The Torch
The Of fi cial Newsletter of Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
July
2004
The Executive Message: Summertime and the Constitution Convention
Brother Edwin F. Norwood, HI President, Mu Lambda Chapter
Ihope this newsletter finds you in good health and enjoying your summer. Summertime is the time of the year for weddings, family reunions, and summer vacations. It is the time where many people take acouple of months to “recharge their batteries” after along winter and an eventful spring. The General President has called aConstitutional Convention from August 5*'^ to August 8*^ in Philadelphia, PA. As we approach our 100'^ anniversary, it is important that brothers take this time in August to ensure the fraternity’s constitution is ready for the fraternity’s next 100 years. Our General President reminds us about the historical significance of Philadelphia, PA:
“History teaches that two significant dates greatly changed our country and the world. July 4,1776, is the date that the Fathers of this great country signed the Declaration of Independence. September 17, 1787, is the day the United States Constitution was signed by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.”
Philadelphia, PA was the location where these historic documents were signed. Alpha Phi Alpha will use this same backdrop for the Constitutional Convention. As we prepare for this convention, it is important that all Mu Lambda brothers understand the recommended changes to this important document. At the June chapter meeting, amotion was passed to have a“called” chapter meeting to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments and ensure the delegates are instructed on how vote on these important issues. This meeting will be held on July 8*^ (7pm) at Simpson Hamline United Methodist Church. To help facilitate this meeting, the proposed amendments are included in this newsletter. All brothers should review these amendments prior to the meeting and be prepared to discuss them at the meeting in July.
Summertime is also atime for the chapter's executive board to prepare for the upcoming year. The executive board has already begun meeting to plan for the upcoming year. There will be acfiapter retreat in mid-August to discuss these planning efforts. One activity that continues to move forward is the 2004 Black and Gold Scholarship Gala. This grand event will take place on November 13 at the Washington Times Building. Brother James McDonald and his committee will have tickets available at the September chapter meeting.
Ihope you have along, safe, and exciting summer. Look forward to seeing you on July 8*^.
http://www.alphaphialpha.net/events/convention/constitution.html
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Last Modified: Mon, 24 May 200413:35:34 GMT
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
ProposalReads:Insert“Achapterisingoodstandingifitschapterofficersare risk-managementcertified;^ithassubmittedacurrentChapterDirectoryandhasfulfilledit’s financial obligations to the General Organization.”
Nev^rProposalWouldRead:“Achapterisingoodstandingifitschapterofficersare risk-managementcertified; it hassubmittedacurrentChapterDirectoryandhasfulfilledits financialobligationstotheGeneralOrganization.”
InaccordancewithARTICLEXVSectionUoftheAlphaPhiAlphaFraternity,Inc.Constitutionand By-Laws"AllproposedamendmentstotheGeneralConstitutionshallhesubmittedinwritingtothe ExecutiveDirectornotlessthansixty(60)daysbeforethenextsucceedingGeneralConvention."The submissiondeadlineforthe2004ConstitutionConventioninPhiladelphia,PAisJune05,2004. to
97th Anniversary Convention
ProposedConstitutionalAmendmentsandResolutions
Proposal #1
REFERENCE: Article IV, Section 1.2: Organizational Units
ProposedbyBrotherDarrenM.Morton,EasternRegionVicePresident
CurrentArticleReads:Achapterconsistingofatleastsevenmembersingoodstandingwilh theGeneralOrganizationis“active”ifitisincompliancewiththeotherrequirementsofthis Constitution.
ProposalReads:Insert“likewise,achapterconsistingofonetosixmembersingood standingwiththeGeneralOrganizationshallbeconsidered“active-atrisk”andgiventhree yearstoobtain“active”status,otherwisemaybedeclaredinactive.”
NewProposalWouldRead:Achapterconsistingofatleastsevenmembersingoodstanding withtheGeneralOrganizationis“active”ifitisincompliancewiththeotherrequirements ofthisConstitution.Likewise,achapterconsistingofonetosixmembersingoodstanding withtheGeneralOrganizationshallbeconsidered“active-atrisk”andgiventhreeyearsto obtain “active” status, otherwise may be declared inactive.
