity (Pass out index cards, or have members take notes on their phones.). Since no one is perfect, a good way to end today is by identifying at least one action each of you is doing that does not reflect the values shared you and by Pi Phi. Individually, write down on your card an action you will stop. Next identify a behavior that might be helpful or conducive to promoting Pi Phi values. Write down on your card that action, which you will start. Finally, identify and write down an action you will continue something positive that is already in support of the chapter and/or Pi Phi values.
Give members the last five minutes to write down what each will stop, start and continue on the index cards. Please hang on to these cards as a reminder of your personal goals as well as a reminder to continue discussing and committing to values. Every now and then, ask yourself if you are continuing to live up to the commitment you made when you initiated into Pi Phi, and the commitments you made today. End the workshop with a favorite chapter song.
Appendices
Values Clarification Worksheet Take 5 10 minutes to individually pick out and list the ten values most important to you and then rank those values from one to ten, with one being the most important. This should be done individually. Achievement Advancement Adventure Affection Authority Balance Comfort Community Contribution Creativity Credibility Discipline Enjoyment Excitement Fame Family Freedom Friendships Fulfillment Fun Growth Happiness Health and Wellness Honesty Independence Integrity Intelligence Justice Knowledge Learning Loyalty Organization Patriotism Peace Popularity Power Prestige Quality Recognition Relationships Religion Respect Responsibility Security Self-Actualization Service Spirituality Stability Success Teamwork Wealth Winning Wisdom Work Ethic
Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Core Values and Learning Outcomes Integrity Collegians will observe, practice and promote academic, personal and social responsibility. Lifelong Commitment Collegians will accept and promote the Fraternity s core values throughout their lives. Honor and Respect Collegians will acknowledge, appreciate and preserve Fraternity heritage. Collegians will acknowledge, appreciate and enhance the current Fraternity structure. Personal and Intellectual Growth Collegians will identify, develop and apply independent leadership skills to achieve personal and chapter goals. Collegians will collaborate as they develop their abilities to analyze, process and exhibit competence in resolving challenges/issues/situations for the betterment of the chapter. Collegians will cultivate and maintain an environment encouraging a balance of listening, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making so that chapter members become effective communicators. Collegians will identify and utilize resources addressing physical and emotional health issues and promote healthy body image, positive self-esteem and informed lifestyle choices. Collegians will discover, own and articulate their unique role and value in their communities (e.g. Pi Beta Phi, their chapter, neighborhood, National Panhellenic Conference, family, institution, etc.) Philanthropic Service to Others Collegians will utilize their unique roles and value in their communities to effect positive change. Collegians will exhibit a continual commitment to philanthropic service to others. Sincere Friendship Collegians will establish and foster relationships with one another rooted in personal development, encouragement and respect.
Integrity Collegians will observe, practice and promote academic, personal and social responsibility.
Lifelong Commitment Collegians will accept and promote the Fraternity s core values throughout their lives.
Honor and Respect Collegians will acknowledge, appreciate and preserve Fraternity heritage.
Honor and Respect Collegians will acknowledge, appreciate and enhance the current Fraternity structure.
Personal and Intellectual Growth Collegians will identify, develop and apply independent leadership skills to achieve personal and chapter goals.
Personal and Intellectual Growth Collegians will collaborate as they develop their abilities to analyze, process and exhibit competence in resolving challenges/issues/ situations for the betterment of the chapter.
Personal and Intellectual Growth Collegians will cultivate and maintain an environment encouraging a balance of listening, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making so chapter members become effective communicators.
Personal and Intellectual Growth Collegians will identify and utilize resources addressing physical and emotional health issues and promote healthy body image, positive self-esteem and informed lifestyle choices.
Personal and Intellectual Growth Collegians will discover, own and articulate their unique role and value in their communities (e.g. Pi Beta Phi, their chapter, neighborhood, National Panhellenic Conference, family, institution, etc.)
Philanthropic Service to Others Collegians will utilize their unique roles and value in their communities to effect positive change.
Philanthropic Service to Others Collegians will exhibit a continual commitment to philanthropic service to others.
Sincere Friendship Collegians and their advisors will establish and foster relationships with one another rooted in personal development, encouragement and respect.
Pi Beta Phi Vision, Mission and Core Values Pi Beta Phi Vision Statement Pi Beta Phi Fraternity is committed to being recognized as a premier organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to the betterment of society. Pi Beta Phi Mission Statement The mission of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women is to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service. Pi Beta Phi s Core Values Integrity Lifelong Commitment Honor and Respect Personal and Intellectual Growth Philanthropic Service to Others Sincere Friendship
Obligations of Membership Uphold Pi Phi values Adhere to the Constitution and Statutes, Policy and Position Statements and chapter bylaws Adhere to university and Panhellenic policies Adhere to local, state and federal laws Attendance in accordance with local and international policies Meetings: New Member, chapter, house Member development programs Recruitment workshops and events, including membership selection Founders Day celebration Initiation and pledging ceremonies Sister-only events Fulfill the New Member (Fraternity education) program and Values Refresher workshops. Fulfill all financial obligations Participate in all-chapter events that support international philanthropies and community service projects After graduation, continue commitment to Pi Beta Phi by becoming actively involved as an alumna and providing financial support for the Fraternity