Position Statement:
If individuals are not provided access to be physically, emotionally, and mentally safe, they will not be able to access the full extent of the member experience. AFA supports the efforts of fraternity/sorority professionals to center student health and safety in their work and to work collaboratively with students, volunteers, and prevention professionals in creating communities of care. Additionally, AFA calls upon its members to approach health and safety work through an equity-minded lens in recognition that behaviors and attitudes that may compromise health and safety often emerge as a function of culture and of other elements of a student’s lived experience.
Open dialogue around student health, safety, and overall well-being reduce stigma around vulnerable conversations, particularly those focused on mental health and well-being.
AFA advocates for a multi-faceted approach to student and member health and safety including, but not limited to:
- Collaborative prevention work around drugs and alcohol with a focus on restorative processes to repair harm,
- Interpersonal work focused on the power of connection and the ability to deeply relate to others and create healthy relationships,
- Work towards affirming and understanding the experiences of members coming from a variety of backgrounds and how that frames how they experience physical, mental, and emotional health and safety.
The AFA Central Office and Board of Directors have worked together to construct position statements on areas that have a substantial impact on the higher education and fraternity/sorority industries. This statement serves as reference for those interested in understanding AFA’s position surrounding historical and current issues. AFA will continue to review, edit, and enhance its positions over time. If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at info@afa1976.org.
