Semesterly Conversation With Kate Franklin (10/07/2023)

Similar to last semester, prior to our conversation with Kate, all members (returning and new) watched the 65 minute play “Rules of Play”. We discussed different aspects of sexual violence, from understanding how it is talked about, the Title IX process and how we can create positive change in Greek Life. We also talked about consent, how it is given, why it is so important and ways to give consent. All brothers and new members participated in the conversation.

Alpha Epsilon Phi Narcan & Roofie Presentation (02/28/2023)

Three sisters of Alpha Epsilon Phi were generous enough to come into an AKS chapter meeting and give a 30 minute presentation on Narcan and Roofies. AKS members were educated on how to use Narcan, and in what situation it may be necessary. They were also taught how to identify symptoms of a Roofie, and what to do if they think themselves or a friend may have been exposed. Finally, AKS members were taught how to test drinks for the presence of a roofie, as well as testing substances for the presence of fentanyl. As a result, AKS is looking to give event monitors access to drug test kits and Narcan during events.

OPEN Relationship Spectrum Presentation (02/20/2023)

AKS members attended this presentation led by OPEN staff at Northeastern. OPEN’s description of the presentation is as follows: “Learn about characteristics of healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships, how to define and communicate your own boundaries in relationships, and how to support a friend who is experiencing domestic violence.” This presentation allowed AKS members to engage with OPEN staff, and discuss attributes of a healthy relationship. 

“Rules of Play” Screening and Conversation with Kate Franklin (02/11/2023)

Prior to our conversation, AKS members watched the 65 minute play “Rules of Play, written and directed by Northeastern graduate Kate Franklin. The play covers factors leading to sexual assault in Greek Life as well as Title IX processes after sexual assault. AKS members then engaged in an open dialogue with Kate Franklin via zoom in which we had a 2 hour discussion. The first hour related to topics in the play (lack of female pleasure, consent, appearance/clothing insinuating wanting sexual activity) and in the second hour questions that were submitted prior to the conversation were answered, as well as any additional questions. Consent was a major theme of the discussion throughout, with an emphasis on consent applicable to Greek Life.

Bylaw Amendments Clarifying New Member Expectations and Removal Process (11/30/2022)

The most important step to promoting strong values in our brotherhood takes place in the new member process. The bylaws we passed explicitly outline the expectations of those who we bring into the fraternity and how situations should be handled in the event that a new member does not meet those expectations.

OPEN PRESENTATION, FSL BYSTANDER INTERVENTION (10/16/2022)

Organized by OPEN and peer-led by OPEN staff and AKS leadership, this presentation was highly informative and brothers greatly appreciated the ability to actively participate throughout. Brothers provided additional positive feedback specifically regarding the research-backed statistics and Peer Influence Spectrum, as well as further details on Title IX reporting.

SARC PRESENTATION, Know Your Resources/SVP in Greek Life (10/15/2022)

The SARC-led presentation covered a variety of important topics, such as which resources apply to specific scenarios, Title IX reporting processes and confidential resource advisors at Northeastern.

BOOKED: OPEN PRESENTATION, FSL BYSTANDER INTERVENTION (9/19/2022)

We have booked presentation and training on Bystander Intervention on Sunday, 10/16. This is one of the most pertinent topics for us to cover as a strategy for preventing sexual violence, and one that we wish to continue to revisit in the future. OPEN will be hosting the training and all active brothers will be in attendance.

CHAPTER MEETING: DISCUSS CHAPTER POLICIES SURROUNDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION (9/13/2022)

Following our Risk Chair election, we drafted risk policy proposals to better address how we educate new members on event monitor responsibilities, how event monitors communicate during events, and clarify the core roles and responsibilities of brothers as bystanders in any situation. Following relocation to Zoom virtual chapter due to the bomb threat on campus, we discussed recruitment policies and identified key topics we should be bringing up during rush events to better gauge new members’ viewpoints/understanding of these topics. Our final task was outlining an action plan for organizations and individuals to reach out to as our next steps forward.

NEW MEMBER EDUCATION (9/10/2022)

In the past, the core of our sexual violence education came during the new member education period. While this will still be a primary topic to cover with new members, all active brothers will be present for new member lessons, trainings, and speaker events pertaining to sexual violence prevention. Not only should brothers lead by example in attending these, but furthermore we should be taking every opportunity to educate ourselves on these topics.

redesigned event signage (9/8/2022)

In light of the initial changes to event monitor policy (more to come), we have decided to create much larger, permanent signage to post at events to help guests locate event monitors and encourage all individuals to report any concerns they may have before, during or following an event hosted by AKS.

investing in event monitor equipment (9/7/2022)

Moving beyond the simple name tags previously used to identify event monitors, hi-visibility vests and hats will be worn to ensure event monitors can be easily found when needed.

BOOKED: SARC PRESENTATION, SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN GREEK LIFE (8/18/2022)

We have booked a presentation with SARC to share and discuss educational/support resources for sexual violence in Greek Life, learn and discuss what we can do to make those around us aware of these resources, and also cover Title IX information and reporting processes. This will take place on Saturday, 10/15 and all active brothers will be in attendance.

ALPHA KAPPA SIGMA BROTHERHOOD CODE OF ETHICS (7/14/2022)

While this may seem like more of a formality, placing fraternity expectations in writing, bound by signature, is a very important step when it comes to enforcing our core values and ensuring brothers are aware of the consequences of any breach of this agreement.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Chair (7/14/2022)

While this position was unofficially filled this past semester and spent the summer actively working with the AKS Executive Board in preparation for the Fall semester, the bylaw was passed officially declaring the role and outlining its responsibilities as a key component to the fraternity. The Sexual Violence Prevention Chair and its Committee are composed of 2-4 brothers who serve as the liaison between between AKS and IFC SVP chair, as well as uphold and enforce the Brotherhood Code of Ethics and actively work to maintain a position at the forefront of SVP policies within the Greek Life community.

SEMESTERLY sexual violence prevention training (7/14/2022)

Each semester, brothers will be attending/participating in an IFC-approved sexual violence prevention training. The Interfraternity Council VP of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education will be vetting each training ahead of time to ensure a level of quality that goes beyond simply watching a YouTube video or clicking through a slide deck. Topics will vary by semester, starting with bystander intervention training this Fall. The goal is to create a focal point each semester rather than repeatedly covering the many facets of sexual violence prevention all at once. Doing so will give brothers a deeper understanding of the nuances within each topic, and how to handle specific scenarios.