Pressure Groups

All of us are social creatures; it is part of our nature to affiliate with others. Many of us at the university are separated from home, family, and friends and want to create new networks of relationships through the various groups and organizations at UCLA.

Just as individual students want to participate in groups, the 700 registered groups, clubs, and organizations at UCLA seek new members to strengthen and enrich their organizations and membership.

Although the Center for Student Programming registers all campus groups, and while most organizations registered by the university employ casual methods of recruiting, some groups have been known to use coercive or deceptive practices. Many of these groups have hidden agendas and are often misleading when they describe their purpose. Their promises vary according to the nature of the group, but what is offered typically appeals to our sense of idealism, our desire for companionship, our need to have life's questions answered, and, above all, to our need to belong. During times of transition or stress, appeals like this are attractive to anyone. It is difficult to resist these groups because they appeal to the best parts of our nature, our sense of altruism and desire to be of service, and one of our deepest human longings: a desire to be unconditionally loved and accepted by others.

In spite of this appeal, such deceptive groups can be dangerous to you. They can do spiritual and psychological damage because they may, over time, separate you from your family and friends, seriously impede your academic career by occupying so much time that your studies suffer, or place you in a position where you relinquish your right to make decisions for yourself.

Groups like this come in many guises -- religious groups, political organizations, pop psychology courses and seminars, and sales and franchise programs. Recruiters are likely to approach you in a variety of locations: on Bruin Walk, in your residence hall or apartment, in streets of the village. You may get on their list by applying to share an incredibly cheap apartment, by giving your name and address to participate in a raffle, or by participating in a survey. They run programs on campus that promise training in cooking, martial arts, Bible study, or tutoring. Despite their outward differences, they share one thing in common - they want to solicit your membership and see that you become a thoroughly indoctrinated member of their organization.

It is very important for each of us to learn to distinguish between groups that can enrich our lives at UCLA and those that seek to exploit us for their own purposes. It is difficult to do this on the descriptions presented by the group; however, through a little investigating you can quickly find out what the group really stands for. Here are a few things to look for; if two or more of the following statements are true of a group that is trying to recruit you, you should seriously reconsider your involvement.

1) The group or its members are persistent in seeking you out, even when you have made it clear that you are not interested.
2) You are approached by a number of members of the group at various times during the day or week. They call frequently and offer to help you with almost anything.
3) While you are with the members, you are the center of attention.
4) You are invited on a retreat or weekend with the group, but they do not give you an idea of the purpose, theme, or activities before you go.
5) The group encourages you to put their agenda first; their activities take priority over studying, working, and spending time with non-group members.
6) Group members exhibit unquestioning commitment to a living leader.
7) Group members speak in a derogatory way about your past religious, social or political affiliations.
8) You are told that your family and friends are not able to help or understand you, but that the group has the answers to all your problems (including medical problems).
9) You are asked to recruit new members or help raise funds soon after joining.

If you join one of these groups, consider leaving the group if you experience one or more of the following:

1) You are expected to consult group leaders before making decisions.
2) Group leaders direct you in personal matters, such as who to date and when to have sex.
3) You are discouraged from living and/or socializing with non-group members.
4) You are told that the group is above the law; it is okay to break the law to serve the group.
5) You begin to feel ashamed and unworthy as a person.
6) The group demands your loyalty, time, energy, and money.
7) Your doubts and questions are seen as signs of weak faith or commitment. You are shunned if you persist in these doubts.
8) You fear persecution if you leave the group.
9) Non-conformity is met by intimidation, intolerance, coercion, and sometimes punishment.

Experts estimate there are hundreds of coercive groups active in the United States, and new groups appear every year. Many such groups change their names to evade detractors. Remember the old rule of the market place, "caveat emptor" -- let the buyer beware. It is better to err on the side of caution than to become a victim.

Here are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and your friends:

1) Talk with trusted and known friends who are NOT members of the group.
2) Say NO and mean it. Ask questions; demand specific answers. Walk away if you feel pressured. Do not give out your name, address or telephone number prematurely.
3) Talk with family, teachers, clergy, and others who know you.
4) Use the resources available to you on campus such as The Counseling Center, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, Student Legal Services, and the Center for Student Programming.
5) Consult with the staff of the University Religious Conference. Staffed by personnel who seek to serve the entire UCLA community, you can talk with them or let them refer you to clergy or another person of your own religious background.

By exercising a little caution, you will be able to find groups and organizations to join which will enhance your life at UCLA. As a member of these groups, you will be able to make the kinds of friendships and commitments which make our lives on the university campus memorable. Please ask questions and seek information so that the choice you make is an informed choice.