On April 10 2024, a Phi Delta Theta coalition of Executive Vice President and CEO Sean Wagner, General Council President J. David Almacy, and seven selected undergraduate brothers joined the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) in Washington, DC.
The Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) is a collaborative effort between the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), Fraternity/Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) and Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund (FSAF). The FGRC represents ninety-two single-gender fraternities and sororities nationwide with more than 800,000 undergraduate members at 9,500 chapters on 700 campuses, as well as more than 9.1 million alumni. The NIC and NPC set and execute the advocacy agenda for the FGRC and directly lobby Congress.
Last winter, the FGRC asked Phi Delta Theta to find outstanding campus leaders to participate in the Capitol Hill Visits in Washington, DC. The Fraternity is proud to report that Phi Delta Theta had the most representation with seven members chosen to meet with lawmakers and/or their staffs. The purpose was to advocate for government relations platforms developed by the National Panhellenic Council and the North American Interfraternity Conference.
These brothers had the incredible opportunity to meet with lawmakers to advocate for government relationships platforms alongside other Greek leaders from the National Panhellenic Council and the North American Interfraternity Conference. They were also fortunate to meet with fellow Phi Delta Theta members Senator Jim Risch, Idaho ’65, and Congressman David Rouzer, NC State ’94.
Representing the voice of our community was an honor, and I am incredibly grateful to Phi Delta Theta Fraternity for selecting me for this impactful opportunity. A major highlight on this visit was getting to speak to the staffers of these offices about anti-hazing policy. At least one student a year dies from hazing on a college campus. It was a full circle moment to have worked with my chapter over the years to host our annual anti-hazing event at Montclair to today, working to enact meaningful change across the US that can save lives. By championing legislation against hazing, we’re taking a stand to promote a culture of accountability, empathy, and mutual support within our university communities. Another great part of this visit was getting to meet Phis from all over the country. It’s so interesting to hear of other brothers’ experiences in their chapter and it was such an amazing team to work with. This was definitely also an amazing learning experience as an undergraduate who hopes to work in public service or policy, and having an opportunity like this has been invaluable.
Richard Steiner-Otoo, Montclair ’24
Being able to represent Phi Delta Theta and FGRC on Capitol Hill was such an enjoyable experience. We got to speak to representatives from all over the country about issues that greatly affect our community. I was very proud to learn how many Phis we have on Capitol Hill, it gave me great pride and inspiration to pursue my professional goals.
Austin Lauziere, UCF ’24
The opportunity to go to Capitol Hill with Phi Delta Theta brothers from around the country is something I’ll truly never forget. I learned the impact I can have by showing up and articulating my unique experiences to those with the power to enact change. Getting to meet and have a wide-ranging yet substantive conversation with Senator Risch was an incredibly special experience for me as not only a member of Phi Delta Theta, but also a lifelong Idahoan.
Cayden Stone, Boise State ’26
It was an honor to represent Phi Delta Theta in Washington DC with my Phi Delt brothers, but also our brothers and sisters of the greater fraternal community. I won’t forget this experience for a long time to come, and hope it only gets outdone by my future activist work in DC.
William Bechtel, Illinois ’23
