Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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Brother Richard F. America
http://explore.georgetown.edu/people...TemplateID=319
(Brother America says he is running a "non-traditional" reform campaign. The following information constitutes his campaign platform.)
Candidate for Grand Basileus
Platform
April 15, 2010
Gentlemen, Friends, Brothers -
Brother Richard F America offers the following proposals. He remains a
reform candidate. He is not campaigning in the traditional manner.
Instead, he offers this for your consideration. If you find these
constructive ideas, we can go forward with them. --
Platform
April 15, 2010
Platform
April 15, 2010
This campaign is based strictly on these ideas.
â—� Omega Psi Phi has great potential but is underperforming.
â—� Omega Psi Phi can be a strong collegiate social fraternity, and
academic society - competitive with all other collegiate fraternities.
Here is the approach I commend to you to realize our full potential.
Omega will benefit by adopting something along these lines.
A Vision Statement, Mission and Purpose, and 20 Actions that will
strengthen the Fraternity going into the next 100 years.
This Platform responds to a widely felt perception that the Fraternity
requires a change in direction, purpose, and operating method.
The actions can succeed, if a majority want a new approach.
Some actions can be quickly agreed to and implemented under existing
rules and policy. Others require longer consideration and debate, and
legislative action.
Background
There are 850,000,000 African people in the world. 650,000,000 in
Africa, 200,000,000 in the Western Hemisphere. Some in Europe and Asia.
We are struggling to develop. Our conditions range from great success,
for a small minority, to persistent, chronic poverty for most.
There has been progress. But we have serious difficulties surmounting
our challenges as a people.
Education is a key to development. But we have problems performing at
high levels, from pre school through higher education.
40 million African Americans could be key factors in helping all 850
million develop. But we, too, underperform academically.
The basic premise of the Platform, and Proposed Actions, is that Omega
Psi Phi can be an engine to help improve the educational performance of
African Americans, in general.
But Omega Psi Phi has problems, too. So, 100,000 Ques should
redesign, refocus, recommit, reengineer, reform and continuously
improve.
We can change Omega Psi Phi for the better. And, that will help all
African people to a better life.
Vision
- To Produce High Achievers – Mature, Thoughtful, Polished
Professional Men who have a lifetime commitment to social and economic
progress for African peoples worldwide
- To be a Developmental Asset to the global African community
- To be a competitive College Fraternity, using practices common
among well managed national fraternities, and
- To be highly rated by national external evaluators.
What Is the Basic Problem?
Purposelessness. We do not offer a solid enough reason to join or to
participate.
1. 85% of the membership is disengaged. They do not see a
compelling purpose, mission or meaning.
2. African American men are underperforming at universities across
the country. African American communities are underperforming. African
and Caribbean and Afro-Latin communities are underdeveloped.
3. Omega Psi Phi was created to build lifetime friendships, but
also to stimulate academic achievement, and to help solve those
problems. It is not performing successfully on those standards
4. The Fraternity lacks a clear purpose, strategy, direction or
disciplined ways to measure results.
Solution
Emphasize strong Undergraduate and Graduate Chapters - with annual
meaningful measured performance criteria that focus on academic
achievement and serious, sustained, long term social impact.
Mission -
â—� To maintain 300 Undergrad Chapters, each with 3.0 grade point
averages. Each will bring in 20, and no more than 20, new members
every year, and maintain a roster of 60.
â—� To maintain 300 graduate chapters - each communicating with
and engaged with all Ques living in their areas - who financially
support the undergrad chapters.
â—� To financially support Boys Clubs, Boy Scout, School and other
programs that strengthen young people.
â—� To financially support key organizations engaged in solving
social problems and developing the economies of African peoples
worldwide – including the NAACP, UNCF, NUL, OIC, Africare, SCLC,
NBUF, Black Farmers, and RainbowPUSH.
Actions
20 Actions that can help correct defects that cause underperformance
and failure
The Actions conform to, and are guided by, the Cardinal Principles.
