C.S.V. Alpha: The fraternity
With a membership of over 130 people C.S.V. Alpha is the largest Christian fraternity in Enschede, something we are quite proud of. Alpha is known for its diversity, always being open to a good discussion. Alpha challenges you and encourages the formation of close friendships. Every other week we host Bible study groups and every Thursday we have a pub night in our own fraternity bar, the Flux. On top of that, our active members organize a wide range of activities and parties for you to attend. Our fraternities’ atmosphere is best described as a place where anyone should feel at home.
Diversity
Alpha is characterized by diversity: its members come from all denominations. Some members signed up for our Bible discussion groups, while others just like to hang in the Flux till the early dawn. Some members like to suit up and do all the talking, while others are most comfortable in a personal conversation. Because of this diversity of character, our fraternity appeals to a wide range of different people. It is our differences that make us such a tight-knit group. We are proud of spreading a message of Christianity and sociability alike. It’s because of this that we are often considered the number one Christian fraternity in Enschede.
Friendship
Alpha offers a wide range of activities, most of which are annually recurring, and some of which are spontaneously organized by our members. Every week we host a pub night, a great opportunity for conversation while enjoying a few beers. Alpha is a relatively small-scale fraternity, making it possible to really get to know the other members. Our fraternity houses are very hospitable: there’s always room for you at our dinner table. Our fraternity also hosts a wide variety of clubs and societies, who regularly meet up in the evening.
Other examples of our activities are our organized weekends, the sailing week, formal ball and Christmas dinner. But of course, there’s a lot more to do outside of our program. Watching FC Twente win a football match together on the Oude Markt square, watching a movie in one of Alpha’s fraternity houses or just having a coffee after a church service are all regular occurrences. There’s always sure to be someone around to do something fun with.
What binds us is our companionship, formed by harmony, respect, openness, and the Christian message as our guidance in life.
Education
“The Bible’s Christian message as our guidance in life” is the basis of our fraternity. This makes our fraternity one that suits all Christians, and it creates a lot of room for discussion about what it means to be Christian. A good example is our Bible study groups. Group leaders choose a subject for the rest of the year. The groups are very different from one another; we have study groups discussing the basics of Christian faith or a specific Bible book, advanced groups, and personal groups. As a member you can indicate your preference for a specific group at the “kringenmarkt”, or group market. Apart from the fortnightly study groups we regularly organize sing-ins and theme nights. On theme nights we invite a speaker to speak on a specific subject, covering a wide range of Christian and societal issues.<br/> But education and shaping is also greatly helped by conversation and discussion within the fraternity. We challenge each other to think outside boxes, not only within committees and study groups, but in everything we do.
Responsibilities
You’ll probably wonder by now, “what obligations are involved with joining this fraternity?” Shortly speaking, it’s what you want it to be. As a freshman, you are expected to at least attend an introduction weekend (not a hazing!) and to join a year group, mostly just to get to know the fraternity and its members. Most freshmen also join a committee. Apart from this, there is lots of stuff you can do, just because you like to. We are always in need of people who want to organize events: you can lead a study group, join a committee, man the tap at Flux, or maybe become a member of the Board! Aside from being good fun, these activities are always very educational. By working together in a team, communicating with the fraternity and using your creativity, you can learn a lot and develop yourself. These skills always come in handy!
Paul Mannée 
27 januari
