Initiations can be an important part of an organization. Finding alternatives to hazing can create, respect, pride and enjoyment for all involved.

When a ritual has been around in an organization, such as hazing, it is sometimes hard and confusing to the members to find creative ways to change. There are many positive, creative ways to change an organization from a hazing to a non-hazing practice.

When an organization has experienced hazing as a normal way of initiations, it is sometimes difficult to some members to accept change. Some members that are angered by the simple fact that they themselves have experienced this ritual, sometimes actually look forward to the next set of victims, simply out of revenge, even though the new incoming victims had nothing to do with his/her hazing experience. Therefore creating a chain of events that can and will lead to disaster.

You can and will accomplish unity within an organization through the practice of Positive Initiations; therefore creating respect, honor, and pride in one’s self and others throughout the organization.

Alternatives:

• Developing a peer mentor program within your group and/or leadership rolls. Assigning older members to new members. Having them show the new member around the school, or in athletic programs, the locker room.
  
  
• Present all members with pledge cards with the rules and regulations of your organization, making sure that one of your pledges is that hazing is not allowed within that program and if they do participate they will be kicked out of the organization. Actually putting the definition to hazing so that there will not be any misunderstanding as to what hazing is. Hazing: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off school premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort.”
  
  
• Plan events where the entire organization gets together to attend special events.
  
  
• Have new members announced at public events or in local newspapers.
  
  
• Having ceremonies in which an older member presents the new member with a certificate of accomplishment for their first year of participation in the organization.
  
  
• Invite an older member to talk about the organization with the younger members. How he/she felt when they first joined the organization, special positive traditions, and prominent former members.
  
  
• Having special events, such as inviting new members to attend a dinner with the sponsors, coaches, or faculty members in charge of the organization.
  
  
• Acknowledging honor students within the organization, placing names in local papers or presenting certificates.