They will take the Fraternity forward according to the original purpose
-
- Scholarship - meaning high chapter academic achievement is the
top priority
- Manhood - meaning maturity, good judgment, integrity and
honorable dealings in all matters -
- Perseverance - meaning a depoliticized approach to selecting
leaders, financial discipline, and a long term strategy that guides
actions. - commitment, upon joining, to lifetime involvement
- Uplift - meaning financial and other support for key
institutions in the African American, Afro- Latin, Afro Caribbean and
African community that builds stronger successful, young men and boys,
and supports development around the world. - Acceptance of a duty to
help solve the problems facing African peoples
The Actions address defects in strategy, political process, and
operational and financial management at all levels, quality of
membership selection and development, academic performance, and
community engagement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Undergraduate Chapters the Priority - The quality of undergrad
chapters is our main concern. To build strong Chapters, we raise the
average national Grade Point Average of Chapters from 2.5 to 3.0, by
2015 - one tenth per year, for five years. This energizes and
attracts strong candidates.
By 2015, 3.0 is the average chapter GPA. Individuals can join with
2.5, so long as each Chapter maintains an overall, 3.0.
This has demonstration effects, and impacts and improves the
performance of all African American students.
Others take notice. They follow. And we all benefit, because it
changes the culture and mind-set of African American students, in
general.
This raises the level of expectation and performance across the
country, beginning with the 300 campuses with Omega Chapters.
But to do that, and to strengthen undergraduate performance, Alumni and
graduate Chapters are key.
2. Grad Chapters Relevant – and Purposeful . Their main purpose
is – to support a local, nearby undergrad chapter. Grad Chapters
support undergraduate chapters in achieving the mission, by financially
subsidizing - a quality fraternity house, at every campus where such
houses are permitted, , and providing program and financial incentives,
cash awards, for high academic achievement.
85% of Que alumni are not active. We are not offering a good enough
reason to participate. And what we offer is not competitive with
alternative uses of their time, energy and money.
There is probably nothing that can induce most Omega Men to spend time
in Fraternity activities, or in graduate chapter meetings.
But 90 +% would be financial if dues were reduced and set at a
reasonable level. And they would contribute additionally for important
programs, as they see that we are making a serious difference and
impact.
So, we offer a more compelling, meaningful and relevant program that
most Ques will financially support.
3. Recruit and Admit – Chapters identify and invite to
membership students with high grades, and high character and leadership
qualities, such as participation in ROTC and campus activities.
Each undergraduate chapter follows National Rules, and DR leadership,
and identifies, approaches, recruits, attracts and brings in 20 men
each year, maintains a 3.0 chapter GPA, sponsors/finances a quality
youth activity. And -
- has 10 Men on Dean’s list every year.
- competes in intramural athletics, winning championships in at
least one sport each year.
- has an up to date list of all alumni.
- has a chapter alumni association
- has email, telephone and regular mail contact with every alum
twice each year, telling them of latest developments and successes, and
keeping them up to date on progress.
- hosts a guest faculty talk on a serious topic four times every
year.
- has a residential house, if permitted.
- or has a well functioning meeting and activity room, suite or
house.
- has graduates going to business, medical, law and graduate
schools every year.
- has one candidate for a Truman, Rhodes or Marshall scholarship
every year
Each new Group of Initiates – under the MSP, or a new process,
joins under the National Rules, and with these new additional
requirements –
- Total financial requirement to enter are One Year’s dues, not
three, plus a modest Initiation Fee.
This means that we will no longer impose a three year or any heavy
financial entrance requirement. That is not necessary, because new
Members join for the right reasons, and stay engaged for the right
reasons, and find that participation, year by year, is a valuable
experience.
- Read 20 books written by Ques, from an approved list. Write
4 essays, as a Group project, in a book review of those books, and
present it as a Power Point Presentation to the Chapter.
- Research the earliest Line in the Chapter. Interview those
living Alumni on video.