Rationale:Currently,theclassificationsforchaptersdonotaddressthosechaptersMving fulfilledallrequirementsoftheGeneralOrganizationwiththeexceptionofmaintainseven members.Overtheyears,wehaveseenaneedforaclassificationthatwouldallowchapters withonetosevenmemberstoofficiallymaintain“active”statuswhileworkingon increasingmembershipnumbers.Theamendmentwouldprovidesuchclassificationwhile determiningasettimefi-ameforthechaptertoincreasememberstoseven,
cProposal #2
REFERENCE: Article IV, Section 1.3: Organizational Units
ProposedbyBrotherDarrenM.Morton,EasternRegionVicePresident
Current Article Reads: Does not exist '
Rationde:TheGeneralConstitutiononlydefines“GoodStanding”formemberofthe Fraternityanddoesnotaddresssuchrequirementsforchapters.However,theCorporate Headquartershaspreviouslyusedsuchstatusclassificationforchapterandtherefore, it shouldbedefinedintheGeneralConstitution.Thisamendmentwilloutlinerequireinentsfor chapterstobein“GoodStanding” ifmeetsallcertificationsandfinancialobligations theGeneralOrganization.Arequirednumberofmemberswerenotincludedinthis amendmentasitisaddressedinamoreappropriatemannerwithinanothersection.
Proposal #3
REFERENCE: Article V, Section 4.4: Tenure of Office ProposedbyEasternRegionBudgetandFinanceCommittee
Currenti^cleReads:TheComptrollerandtheGeneralTreasurershallbeelectedin consecutivebiennialyears.Theyshallserveatermoffour(4)yearseach.TheHistorian shallserveatermoftwo(2)years.Noneoftheofficersinthissubsectionshallbelimitedas to tenure in of
ce.
ProposalReads:StrikeNoneoftheofficersinthissubsectionshallbelimitedastotenurein officeandinsert“TheComptrollerandGeneralTreasurermaysucceedthemselves immediatelyforoneadditionaltermoffour(4)years,servingnomoretheeightconsecutive years.”Additionally insert, “The Historian shall not be limited as to tenure in office.”
NewProposalWouldRead:TheComptrollerandtheGeneralTreasurershallbeelectedin consecutivebiennialyears.Theyshallserveatermoffour(4)yearseach.“TheComptroller andGeneralTreasurermaysucceedthemselvesimmediatelyforoneadditionaltermoffour (4)years.TheHistorianshallserveatermoftwo(2)years.TheHistorianshallnotbe limited as to tenure in office.
Rationale:AllelectedofficersoftheFraternityhavetermlimitswiththeexceptionofthe ComptrollerandGeneralTreasurer.IftheGeneralPresident,VicePresidentsandAssistant VicePresidentaresubjecttotermlimits,thesameshouldholdtruefortheComptrollerand GeneralTreasurer.Additionally,manychaptershaveadoptedthepracticeoftermlimit.;for theFinancialSecretaryandTreasurerpositionasanopportunitychecksandbalance,aswell asfinancialaudit.TheFraternity’sFiscalOfficersshouldnotbeallowtoholdpositionfor life.
Proposal #4
REFERENCE:ArticleXII,Section3.1:EligibilityforCollegeMembership
Proposed by Brother Darren M. Morton, Eastern Region Vice President
http://www.alphaphialpha.net/events/convention/constitution.html
assessments. The proposed amendment will give the districts the mechanism to amend their bylaws, with certain limitations, and secure funds necessary to cany on the business of Alpha in their districts. Asimilar amendment was approved in 2001 for the regions.
