NOVICES: A Phi A Fraternity vs. A Phi A Inc.
Somewhere around October 15th (give or take), Bro. Kenneth Furlough posed a couple of questions to the AlphaEast listserv:
“What is your insight on new member services (learning from noble elders – men 50 years and older regardless of when they joined the organization – they have a lifetime of experiences) over becoming chapter president in a few short years?
Is service to the chapter important, rather than trying to lead the chapter with little understanding of being a member of ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.?”
Considering the cultural shift being experienced by volunteer organizations all over, the response to the questions appeared to be something relevant to the entire Brotherhood, so they’ve been included [with more detail] here.
In regards to question number one and speaking from experience, in short, its important that Brothers follow what works best well for the dynamics (and culture) of their chapter. A chapter of 10 will respond differently than a chapter of 100+.
When I first joined Delta Lambda, I was fresh out of school and “knew I had what was needed to ‘set the Brothers straight’,” so-to-speak. However, it was that eagerness and high energy that actually placed me in a position to realize I didn’t know nearly as much as I professed and through trial and error I learned a great deal and have moved from a “wet behind the ears” recent college grad (circa. 1988) to my final term as chapter president (2008).
What’s really important is for Brothers to remember we create Constitutions and By-Laws, not for sport (though some treat it as such), but to ensure our individual chapters and the General Organization avoid the speed bumps and jerky motion of “experience v. lack of experience.”
In the end, the president is only as good as the Brothers supporting him.
The chapter, on the other hand, is as good as the “vision” put forth by the president. Your propensity for leadership has nothing to do with whether you’ve been an Alpha for 6 months, or 60 years. This begins to answer question number two, which sort of “pits” one purpose of Alpha vs. another; but what’s most important is to remember that not every Brother is interested in serving in a leadership capacity within the chapter. There are a number of Brothers who are purely interested in “working in the vineyards” and leaving the “Alpha politics” to Brothers with that inclination.
Additionally, understanding Alpha – the Fraternity – can mean several things. At its most basic, understanding Alpha merely requires a Brother “pay attention to” or “re-read” the particulars of one’s initiation ceremony. All a Brother needs to know is explained during this time. Considering such, a Brother’s understanding of the Fraternity should have no impact on providing service to the chapter.
In the end, what counts is that we recognize our leaders will come in many forms and at varying ages or stages of life; what one Brother can do at 42, another can do at 22. Who’s the better leader?
Based upon their productivity, you be the judge.