Ask Brother Tillman!

Brother Tillman has received questions from throughout the fraternity’s five regions regarding his candidacy for 34^th General President. Without abusing the trust of any Brother by sharing his name, chapter, or other identifying information, we have posted questions sent to and answered by Brother Tillman below.

Questions Submitted March 6, 2012

Question:

Over the years I have seen several of my home chapter brothers fall from the ranks of Alphadom in search of a more spiritual walk.  Their rationale is that a man can’t be an Alpha and a good Christian, too.  I know this is happening in chapters all over the world, specifically from brothers who pledged during undergrad and are transitioning into full-fledge adulthood.  Though I know you are not a man of the cloth (neither am I) I was curious to hear your standpoint on how Alpha relates to leading a spiritual lifestyle.  Are the two mutually exclusive?

Answer:

We have many diverse religious ideologies and faiths within the fraternity and I believe Alpha respects that diversity.  The founders were spiritual men, as evidenced by passages during our initiation ceremony.  But a member’s spirituality and his association to the fraternity are not mutually exclusive.  You can have both and be a productive member.

Question:

Bro. Tillman.  I am in the military and as most of my Warrior Brothers, I get moved around, a lot.  I personally have never had an issue joining a new chapter when go to a new location except in places where there weren’t enough of us to start a chapter. I have noticed a good many Military Brothers tend to not get active for this reason and at times these brothers tend not to be looked at to be involved unless it is in a chapter located on or near a military base.  What will be your stance to change this culture and to improve or increase the involvment of Military Brothers and predominately Military Chapters?

Answer:

Technology will continue to be a resource I exploit so that any brother not connected to a chapter has access to information about the fraternity so that they are never isolated from the fraternity.  In case of military brothers, we can expand our Military Affairs Committee to assist in generating a database of military installations (or areas) that don’t have Alpha chapters.  That way we can target emails and other information to those brothers to keep them engaged and involved.  I want to be able to communicate to any brother anywhere on the globe and at any time.

Please contact me directly; 248.212.6275 if you have any additional questions.

Questions Submitted Sunday, February 26, 2012

Question:

Have you developed a short list for the Executive Director position should you be elected? If so, are you in a position to release the names? This decision will play a large factor in my vote.

Answer:

I have not developed any list for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director is a contracted position and there is a process of hiring should the position become available.  If the current position becomes available as I become General President, if elected, I would expect to work with the current General President and current BoD during the transition of administrations to execute an ED search.

Otherwise, I would expect to work with the current GP and ED for Board or General Convention decisions, a review of contractual agreements, or any items that would be communicated during that time. This will also be the time to review the contractual agreement of the ED and other contracted staff.

I would also meet with the current executive director to establish a working relationship, convey expectations, and to understand his current performance goals and past performance reviews.

Question:

Where do you stand on selling the Brother’s private information to marketing companies like Nationwide Insurance and Pat’s Exclusives?

Answer:

When we are partnering with companies like Nationwide, there’s an expectation that there will be a Return on Investment (ROI).  For Alpha, our ROI is access to resources (usually financial) that can assist us with our programs.  For companies like Nationwide, it’s an access to new customers.  Companies like that are in the business of selling products and services and won’t invest in you if that is not available to them.  An organization like Alpha is attractive to these companies.

But our member’s privacy is TOP priority and we need to make sure that if a member does not want his information shared, we should have polices that cover a member’s rights regarding his information and our relationships with partners.

Question:

Where do you stand on publishing and issuing Alpha Member directories based on dues paid?

Answer:

I am a believer of once an Alpha, always an Alpha.  We have issued member directories in the past where every duly initiated members got an opportunity be listed and we should keep that.  Brothers like the ability to look up line brothers or chapter members.  It can also be used as a reclamation tool so I wouldn’t change that ability to extend relationships.

Question Submitted Sunday, February 5, 2012

Question:

Over the past two years, there has been great concern about the budget, budget deficits and the excessive travel of the GP. Now, the organization is in serious debt. Two relevant questions are now posed. As a member of the Board of Directors, what do you feel that your responsibility has been related to irregularities in spending and the budget deficit?