- Research the oldest living member. Interview him on
tape/digital.
- Collect mementos from that member and donate them into the
Chapter History Room, and maintain that History Room
- Make substantive personal email communication with
every Chapter alumnus,
- Initiate new Members in private, in coat and tie.
4. Founders Scholar Prize – This is a new prize that will be
offered to the MSP Group in each District with the Highest GPA each
year.
This is an incentive to each Entering Class to continue performing as
a team after completing the MSP, and becoming members, throughout the
First year. Being a Founders Scholar becomes a mark of real
distinction among Omega Men.
Founders Scholar Prizes – also created and given in each District to
the Chapters with the Junior and Senior Classes with the best GPAs.
- Produce one project for the Chapter during the First year
that has lasting value.
5. Reduce annual dues to Chapter - $100, National $25 and
District $50 = $175 . Improving the overall quality of the
Fraternity produces many more dues paying members. And total revenues
are higher, while individual dues are much lower.
6. Create an expectation for all 100,000 Ques of ongoing
lifetime financial participation and support for worthy programs.
25 National Dues
50 District dues
100 Chapter dues
20 NAACP
20 National Urban League
20 SCLC
20 OIC
20 Rainbow PUSH
20 Africare
20 UNCF
20 National Black United Fund
20 Federation of Southern Cooperatives or National Black Farmers
Fund
50 Omega Investment Fund (does not exist, yet)
50 Omega Credit Union
All Ques contribute to their undergrad chapter Alumni Support Fund
50 Alumni House Fund
50 Alumni Scholarship Fund
So every new Member, and every member, understands and makes a
serious commitment to pay $175, and, up to $400 additional, every
year for life for these worthy purposes.
That is the expectation that new members accept without reservation
when they join an undergrad or grad chapter.
Helping the Chapter maintain regular e-mail and telephone contact with
all alumni, wherever they are, is a good way to build solidarity
feelings among Men in the Membership Intake Process (or LOOP).
It’s a useful task. It connects them with the Chapter history. It
connects them with Men who helped build the Chapter, and carry it
forward.
This builds and strengthens bonds over generations. With modern
technology, every Chapter does this well.
And with those bonds being strong, and refreshed every year, Alumni
are more inclined to contribute funds
to the undergrad Alumni House and Scholarship Funds, every year
The Alumni House Fund is used to help pay for and maintain the House.
With this steady support, every undergrad chapter on campuses that
permit Houses, - averaging 60 men – has a full range of well run
meaningful, developmental, activities, and a functioning House, that
accommodates 20, 40, and up to all 60 Men.
7. Qualified Faculty Advisor - Each Chapter has an Advisor who
is an active member of the National Association of Fraternity Advisors,
has been through their training. and is certified by them.
The National Association of Faculty Advisors - is the group that
establishes state of the art practice in faculty oversight of Greek
life. They publish newsletter, Perspectives. Every Que chapter
subscribes to it, and the Faculty Advisor of every Que Chapter is an
active member of that Association.
8. Alumni Corporations. Works with the Local Sponsoring Grad
Chapter, the Area/Corridor/State Reps and the District Rep, to
- monitor and encourage academic quality
- athletic performance in intramural competition
- uplift performance in youth and community support
- finance a house
- finance a scholarship fund
Most undergrad chapters have 300 to 1000 alums. So the Alumni fund
receives $15,000 to $50,000 per year from annual alumni
contributions.
Every Que, whether personally active or not, in a grad chapter,
contributes $50 per year through the Grad Chapter, to the local
undergraduate chapter, which the grad chapter sponsors.
With these steady supports, every undergrad chapter – averaging 60
men – has well run meaningful, developmental, activities, and a
well functioning House, either residential, or a non residential meeting
and activities house, according to the university rules at each school
9 All Ques are Active - Whether financial or not. All Members
are forever considered active once initiated. There is no significant
distinction between financial and non financial, because the
Fraternity operates with such vigor that the overwhelming majority
financially participate because they want to support the progress.
