"When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known,
who introduce you to the most loving group of people you've ever encountered,
and you find the leader to be the most inspired, caring, compassionate and
understanding person you've ever met... and all of this sounds too good to be
true, it probably is too good to be true! Don't give up your education, your
hopes and ambitions, to follow a rainbow."
Jeanne Mills, Former member of the People's Temple, 1978
For most UNH students, joining organizations is a great way to
explore new and interesting ideas and activities. Every group that seeks
recognition from the University must pledge in writing that they consider
student development, citizenship, and safety of top importance. Also, every
group must permit members to disassociate at any time, and abide by the
anti-hazing policy. This helps to establish a basic trust that enhances
learning and creates experiences for positive personal growth.
There are times when students form groups through their
connections with other students at the University and remain outside of the
common mission and values of this community. People in such groups might have
characteristics that you may want to observe before considering an invitation
to join.
Leaders may be...
- The friendliest
people you have ever met.
- Too interested
in what you like to do.
- People who think
you are wonderful and know you have connections, influence, or financial
resources.
- People who have
all the answers.
- Hiding a greater
"truth" from you until a more "appropriate" time.
(Estabrooks, 1999)
Signs to look for that mark destructive organizations are...
- A Totalitarian
worldview:
A group that approves of unethical behavior while claiming goodness and promotes
the goals of the group over the individual.
- Exploitation: There is
pressure to give money, to spend a great deal of money on special
projects. Exploitation can be financial, physical, or psychological.
- Alienation: Separation
from family, friends, and society, a change in values and substitution of
the group as the new "family".
- Exclusivity: Secretiveness
or vagueness by followers regarding activities and beliefs; recruiting and
fund-raising with hidden objectives and without full disclosure; use of
"front groups".
If you have questions or concerns about these types of groups,
there are many people with whom you can talk.
Sincerely,
Michele Holt-Shannon Assistant Director of Student Life
Dr. Anne Lawing Senior Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Resource: ACUI International Conference presentation
"Desperately Seeking Community: The Appeal of Cult Leadership",
Mindy Griffith, University of Arizona. March 6, 2000, New York, NY.