Answer:

I was installed as a regional vice president in 2007 and served under 2 General President administrations. I ended my 2 terms in office in June 2011 in Chicago, IL. When presented with known and accurate information, my responsibility is clear per the constitution, to examine budgetary proposals and render a vote when a formal motion is provided.

As a board member, I have voted for and against recommendations from the Budget and Finance Committee. For example in 2009, I voted in the affirmative to reduce the regional vice president allotments to support the bottom line in our operating budget for that year. In 2010, I voted in the affirmative to support a modification due to the impact of the intake moratorium. The moratorium affected the amount of revenue that would have been generated from newly initiated members. In 2011, I did not vote in the affirmative to support any recommendations to amend our 2011 operating budget.

The general operating budgets from the time I was a member of the board have ended in the black in each fiscal year. In regards to the events, there were event oversight committees established to provide information to the Budget and Finance committee to ensure a successful financial outcome. During my terms, I was never assigned to one of the event oversight committees but I have provided support through my knowledge of membership information, a task force that I was originally assigned and led during my first term. We have multiple levels of individuals involved in developing our financial picture; the general comptroller, general treasurer, budget and finance chairman, executive director, chief financial officer, a board representative (usually a regional vice president and asst. vice president), and other appointed members from each region. Any potential irregularities or shortfalls would have been identified, documented, and presented by the budget and finance committee.

Question:

Your platform promises “strategic, transparent, and compliant financial planning and spending”. Yet, there is no evidence that Alpha is currently representing that practice, with you being one of our leaders. Since you have not been effective in the oversight of our fiscal business, why should anyone believe that you have the capacity to lead in this area?

Answer:

AS DISTRICT DIRECTOR
When I became a district director in 1998, there was no bank account that was transitioned to me. For the first few months of my term, I paid for supplies, my phone calls incurred long distance charges (before “all in one” calling plans), and I paid my way to conventions. By the time I completed my term, my district was 100% in compliance, there was a bank account with funds to support the succeeding administration, and a level of trust has been established with brothers within my district.

AS MIDWESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
As a regional vice president, each one of my regional conventions (St. Louis, MO, Oak Brook, IL, Dayton, OH, Louisville, KY) made a profit. Within the Midwestern Region, we have a practice of splitting that profit with the host chapters 50/50. Each one of those chapters in the host cities received a check from the region. I followed an aggressive strategy to ensure our costs came under budget. We worked closely with the host chapters, identified any potential issues upfront, and made sure that all parties agreed on the final numbers before we wrote the check and considered it closed.

Under my administration, we instituted a financial software package to increase efficiency so our fiscal officers did not rely totally on Excel spreadsheets. We executed a financial review of our bank accounts from a brother who is a CPA within my region and not tied to my administration after my first full term. He had access to our statements and every transaction ever made from my administration during that time. The report was provided as part of the fiscal officers report in 2010 within the region. In addition, regional vice presidents are required by the constitution to provide a fiscal report of his region to the General Convention. Everyone one of my reports have been submitted to be reported to the General Convention.

AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In 2009, the General President asked each board member to pay for his own registration to support the General Convention in New Orleans, LA to help prevent a loss. This request was supported by a formal vote as a show of acceptance by the board members. In 2010, there was another request from the General President to support the General Convention. No formal vote was taken but I also paid for my registration in Las Vegas, NV and that of my asst. regional vice president. And as a General President candidate just prior to me leaving the board, I did so again in 2011. No general organization nor regional funds were ever used by me to register for any of these General Conventions.

I attended the Tour of South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2011 to support the chartering ceremony of our newest international chapter. In addition, a board of directors meeting was held as I represented my region in person, along with my asst. regional vice president. The trip was paid for in 3 parts; 1) a donation of $1,000 from one of our corporate sponsors, 2) $1,200 from my regional travel budget, 3) $1,200 that I paid out of pocket because I would have exceeded my regional travel budget. This information was fully disclosed to each of my districts during my regional address at district conferences in the fall of 2010 and Spring of 2011.

