Founded in the summer of 2002, the Capital Fraternal Caucus stemmed from the formerly named Greek PAC. The group began as a way to develop and maintain a Greek presence in DC. The CFC includes organizations that comprise the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). The CFC maintains information about legislative initiatives in Congress that affect Greek life and provides tools for expression of the fraternity and sorority agenda in DC.

The Capital Fraternal Caucus works to ensure the future of fraternities and sororities by advocating in Washington, DC on behalf of the Greek community. By gathering a group of Greeks in Washington who have backgrounds and expertise in public policy and government relations, the CFC is a group of individuals with professional legislative expertise who support Greek and collegiate quality of life issues and understand the importance of Greek life and leadership. They strive to ensure that the quality of Greek life is not hindered but rather is enhanced through legislative action.

The CFC has five stated goals that have guided and continue to direct its efforts in Washington. These goals include:

• Build permanent Greek presence in Washington, similar to the presence of other national trade organizations;
• Show policymakers the positive impact of Greek life;
• Preserve the existing rights of fraternities/sororities;
• Advocate parity in government regulations and support collegiate quality of life issues; and
• Identify opportunities for Greeks and government to work to improve society.

In order to better understand the work that the CFC does today, it is helpful to look at the past efforts of the CFC in Washington. The CFC has worked extensively on legislative efforts and civic engagement efforts in DC relating to fraternities and sororities on issues relating to freedom of association, Title IX, housing and infrastructure improvements, and fire prevention.

The need for consistent representation in Washington, DC for the Greek community became apparent in 1974 when guidelines relating to Title IX were first proposed. The North-American Interfraternity Conference received advice and warnings from loyal members in DC and were informed that anticipated provisions in Title IX could challenge the Greek community’s freedom of association and would have meant that men would have to be allowed in sororities and vice versa. This situation made it apparent that the Greek community needed consistent representation in DC.

Legislative efforts on behalf of the Greek community continue to move forward through the work of the CFC. Past legislation addressed by the group includes the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009 (CHIA), the Charitable Giving Act of 2003 as it relates to CHIA, the Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 2005 as it relates to the issue of freedom of association, and the Collegiate Fire Prevention Act of 2005.

Currently, the CFC is closely following the progress of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2009(CHIA) which would create tax-parity for not-for-profit student housing, allowing for increased safety and infrastructure upgrades. The CFC is actively advocating and is continually working to gather more Congressional co-sponsors for the bill. Through efforts including the Spring Visits to Capitol Hill, where both alumni and current members of Greek organizations visit Members of Congress in an attempt to increase awareness and garner more support for CHIA, and letter writing initiatives to Congressional offices by members of the Greek community in support of CHIA, the CFC is continuing the to build upon the foundation it began in the summer of 2002.

After you register, you will find the CFC website has a variety of resources that will encourage you to get involved in our Greek government relations program. From our site, you can research legislation that positively impacts Greek life and then write your federal elected officials in support of that legislation. You can find out how your Senators and Congressman rate on the “Greek Report Card,” which grades lawmakers and their support of issues that help fraternities and sororities. Under Greek News, you will find a comprehensive clearinghouse of news about the achievements of our alumni, students and chapters.

We hope this web site will help you learn about who we are, what we are doing, and why federal policymakers should preserve the vital role Greek life plays in America today. Please register on the site today so we can work with you to stay active on our issues. With your help, we can ensure that fraternities and sororities have their voice heard in Washington.

Sincerely,

Eve Woods Riley
Chairman
National Panhellenic Conference

Howard C. Pickett
President
North-American Interfraternity Conference