During Triangle's 2001 National Convention, a group of over one hundred Triangle men from across the U.S. explored the essence of our Fraternity. These discussions were similar to the discussions held at the 2001 President's Academy where those men determined that we do exist for a powerful purpose, one that has increased potential to make meaningful contributions in the lives of more men and the communities to which they belong. The essence of Triangle and the purpose of the Fraternity was described as follows:

To develop balanced men in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, and Science by providing an environment which fosters personal growth and professional success.

Using this statement to describe our essence as an organization, we answered three questions to lead us forward as to what the future of the fraternity could and should be.

1. What do chapters need to do for their members and the Fraternity to fulfill the power of the purpose?

• Positive reinforcement/support of individual members' abilities;
• Establish a membership development program beyond pledging;
• Educate all members, especially new members, on the purpose of Triangle and ideals of the chapter;
• Live the Code of Ethics;
• Allow the fraternity as a whole to help your chapter (open lines of communication), including national staff, volunteers, alumni and other chapters;
• Chapters need to tell national what they need and where they are headed;
• Educate new members on what the purpose is;
• Take periodic evaluations of where the chapter is at in relation to the purpose;
• Undertake values based programming and events for actives as well as alumni that strive to develop leadership as well as social skills;
• Create an environment of responsibility;
• Create long lasting friendships.

2. What do individual members need to do for their chapters and the Fraternity in order to fulfill the power of the purpose?

• Increase communication between alumni and the chapter;
• Realize yourself as a role model for pledges, other brothers, organizations, etc;
• Show pride for the fraternity as individuals;
• Make Triangle a priority;
• Live by the Code of Ethics/Ritual;
• Realize their role in creating the ideal chapter environment;
• Hold yourself and others accountable;
• Values based action.

3. What does the Fraternity as a national organization need to do for chapters and members to fulfill the power of the purpose?

• Consider allowing alumni and Triangle Associations to initiate associate members;
• Encourage more chapters to invest in the future financially and developmentally;
• More Expansion efforts;
• Allow chapters more decisions about how it is governed and run, based on differing schools and members;
• Let chapters know what is going on;
• Communicate and reinforce the purpose;
  • Provide a map of what works
  • Help foster intra-chapter communication
  • Not reinventing the wheel
• Help foster National brotherhood Online resumes and job postings;
• Alumni mentoring;
• Programs to help members find jobs;
• Allow members the ability to search and communicate with other members electronically.

The conversation that took place at Convention was simply a beginning. What is of most importance is that each of us continues this conversation with those present at the convention as well as those not able to attend, including active and alumni brothers as well as advisors at all our chapters. This conversation will certainly be continuing at a national level so that it appropriately influences the policies and programs established.