The original amendments to update the constitution regarding fiscal accountability originated from the Midwestern Region in 2010. One amendment failed at the General Convention in Las Vegas, NV and the others were postponed and subsequently failed at the General Convention in Chicago, IL (along with other amendments addressing the same issue). My opinion was shared with the original author of the amendments and in my position as vice president, there was no impedance from my office nor did I purposely influence a decision. Brothers were allowed to address and debate this critical issue and they voted based on the information presented. The regional recommendation was moved forward to the General Convention per our rules.

These are just a few examples of how I have represented Alpha Phi Alpha in leadership positions since I was an area director. I have followed and supported the constitution at every level. With any issue regarding the matters of finances within Alpha Phi Alpha, I have provided transparency, leadership, and personal financial support to ensure fiscal solvency. I have led thousands of brothers in my leadership roles and not one time has my integrity regarding finances been questioned. I have gained the trust and support of brothers in my district and my region. And I am known to provide detailed financial reporting, visual graphs, and plain talk to our membership regarding the finances of our fraternity. I live by the quote, “Bad news never gets better with age.” And if it was bad news, I did not wait to tell it.

I have provided a snapshot of my detailed responsibilities supporting Alpha Phi Alpha from a fiscal view. As a board member, I represented 1 vote and truly made sure that my vote counted. Could we have done better in certain areas, the answer is yes. But once the vote is taken, my responsibility is to support the decision and do the best job I can to ensure success.

I hope this information shows how I have been effective in the oversight of our fiscal business. As an Alpha leader, I have not only led by example but SACRIFICED BY EXAMPLE countless times.

As General President, I would offer a different leadership style and approach when it comes to the finances of our organization. As a dues paying member every year for over 26yrs, I have treated the fraternity’s finances as if it was my own by ensuring its protection, security, growth, and responsible spending. And I have done that throughout my leadership positions within Alpha Phi Alpha.

Questions Submitted Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Question:

What is your concrete plan to reclaim brothers across the country and globe currently not active with our dear fraternity?

Answer:

We have tens of thousands of brothers on index cards in file cabinets at the corporate office.  The first “concrete” plan is to hire a company that works with organizations and universities to find every brother who is a member of this organization.  Obtain every piece of relevant data so that we can have it in our membership database electronically.  Then we need to communicate to every member and connect him to the fraternity regardless of membership status.  If I don’t have good contact information on you, how can I communicate to you?

Other plans that are listed under my platform include; develop a “welcome packet” that invites any member to join an alumni chapter anywhere on the globe (letting them know what our chapters are doing), provide and promote affordable activities that allow for brothers and families to connect with others, to strengthen our fraternal bond. In addition, develop a major marketing effort to encourage brothers to reinvest their time and talents in the fraternity.  Brothers must be given the opportunity if they are willing to take the first step.

Question:

What is your concrete plan to get brothers to continue the tradition of Alphas in local and national leadership roles in our communities, in the spirit of brothers like DuBois, Robeson, Marshall, and MLK?

Answer:

The MLK Memorial did not initially start as a direction of the fraternity or a General President.  It started from brothers around a kitchen table then it got elevated to national prominence. Many of the names you listed didn’t provide leadership because they were Alphas, they provided leadership because they cared about people and causes and they happen to be Alphas.

Our role as an organization is to demonstrate our relevance to our communities by first demonstrating our care.  That means our chapters and brothers in the cities where we are seated are the direct link to those communities.  My plan is whenever there is a “call for duty” in those locations, I as General President will communicate a “Call to Leadership” to our brothers.  Brothers like yourself are in tuned to causes and if there is a need for educated black men with diverse skillsets to execute, then we will.

I have stated this in many of my travels; “We will continue to exercise the collective and stabilized strength of our membership.”  We also need to recognize that some things we cannot do by ourselves.  We must rely on the effort and other resources to be an organization of service.

Question Submitted Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Question:

As you no doubt know, Alpha’s expansion overseas has created a new dynamic that requires the formulation of new mechanisms for supporting the chapters and ensuring their success. New methods or solutions must be incorporated in order to keep the international chapters in the loop. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how to resolve such problems and your thoughts on the development of the international chapters in general.

