Fraternity Member Reflections About Civic Values

Abstract

Fraternity members are exposed to developmental opportunities through service, leadership, and involvement, guided by organizational values. The purpose of this study was to learn more about how members interpret their experiences in relation to civic values. Data sources were responses from essays (n = 196) written by graduate and undergraduate members of an international fraternity. Results from thematic analysis evidenced a range of applications, from a literal inter- pretation of rules to a broader sense of agency in the world. Discussion focuses on addressing gaps in what members are learning based on the core tenets of NASPA’s Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE).