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The first solution is to create the system by which we solve the problem. A proper system for addressing the problem would involve surveys to all possible constituents (students, alumni volunteers, alumni associations, and regular alumni who just get the emails), focus groups, strategic conversations, and other tools and tactics to analyze the problem in the first place.
But I wouldn't spend two years just deciding IF community presence needs to be expanded -- we already know that it does. We've just got to make sure that no group in the fraternity is left out as we work to identify the complexities of the challenge and the intricacies of the solution.
That said, without surveying everyone, these are some ideas I have to elevate our presence in communities:
--- Engage alumni associations in a national program of service which effectively brands the post-college APO experience.
--- Truly invest in our national partnerships so that they are worthwhile to us and the partner.
--- Reclaim and re-engage our notable alumni (including honoraries) in high-level campaigns to promote service. Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Melody Barnes, etc.
--- Use technology and new media (including rebuilding our website) to accurately reflect who we are and our ambition to serve the community.
Basically, I feel as though if we are a service fraternity, we need to be about service first. Do service, look service, share service.... we do that WELL with our students, but we can't keep giving them the lion's share of the work without doing our part as a national board of directors, national office, alumni associations, and just plain regular alumni.
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