Answer:

From my website; http://www.thealphainvestment.org/platform/, one of my investment strategies is to evaluate our fraternal structure to better incorporate and support our international expansion.

To resolve the problems of travel and distance of our chapters internationally, we must rely on technology like webmeetings, conference calls, and video conferencing tools.  I work for a technology company and interact with colleagues from London, India, and California.  I live in Detroit, Michigan.  So that’s how I will deal with the inherent challenges of our international chapters to make sure connection with our brothers are maintained.

From a development perspective, it is time to truly explore the possibility of adding a sixth vice president and asst. vice president that focuses on international affairs.  This is not a committee level position, it’s a board level position.  It allows for direct representation just like the other regions.  This brother can focus and direct the interests and the development of the various international areas.  A change like this, however, will require a constitutional amendment.

These are my initial thoughts.  As I now have traveled to South Africa, Bermuda, the US Virgin Islands, and Bahamas, I have a better understanding of the challenges that our brothers face.  But they are not insurmountable.  All it will take is planning and an open mind to develop a solution that can help sustain the our international chapters for decades to come.

Questions Submitted Sunday, September 25, 2011

Question:

During the first year of your administration, an elderly brother has passed away and has named Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a beneficiary in his will.  He has bestowed upon Alpha a 25,000 square foot office building on two acres of land.  The office building is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The will stipulates that the property may not be sold and that he fraternity may only collect the property if it decides to relocate there.  If the fraternity does nothing in 12 months, the property reverts back to the estate, where it is likely to be donated to Kappa Alpha Psi instead.

A task force appointed to make a recommendation is deadlocked, as is the national board of directors.  There are three months left to collect the real estate.  How do you proceed?

Answer: 

I would proceed by understanding why there is a deadlock from the task force in the first place, listen to the reasons, and try to obtain a definitive recommendation to acquire or not acquire the property.  There may be valid reasons that support both positions which must be addressed first. Then, the final recommendation (to acquire the property or not to acquire the property) is presented to the board of directors or to the General Convention if the time remaining allows for that.  The scenario presented is describing there is no overwhelming decision for or against obtaining the property which is not acceptable in moving forward any recommendation to a voting body.    Ultimately, the final decision is with the delegates of a General Convention and it is highly unlikely that an issue such as obtaining property would ever be voted in the affirmative because of unanswered questions and no specific recommendation of support.

If we are unable to render a decision within the timeframe, then the Fraternity can request for an extension on the deadline date to give more time to come to a decision.  It is irrelevant regarding the issue of who will get the building and land if the Fraternity does not agree to the original terms.  If we care simply about not wanting Kappa Alpha Psi to have the building, then we moved forward with a process for the wrong and flawed reasons.

Question:

Brother William Lyle moves to Australia to realize his dreams as a veterinary surgeon.  Subsequently, the fraternity conducts a national search for a new executive director.

Making it to the final round are two brothers:  One is a 29 year old with eight years of experience working at a single nonprofit organization (The African American Museum of Provo, Utah) where he currently serves as Deputy Executive Director.  He has been an Assistant Vice President, Area Director, District Director, and president of his college and alumni chapter.  He is a life member.

The other candidate is 58 years old and is the CEO of the American Red Cross, a position he has held for the past ten years.  He has paid his dues off and on in his lifetime, but has not been financial for the past five consecutive years and has never held a position in the fraternity after college graduation.  He is well known to most brothers, however, for his frequent appearances in the news promoting the Red Cross and its disaster relief efforts.

The board is tied evenly.  For whom do you cast your vote and why?

Answer: 

My immediate answer in the scenario you described, I would cast my vote for the young Deputy Executive Director based on the reason that he met the initial qualification.  In our General Constitution, under Article II, Office of the Executive Director, Section I, Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Director, sub-section 1.1 states; “The Executive Director shall be an active member of the Fraternity.”  Therefore by the time the brother from the American Red Cross is considered, he would have to become active before the selection process otherwise he would have been disqualified from consideration from the beginning.  It also enhances the deputy executive director that he has experience in various levels of the organization.  There is certain “institutional” knowledge and credibility that is beneficial to the role of Executive Director of the Fraternity.