Proposal #7
REFERENCE: Article II, Section 2.1:General Convention Supreme Governing Body
Proposed by Brother Rick L. Blalock, Omicron Mu Lambda Chapter
Current Article Reads: The supreme governing body of the General Organization shall be the General Convention, which shall meet biennially at such time and place as the previous General Convention shall determine
Proposal Reads: It is proposed to amend the article by striking the word "biennially" and inserting the word "annually". And by striking the words "the previous General Convention" and inserting the words "previous General Conventions"
New Proposal Would Read: The supreme governing body of the General Organization shall be the General Convention, which shall meet annually at such time and place, as the previous General Conventions shall determine.
Rationale: When the brothers voted to amend the constitution to go to biennial conventions, it was to save flmds for both the General Organization and the brothers individually-by not meeting every year. However, since the inception of the biennial convention, the fraternity has continued to meet in the "off year" under the guise of "summits", "economic conferences," etc including awarding the various Fraternity awards and honors and the Board of Directors taking up items that historically would go before the General Convention, while convening. For all practical purposes these are conventions-except brothers have no voice as delegates to vote on any matters pertaining to the fraternity. If approved, this amendment would return that power to the chapters and their delegates with a voice and vote on matters of the fraternity each year, that now are controlled solely by the Board of Directors during these "off year" meetings.
REFERENCE: Article IV, Section 1.2: Organizational Units
Proposed by Brother Cash Sutton, Chairman Western Region Constitution Committee
Current Article Reads: Achapter consisting of at least seven members in good standing with the general organization is active if it is in compliance with the other requirements of the constitution.
Proposed Action: Add the following clause. No action shall be implemented that affects the good standing of the chapters without the approval of asimple majority of the chapters.
New Proposal Would Read: Achapter consisting of at least seven members in good standing with the general organizations is active if it is in compliance with the other requirements of the constitution. No action shall be implemented that affects the good standing of the chapters without the approval of asimple majority of the chapters.
Rationale: The chapters are the Organizational units of the fraternity (see Article IV Section 1.1) The chapter must have at least seven (7) members to be in good standing with the General Organization to be active, if it is in compliance with the other requirements of the Constitution Section 1.1.2. This amendment requires that the Chapters vote on all action that affects the good standing of the chapters. The members of all chapters can participate in the decision-making, and discuss such items prior to implementation. The amendment is in the best interest of the Chapters and the General Organization. Simply put, chapters are affected by Good Standing as cited in these sections.
Proposal #9
REFERENCE: Article IV, Section 1.2: Organizational Units
Proposed by Brother R. Anthony Mills, LM No.9621
Current Article Reads: Achapter consisting of at least seven members in good standing with the general organization is active if it is in compliance with the other requirements of the constitution.
Proposed Action: Add aretention clause to the above article.
New Proposal Would Read: Achapter consisting of at least seven members in good standing with the General Organization is "active" if it is in compliance with other requirements of this Constitution. Achapter of less that seven members in good standing with the General Organization shall have no more that three years to retain such.
Rationale: There is adefinition of an "active" chapter, but not adefinition of what places a chapter in the status of "not in good standing".
Proposal #10
REFERENCE: Article XII, Section 1.6: Definition of Active Proposed by Brother R. Anthony Mills, LM No.9621
Proposed Action: Proposal to add this NEW article to the constitution
New Proposal Would Read: Amember in good standing is considered "active" if he has attended and registered for at lest two successive regional conventions and one general convention within the past three fraternal years.
Rationale: The term "active" is used to refer to membership, however the term "in good standing" is used definitively but no constitutional definition has been provided.
Proposal #11
REFERENCE^ Article XII, Section 1.3: Non-Exclusion Clause
Proposed by Brother R. Anthony Mills, LM No.9621
Current Article Reads: Amember in good standing shall be one who has fulfilled all of his obligations to his chapter and the General Organization.
http://www.alphaphialpha.net/events/convention/constitution.htn^
ProposedAction:Addanewclausetotheabovearticle.
NewProposalWouldRead:Amemberingoodstandingshallbeonewhohasfulfill^dlof hisobUg^ons to hisch^terandtheGeneralOrganization.SuchobUgations,prescnbed by thechapter,shallnotimposeanyundueburdenuponthemember.
