GAMMA LAMBDA CHAPTER A Model Youth Program-Self Help Style The Fraternity House of Gamma Lambda Chapter in Detroit is located in the heart of the core city on the fringes of one of Detroit's largest public housing projects. A few years ago, the education committee of this chapter under the Chairmanship of Brother William Ruben started concentrating on the many challenges within stones throw of 293 Eliot, the address of the house. The results of this effort is a Youth Leadership Training Program. This project is the result of much hard work and dedication by those brothers who accepted the primary responsibility of steering this worthwhile task. An outline of this program is presented for those chapters who may want to participate in a program to develop the potential which remains dormant and untapped in our vast urban ghettoes. RESOURCES In most urban communities there are countless stories of successful Alpha men. We have brothers who hold positions of responsibility at all levels of private industry, local, state and federal government. Many of the Alpha men hold executive and leadership positions with various civic, social and professional organizations. It is assumed that Alpha Phi Alpha, by virtue of its existence in a community, must assume a natural role of leadership among men and serve as models for our Negro youth. The program at Gamma Lambda is based on the premise that every Alpha man, regardless of his occupation may lend his talents in helping youth. In effect, the greatest resource at one's disposal is the dedication of the men in the chapter. NEED There is a definite need to encourage, promote and develop the leadership potential among young blacks in poverty areas. This is especially true of youth between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, who have been denied the opportunities because of depraved social and economic status.
Many of these young people become victims of unemployment and crime. In a large measure, society has not recognized that they are endowed with talents and abilities. They have not been exposed to the leadership images which would normally lead them in the direction of success as productive citizens. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The philosophy underlining the program underway at Gamma Lambda is self determination. Youth is successfully help himself and others. We must recognize that most young people are endowed with some degree of leadership ability. The capacity to lead in a particular situation is present in most of us. This is demonstrated most clearly in those group situations where leadership ability has the greatest opportunity to emerge. Each individual youth may play a role if his innate abilities are developed. This means extending his horizons while sharing his knowledge and skills with others who are in need of assistance. Under proper guidance these factors may be nurtured and developed into mature and responsive leadership. Sharing with others is the key to success in such an endeavor. This is in essence the basic ingredient of the program. Having an interest in others is the second important requirement and organization is the third. Training and discipline are important factors in developing this approach. Under the leadership of Brother Ruben a Youth leadership program was accepted by Gamma Lambda. SELECTION Boys and girls were selected who exhibited an interest and expressed a desire to be part of the program. Junior high school and Senior high schools may be contacted for referral of students who have demonstrated some leadership potential. Civic and neighborhood organizations may also serve a source for referrals. Special efforts should be made to enlist referrals from adult grass root leaders who are personally familiar with young potential leaders of the area.
ORIENTATION The first group in Gamma Lambda's program consisted of ten (10) youths. Each of these youths was expected to share his experience with at least five (5) other youths. Most of the youth enrolled in the program, willingly accepted this challenge and as a result the affects of the program is being experienced by 20 to 30 youth in this community. After selection, group counseling was conducted with the youth in order to identify existing talents and ambition, and as an aid in motivation and setting goals. Information from these sessions may be used in selecting activities and projects that will lend themselves to building leadership. As a part of the orientation, the youth involved should be exposed to a series of informal talks with people who may serve as "success" symbols. These young people should have an opportunity to see and hear about the personal success of these people. In Gamma Lambda's program members of the committee, which includes an assistant principal, physician, special education teacher, community worker and counselor conducted these sessions. The committee has received cooperation from the parents of the youth involved and consider this participation an important aspect of the program. In many cases, the parents may show reluctance but when convinced that they are an integral part of this process of leadership development may take a different view. In any event it is important that they do not have a dim view of the program. It is also suggested that each enrollee be assigned to a Fraternity Brother, who will keep close contact with the young person and help him make the best possible adjustment in the program. All enrollees should be given an opportunity to meet the members of the fraternity and become aware of the purpose and intent of the organization. In this manner mutual interest of the brothers and youth may be developed along parallel lines. 15