[21150] in APO-L
[APO-L] What is our "Bread" abd "Butter"?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Hayim Weiss)
Mon Sep 11 18:01:28 2000
Message-Id: <APO-L%2000091117001650@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU>
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 16:50:16 -0500
Reply-To: Hayim Weiss <hweiss@CHRISTIANACARE.ORG>
From: Hayim Weiss <hweiss@CHRISTIANACARE.ORG>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
Greetings One and All!
Over the last few months, I have been very fortunate to work with some
really great undergraduates, graduates, alumni, and friends of Alpha Phi
Omega. Lately, our discussions have been around the area of Alpha Phi Omega
and its future.
I have been hearing from students at chapters -- that not all is well on
the APO Front, that membership in their chapters is down, that finding
enthusiastic/committed individuals is hard - and keeping them enthusiastic
and committed is even harder, that projects are harder to distinguish APO
from other "service" clubs and organizations, and that APO is failing to
retain its "strong" position on the campuses of our colleges and
universities.
I have been hearing from graduates -- that APO has forgotten them, that
chapters have placed them in status of memory - not memorable, that APO has
sent them more requests for money, than a reason to stay involved and keep
active in their membership.
I have heard from alumni of old -- that the APO they see now is not the
APO they built, that APO has become more of a "club" like atmosphere than a
"fraternal" organization, and that APO has seemed to forget their
accomplishments, dedication, and committment over the years.
And I have heard from friends -- asking why they would want to be
involved with APO versus Circle K - versus Habitat - versus the CommServ
Club (Community Service Club), that what has APO got that the community
service office does not have, that why should they pay and pledge to a be a
"Brother" - when other organizations accept all with no or minimal
requirements and no or minimal dues required.
With all "that" said, it got me thinking. What is APO's Bread and
Butter? By that, I mean, what is our identity? what are we noted for? what
are we good for? what distinguishes us? what makes us unique? what do we
need to do to retain a competitive place on the campuses of our colleges and
universities?
If we are failing on our campuses, why are we failing on our campuses?
If we are failing to attract entusiastic people, where are the enthusiastic
people? If we are failing to grow on campuses where a strong community
service presence exists, why are we not on that campus? If leadership,
friendship, and service are core to our organizations' strength - why are
other organizations growing exponentially using similar themes? If chapters
are struggling to find projects, what happened to the base of our projects?
There are leaders in this organization. I often think I am one of them.
But I know I cannot be a leader forever. At somepoint in my life, I will
move on from my experience with APO and grow into other organizations and
networks of people who also believe in the same principals and values that
APO has taught me, shown me, and developed me. But I really worry, that
when I am ready to leave, will I leave a fallacy or a legacy.
I am not referring to a legacy of my accomplshments (that's why you have
children, adopt, or friends with children). I am referring to a legacy of
an organization. Will there be an APO at the next anniversary convention?
What does APO need to do to become a leader on the campus once more? What
do we need to do to attract new chapters, enthusiastic brothers, and what do
we need to do to retain committed alumni, advisors, and actives?
If you have read this message to this point, stop. Have you thought
about what I am saying or are you just reading it as another piece of mail
in electronic circular bin? I know I have thought about this message --
that's why I cared enough to write it. I also know that it will strike a
nerve in some people -- good, it got you thinking.
Show me a chapter that is strong and survivable. Show me a campus where
community service is three Greek letters (hint: Alpha Phi Omega). Show me
an idea whose time has come and make it happen now! Show me that the future
is ours and our future is well in grasp. Show me why we cannot be the best
that ever was, is, and will be. Show me that I will see our 76th
Anniversary, our 77th, and so on. Show me that good leadership, friendship,
and service is more than just a creed. Show me that we care about those who
graduate, grow old, and offer unselfishly of their time and effort. Show me
that APO is worth the investment in time, capital, and energy. Show me that
we can be!
Its been quite a while since I have made a post like this. Show me it
was worth writing.
Yours in faithful leadership, friendship, and service,
Hayim Weiss
ps. Reply to share the post on APO-L, reply to me personally in private.
