[emb021]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Alpha Phi Omega has failed to provide a meaningful, diverse, and robust method of alumni participation.

I won't dissagree with you, but part of the problem is that WE (the alum) have not really stepped up and said we want this and that we will help achieve this.

An above-adequate alumni program would include:

1) A plan to charter geographic-based alumni associations in the 25 most populous United States cities.

2) A consistent alumni association program with annual goals, reporting, and awards for participation. For example, as it stands right now, there is no Distinguished Service Key that Alumni Association may present to their members.

3) A meaningful membership program that addresses the needs of all ages/experience levels of alumni: recent college graduates, alums with families, and retired/empty nest alums.

Actually, I took a look at the alumni association awards and even proposed an AA DSK a couple of NatConvs back. I don't think it got out of the reference committee.

Our alums typically remain active in other endeavors after college -- some become Masons, alumni/ae initiates of GLOs, Kiwanis, Junior League, etc. Some become very active in their churches or participate in more focused service opportunities. They follow interests that are more adult and are more tailored to their needs at the time.

APO just doesn't have that. I think it CAN, but the focus has to move away from "Hey, you graduated now join section staff!" to "You've graduated -- here's a local alumni association that does some service, does some professional development, and has a little fun -- come to a meeting and see if you like it."

THEN you cultivate your sectional leadership from the alumni associations.... I am tired of seeing section staffs recreate programming which SHOULD be performed by alumni associations.

I have to agree. Some of us tried to established an alumni association in our local area. One of the purposes was to cultivate a group from which future sectional leadership could be drawn, as well as future charter sponsers, etc. But getting people to come out even on a monthly basis was very difficult. Somehow asking people to travel 15-20 minutes to the meeting was too much of an inconvenience to them. (as if they don't travel the same amount to time to certain venues like major malls/theaters, sports stadiums, etc) Petty little interpersonal issues also didn't help. (Brother X didn't like Brother Y. Because Brother Y was involved in group, didn't want to come to group. As Brothers A, B, C friends of Brother X, they too didn't come. Even after Brother Y moved out of the area, Brothers A, B, C, and X would not come out)

Have you considered sending this to the Alumni PD?