The Bright Side

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to begin my role as the Associate Editor of the Sphinx, and furthermore, the editor of The Light. Embarking upon my first year in the House, I have come to realize that there are a lot of opportunities to learn, but even more opportunities to contribute. I have approached this year as a figurative sponge, soaking up all of the things that Alpha has to offer, as well as the ways to provide service to various communities.

This is my first time in a leadership role as distinguished as this and I do not take it lightly. My “job” is to accurately depict the prestigious, powerful and positive activities that this chapter upholds. Personally, I desire for this newsletter to be an explicit snapshot of all of the ways that Xi Alpha Lambda promotes and exhibits manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind.

I have a direction in which I want to take this newsletter. First, I want to place all of the volunteer opportunities, along with their point of contact and links, here for all brothers to see. This will provide a “database” for the many opportunities to get involved in the community, while deepening brotherhood bonds. Second, I want to highlight the unsung heroes. I want to show the chapter all of the amazing things that occur because of the great brothers that put forth so much effort. I want to change the narrative from “Yea, we have that program” to “We have ____ program that has done ____, _____, and ____ for the _____ community, over the past few months!” And last, I want to help uplift the voices of brothers who do not have honored positions, but have honored hearts.

How can you help, you ask? Anytime three or more brothers are gathered together, please: 1) take a picture; 2) tell me where you were; and 3) tell me what you were doing. Heck, I’ll even take pictures of two or more gathered if you were doing something cool! I want to steer away from only hearing about brotherhood, and start seeing the various ways that brotherhood looks.

As I hope you will see today, my first edition of The Light reflects much time, thought, effort and energy. But more importantly, I hope it reflects the mission of Alpha.

Thank you for taking the time to read through. I am excited for the ways this newsletter will shine a new light.

No backwards steps.

-Bro. Russell Roache rroache1906@gmail.com