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Monthly Newsletter
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Editor: Jason Clark
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September 2013
If I cannot motivate the brothers of Mu Lambda then we have failed.
President’s Message I was wondering about the appropriate message to deliver for the beginning of the fraternal year. I could tell you Mu Lambda is the third largest chapter in Alpha. I could say two of the Jewels were founders of the chapter. I could say three general presidents were founders of Mu Lambda. I could say one supreme court justice; one mayor of the District of Columbia; three city council members of the District of Columbia; the author of Alpha’s history book; six general presidents; three eastern region vice presidents; one national treasurer, one national chaplain, and the chair of the World Policy Council were or are members. I could tell you of the 338 Alumni chapters, only 42 (six in the Eastern Region) have a house Mu Lambda being amongst the list. I could tell you Mu Lambda registered 27 brothers for the most recent general convention – more than the size of many of the chapters within Alpha. I could tell you Mu Lambda is comprised of brothers made in 87 different chapters. I could tell you Mu Lambda will be turning 90 on October 1
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Brother Josh Harris from general headquarters attended the June meeting and told the brothers it is not what “we” think about Mu Lambda, it is what “they” think about Mu Lambda. They are those outside of Mu Lambda. I ask, do they know about Mu Lambda? Do they know why grown men pay money to belong to an organization? Do they know why we argue and fuss with one another and afterwards give the same brother a ride home? Do they know why we are in the schools helping young African American males when the young men act as if they don’t want our help? Do they know why we are in the community doing the work of Alpha Phi Alpha? I will speculate and say “no,” but it is our job to tell them. If we do our job of educating “they” – the rest will take care of itself.
In return, many might say I am bragging – in response, I would reply I am My job as Mu Lambda’s president is to be speaking of Mu Lambda’s rich history a good leader, listen to the constituency, motivate, create ideas, and find ways to and its brand. implement the strategy. I am surrounded by some of the brightest minds in Alpha. Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda Chapter - 1923, Washington, D.C.
I listen to the brothers of Mu Lambda. For years you have said you wanted an audit (an internal is complete and will be discussed at the September meeting – come ask Brother Chatman Young all of your tough questions). You said you want efficient meetings – you will receive the reports prior to future meetings (it is your responsibility to read the reports and come prepared to ask questions). You said you wanted more fellowship time – there was a lot of fellowship taking place during the summer. The business of Alpha will be handled timely so brothers will have more time to fellowship after the meetings. You said Mu Lambda didn’t care about the senior brothers or the younger brothers – there is a committee chair specifically for addressing the concerns of senior brothers. There is also a committee chair for addressing the concerns of younger brothers. You have raised concerns about intake – the subject of intake will be discussed at the September meeting (bring your questions and/or concerns to Brother Tony Wilson.) You said you wanted to see things to help the brothers become healthy – we will put some healthy alternatives on the menu for the repast and we also partnered with AARP for the Black Male Fitness Challenge.
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