Not for Wealth, Rank or Honor Revisited
This phrase, 'Not for Wealth, Rank or Honor' is synonymous with Tau Kappa Epsilon and all its members. The meaning has been used as a rallying cry, a recruitment tool, and a personal sense of pride. It also, however, has been used as an excuse. Before you immediately check-out from reading the remainder of this story, let’s take a quick look at its origin and understand why this important phrase should continue being used to help describe why TKE is the best.
The five founders of this Fraternity sought a different organization than the other fraternities at the time by establishing an organization where membership would be based on personal worth and character rather than wealth, rank, or honor. This was taken a step further in the Opportunity Out of Defeat speech by Frater Wallace McCauley and the subsequent draft of the Declaration of Principles. The final paragraph of this document reads:
Finally, above all else, this fraternity stands for Men. We believe in their equality in those things which the Creator has decreed they should equally enjoy. We consider no man from the standpoint of those qualities and advantages he has not attained by personal effort. We stand for men whose manhood has withstood the test of trying conditions. We deem sterling character and staunch uprightness to be necessary qualifications to membership in this fraternity. All else, though desirable, is secondary to these.
Words that should stand out in that paragraph are "equal," "personal effort," and "sterling character." In our 112 year history, TKE has never denied membership to those of different nationality, religion, or any other societal concern. All that was needed - strong character and a desire to make a difference. We continue to utilize these truths as we create Better Men for a Better World.
Each man takes on the responsibility to make all personal and financial obligations to be full members, yet some give the excuse that this Fraternity is supposed to be about “not for wealth, rank or honor.” What does this have to do with paying annual membership dues, the conclave savings plan, or insurance? Nothing. Year after year Fraters say how much they believe in this Fraternity and what it stands for, but collecting these dollars is a constant struggle.
"Nationals just wants more money." "We don’t ever get anything for how much we pay." "Why is insurance so much, we never get in trouble. Why should we pay it?"
This is a black and white issue - TKE will not survive as an organization without membership dues. No Conclave, Regional Leadership Conference, website, magazine, database or any other tool you can utilize. If you go to Burger King, ask for a cheeseburger and when they ask for your money you respond with ‘but I want it my way’ the burger will not be free. Life is full of decisions and each one costs something. If you value being a Teke, paying your dues should be a priority.
If you need ideas on how to offset costs or want assistance on how to budget for chapter dues, the Offices of the Grand Chapter is here to help. We are a call or
email away. Help us continue TKE’s prominence by taking your fraternal responsibilities seriously. We are all in this together, but the future depends on You.
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