10 Credit Union - All Ques join the credit union. 100,000
Ques deposit $50 every year. With those resources, $5,000,000 a year,
the Omega Credit Union is a significant financial institution. It is a
source of loans for Omega fraternity houses, along with capital for
Omega businesses and other worthy purposes that are well analyzed,
credit worthy, well secured, and prudent.
This program, as with the others, depends on having a well managed up
to date data base. We will know where every Que is, and have good
contact information with them. This is a priority at every level, and
every membership intake (LOOP) includes updating the local chapter data
base, contacting all alumni, and encouraging participation in all
financial matters, including in the Credit Union.
11 Omega Psi Phi Angel Investment Fund and Business Plan
Competition
Every Que contributes $50 into the Fund, every year.
Every member is invited to submit business plans.
Winning plans are selected by a panel of judges.
Every District has one winner, and each winner receives $50,000 in an
equity grant.
All businesses continue to communicate their results to the Fund, and
participate in ongoing communications over a well run Information
system.
If participation levels are
10,000 x $ 50 = $500,000 or
20,000 x 50 = 1,000,000 or
30,000 x 50 = 1,500,000 or
40,000 x 50 = 2,000,000
This fund becomes significant after we reach 10,000 brothers.
We produce one growing business with a strong concept and plan every
year in every district.
We help Omega men create and grow competitive businesses.
12 Achievement Week - We waste an opportunity by the
way we conduct Annual Awards.
We conduct awards ceremonies and recognize achievement every year. The
categories include, Omega Man of the Year, etc. But these categories
tend to be popularity contests.
Instead, the categories focus on real achievement in professional and
occupational fields. The awards go to any Que, active or not.
These are the proposed categories –
- Professional Athlete of the Year
- College Athlete of the Year
- Senior (40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and over) Athlete of the Year
- Fine Artist
- Performing Artist
- Physician
- Attorney
- Entrepreneur
- Minister
- Corporate Executive
- Public Manager/Executive/Administrator
- Public/Private School Teacher
- Scientist
- Engineer
- Elected Official
- Journalist
- Doctoral Dissertation
- Book author
- Law Enforcement /Public Safety/Social Service Worker Man of the
Year
We honor Men in each of these categories, in every District, every
year, whether or not they were active or financial. We accomplish two
important objectives. We honor achievement among Ques. And we
reengage, reconnect the Ques we honor. They are welcomed again. They
are praised and recognized for their work. And they understand that
Omega is moving with new vigor and focus in new directions, and they
become financial again, in probably most cases.
13 Select Leaders and Governance in a new way
The Supreme Council is composed of 12 District Representatives, the
National Basileus and Vice Basileus, 1st and 2nd Vice Grand Basileus,
National KF and National KRS, and the Executive Director
It functions as a board of directors. It serves the best interests of
the national organization, not as a legislative body serving
constituents
It meets quarterly
There are no elections, except at Chapter level.
The Grand Basileus is the District Representative whose District
attains the best overall performance on eight critical measures
14. Measure District, Corridor and Chapter Performance. These are
the measures
- undergrad chapters with highest average number of members,
- undergrad chapters with highest chapter gpa,
- undergrad chapters with largest aggregate alumni financial
contributions to their undergrad chapters
- undergrad chapters with most members of sponsored boy scout
troop, or boys club, or adopted high school, entering four year colleges
each year.
- largest percentage of financial Brothers
- largest housing funds
- best performance in national business plan competition
- best performance in intramural campus athletics
Those objective measures are tracked through regular quarterly reports,
and a modern information management system, and signal the best
performance by the District leadership teams
The District Rep with the best objectively measured performance
becomes the Grand Basileus the following Conclave. The Corridor Rep,
in each District, with the best corresponding Chapter performance on
the same measures, becomes the next District Rep . The Chapter Basileus
with the best performance becomes the Corridor Rep .
