Your thoughts about APO chapters and A-Phi-Que chapters

[GoldnBlue2004]

We also need to stop subjecting ourselves to our own chapter and learn that there is much more to Alpha Phi Omega if we branch out.

[emb021]

Originally Posted by GoldnBlue2004

We also need to stop subjecting ourselves to our own chapter and learn that there is much more to Alpha Phi Omega if we branch out.

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.

[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.

[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?

[Senusret I]

I am hoping you will repost your thoughts in the other thread I created about this topic.

[LUC Kappa]

I'm a black girl in a coed apo chapter at a historically white school....i look forward to one day going to the cook out and visiting other chapters....

nuff said

[emb021]

Originally Posted by LUC Kappa

I'm a black girl in a coed apo chapter at a historically white school....i look forward to one day going to the cook out and visiting other chapters....

Why wait for "one day" to visit other chapters...

Regionals are coming up, make a point to attend one of them. If possible, attend your Regionals. If not, attend another.

Attend Sectionals. If possible, consider attending other sectionals. (I am considering attending Section 98's this Spring, in additional to my own).

And keep in mind Nationals coming up next year in Boston.

This is the best way to met other chapters and establish friendships.

If nearby chapters are having events, see if they are open to other chapters visits (many are).

Its strange that my chapter has little contact with their 'big brother' chapter which is 30 minutes away, but has good contacts with a chapter farther away in our section. My chapter tries to get as many people as possible to attend sectionals. they don't care were it is, they'll be there. Sadly, many chapters don't do that, either sending a small number or worse, basically not showing up.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by LUC Kappa

I'm a black girl in a coed apo chapter at a historically white school....i look forward to one day going to the cook out and visiting other chapters....

nuff said

Love them or hate them, but the A-Phi-Ques have singlehandedly made the cookout an event to the degree that it is the next best thing to attending the National Convention.

[BluenGold1925]

me too !!! i cant wait!

[Sister Havana]

Originally Posted by LUC Kappa

I'm a black girl in a coed apo chapter at a historically white school....i look forward to one day going to the cook out and visiting other chapters....

nuff said

You coming to the Founder's Day celebration in December? It is open to all Brothers in the area.