APO Alumni Structure and Issues

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by emb021

Not *quite* sure I understand your point, but a problem I've seen with too many in APO is that, to them, APO is their Chapter. And nothing else. They have little concept/appreciate of APO outside their Chapter. If their Chapter is in need of help, they will come running. But if they are asked to join an alumni association, help other Chapters, be involved as an alumni volunteer, they have no interest in doing so.

Their Chapter has failed them. Their Chapter has failed to educate them in what APO is: a NATIONAL Service Fraternity, of which their Chapter is but one of 360+ Chapters around the country. Their Chapter has probably failed to educate them on our NATIONAL history, organization, etc. They probably had little interaction with any Brothers outside their Chapter, unless they went to a conference or convention. And their Chapter probably never really promoted these events and tried to get as many people as possible to attend.

Our Fraternity is ill served by the many alumni who do not get involved in us, not because they have a full life, but because they were never educated that Brotherhood in APO is for life, and that they should consider being involved with APO after they've left their college and Chapter.

Originally Posted by Senusret I

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


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.

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.

Just wanted to move this to its own thread since it wasn't related to the original topic.