Likewise, Chapters rotates officers every two years.
Our entire leadership is based on real performance. There are no
elections, except at Chapter. A Man can go from Chapter Basileus, to
Corridor Rep to District Rep , to Grand Basileus in 8 years, based on
extraordinary leadership and high performance in his chapters.
The incentive is to excel. We see dramatic improvements at every level
This new arrangement gives tangible incentives to DRs to make sure
their chapters perform at the highest possible level.
With solid basic academic, housing, social and financial programs in
place, they become self enacting.
With well established goals and solid functioning chapters, with
alumni and local grad chapter support, DRs focus on special projects
that enhance the fraternity and the community, and on monitoring
performance on the basic goals.
. National officers serve a two year term. There are no second
terms.
The Grand Basileus is the Chairman of the National Council, and
responsible for carrying out one special Uplift project that benefits
the National African American community, or Africa or the African
diaspora, that he chooses, during his term.
The Grand Basileus also selects one new Que book that is read by all
100,000 Ques every year. That book is the subject of Chapter
discussion during February.
15 . The Grand Keeper of Finance is Chair of the Finance Committee of
the Board.
This is an oversight job. Likewise, the Grand Keeper of Records and
Seal is Chair of the Information Systems Committee of the Board.
16. Promote Leadership Team - The 3 man team from the best
performing District moves up to National positions. The District Keeper
of Finance and the District Keeper of Records and Seal become National
17. Executive Director - is chosen by a professional search process.
He is the CEO of the Fraternity, and responsible for achieving
nationally high results in membership quantity and quality, academic
achievement, housing acquisition and maintenance, and internal operating
efficiency and integrity.
The Executive Director is an experienced professional who has managed
similar complex national organizations previously. And he is highly
compensated accordingly with financial incentives for outstanding work.
The Executive Director selects and manage the National Staff.
He manages the National priorities - strong undergrad chapters, well
focused grad chapters, sound financial management of a growing national
endowment fund, and a housing fund, , and an angel investment fund and
business plan competition.
Those 5 basic objectives are the job of the Executive Director. He has
a top level MBA and 10 years corporate experience. He earns a
compensation and incentive package appropriate and competitive in the
market for those credentials and skills.
18. National Conclave - Reduced to 3 days.
Emphasis is on professional development, seminars, workshops, not social
activity
Cost of national conclave $150. Rotates – among - New York,
Washington, Atlanta, Chicago/Detroit, Los Angeles , Houston/Dallas,
San Francisco,
19. Regular communication with all Ques - All Ques
receive email newsletters every quarter, whether financial contributors
or not.
.
20 Every Chapter is connected by Live Interactive Video
Teleconferencing, Each has the software that allows meetings,
seminars, conferences at any time across the District and the country.
Summary
As a practical matter, it is time to ask all Omega Men to be financial
– but not pressing them for more than that.
We will say -
- All Ques are a resource. But most are not participating in any
way.
- If you have been inactive we want you back - at a dues level
that makes sense.
- We are moving in constructive new directions.
- We are building on a solid foundation.
- We are emphasizing academic achievement for undergraduate
Brothers
- We are emphasizing high impact programs to Uplift people of
African descent for all grad and undergrad Brothers
- If you cannot be active in a chapter, we ask for your financial
participation at the level you find appropriate
- We ask you to be financial every year - $175 Basic.
- And we ask you to consider contributing to the ongoing Uplift
Programs.
This Platform corrects most chronic problems, and sets Omega on a
course of growth and achievement.
Thank you
Fraternally
Dick America, Nu Chapter 1957, OKK, Reston, Virginia
Richard F America
Professor of the Practice
Director of the Africa Initiative
Director of Community Reinvestment
School of Business
Georgetown University
Washington DC 20057
americar@georgetown.edu
202 687 2658
Fraternity politics is a good training ground for the political arena--both can be brutal and messy, a necessary "evil"!
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