Rationale-Consideringthissectionislooselydefined, it isnecessaryfortheGraeral SSion to placeanexpectationonthetypes of obligationschaptersmayimposeupon brothers.Additionally,therearesomechaptersthataUowbrothere to participlebecause theyhavemettheir financialobligationsnationally,buthavenotdonesolocally.
ArticleXn,Section3:EligibUityforCollegeChapterMembership
ProposedbyBrotherR.AnthonyMills,LMNo.9621
CurrentArticleReads: ffis candidacy is presentedbyamemberoftheChaptermgood Standing.
article and also add anew clause to the above article.
Proposed Action: Revise the current
NewProposalWouldRead:Hiscandidacy is presentedbyamember of theChapterhe desirestojoin.Thismembermustbeingoodstanding,insaidChapter.
Rationale:Currentlytherehavebeenanumber of situationswhereapotentialcmSdate is Siedtheopportudty for membershipandtheyhavesought to havetheirapplication submitted via anon-chapter member.
SSnCE:ArticleXH,Section4.1:Eligibilityfor AlumniChapterMembership
ProposedbyBrotherR.AnthonyMills,LMNo.9621
Cn^ntArticleReads'Anymaleholderofanearnedbaccalaureatedegreefromacollegeor university^hichhasbeenaccredited by aregionalaccreditingagencymay be pres^^ a candidateformembership in anAlumnichapterprovidingthathe is ofgoodcharacter,tlmt hesubmitproof, if eUgibleandqualified,thathe is registeredtovote,andhiscandidacy is presentedbyamemberofthechapteringoodstandmg. clause to the above article. Proposed Action: Add anew
NewProoosalWouldRead:Anymaleholder of anearnedbaccalaureatedegreefrom a candidacy is presentedbyamember of thechapterhedesires to join.Thisrespective membershouldbeingoodstanding,insaidchapter.
Rationale: Currently there have been anumber of situations where a' deniedtheopportunityformembershipandtheyhavesoughoavepp submitted via anon-chapter member.
Proposal #14
REFERENCE: Article XII, Section 6: Initiation
Proposed by Brother R. Anthony Mills, LM No.9621
Current Article Reads: Acandidate who receives, from the Chapter to which he aspires, the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the chapter present at ameeting of the chapterdulycalledforballoting,oratameetingwherepriornoticewasgiventhatballoting would be held, shall be eligible for initiation into membership, provided that in addition: ?He meets, or has met, all of the requirements for initiation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternity and of the Chapter; and ?He receives the written approval of the Regional Vice-President
Proposed Action: Add anew clause to the above article.
NewProposalWouldRead:Acandidatewhoreceives,fromtheChaptertowhichhe aspires, the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the chapter present at a meeting of the chapter duly called for the express purpose of candidate balloting, or at a meetingwherepriornoticewasgiventhatballotingwouldbeheld,shallbeeligiblefor initiation into membership, provided that in addition:
?He meets, or has met, all of the requirements for information for initiation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternity and of the Chapter, and ?He receives the written approval of the Regional Vice-President, or aregional officer so designated
Rationale: The current section does not specify what type of "balloting" for which a candidatecanbecomeeligibleforinitiation(consideringthereisalsoballotingasrelatedto electionofchapterofficers,thereshouldbeaspecificdesignation.)Additionally,thereare times when the Regional Vice President is not able to "physically" sign off an aspirants initiation, as aresult of logistical and physical limitations, therefore the Constitution and By-lawsshouldallowforadesigneeasappointedbytheRegionalVicePresident.
Thursday, July 8, 2004
7:06pm
iSimpson-Hamline United Methodist Church I4501 Sixteenth Street, NW
Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
$125
($0 Grand Tax, $125 Chapter Dues)
($100 Grand Tax, $125 Chapter Dues)
($50 Grand Tax, $75 Chapter Dues)
($75 Grand Tax, $75 Chapter Dues)
($100 Grand Tax, $75 Chapter Dues)
Brother Rudolph Harris 4407 16th St NW Washington, DC -20011