Assuming the brother from the American Red Cross active status was not the case, strong consideration would be given to this brother.  Someone with a CEO’s experience, dealing with the media, and a large budget is ideal.  However, I would like to know why does he want to leave the American Red Cross?  Alpha Phi Alpha certainly cannot afford his salary. (I investigated what the CEO of the American Red Cross earns.)  If he has not been as active and supportive of Alpha’s mission, where is that relationship the membership?  Brothers within the organization place high value of their relationship with the Executive Director and knowledge of the inner workings of the organization.  There would be more questions if both candidates met the Executive Director’s qualifications from our policy.

This would be a difficult decision for anyone to make but we have fraternal rules that are expected to be followed and my vote is based on those rules.

Question:

St. Wilona’s University is a top-50 university in an urban city in a mid-Atlantic state.    Although the campus does not recognize Greek life, students from St. Wilona’s have been pledging NPHC organizations for the past thirty years through citywide chapters.  Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha currently has four members – three of whom are from St. Wilona’s.

The administration at St. Wilona’s decides to pilot on-campus Greek life and has invited Alpha to start a chapter there under the following conditions:

1. The chapter may only contain students who attend St. Wilona’s.
2. The chapter must charter in a fall semester with 15 students.
3. The chapter must maintain at least ten students at all times in order to remain active.
4. Each student must perform 15 hours of community service per semester.
5. Alpha may not select any St. Wilona’s college student through the existing citywide chapter for three years leading up to the colonization.

Should Alpha start a chapter at St. Wilona’s?  Please explain why or why not.

Answer: 

The practice of initiating students at a university where there is no Alpha Phi Alpha chapter seat or formal association with a university is in violation with fraternal rules and must be addressed immediately.   But the process to charter a chapter at the university can commence per the guidelines of the Chartering /Re-chartering Guidelines document.  Once the requirements have been completed and criteria are met, a recommendation by the Membership Standards and Extensions committee will be presented to the board of directors or the General Convention.  I am supportive of chartering a chapter if it is found that it can be sustained for years to come.

Question:

Fifteen brothers of various sexual orientations have petitioned the board of directors in writing to investigate issues relating to sexual orientation discrimination and sexual harassment within the fraternity.

This coalition brings forth anecdotal evidence that:

• A heterosexual aspirant was sexually harassed by a chapter officer,
• A homosexual aspirant was denied membership because of his orientation,
• A new chapter seeks to be established as a means of escaping homophobic sentiment in a nearby chapter
• A closeted bisexual brother was blackmailed by a heterosexual brother into not seeking national office in the fraternity

This is a clearly bipartisan coalition of brothers from across the country (both gay and straight) who have been researching the issues in silence and believe the fraternity needs to immediately deal with the above issues through fraternal policy.

How do you handle the request of these brothers?

Answer: 

• A heterosexual aspirant was sexually harassed by a chapter officer,

When any allegation is reported, an investigation must begin immediately.  Information such as, Date of Violation, Alleged Violation, and Parties Involved, must be documented in writing.  The Regional Vice President in the region the allegation is being made will notify the General Office and General Counsel as appropriate based on the findings.  Chapters can discipline its own members, the Regional Vice President can place (or recommend) a member or chapter on probation or suspension and recommend expulsion of a member, and the General Convention is the only entity that can expel a member.  In addition, a member has a right to appeal any decision levied against him.

Based on documented information that can be corroborated and validated, the board of directors can also discipline a member or make a recommendation for expulsion.

• A homosexual aspirant was denied membership because of his orientation,The board of directors would review the current documented protocols and regulations of the Fraternity and confirm no violations.  In the current version of the Standing Orders, “the District Director will investigate the reason for the rejection, review all the documentation and obtain Regional Vice Presidential approval before proceeding. The final decision is made by the Regional Vice President.”  The board of directors does not have the authority to overturn a chapter’s decision.  The board of directors can make policy recommendations that ensure consistency when evaluating new members.As the immediate past regional vice president, I have been confronted with issues where an aspirant has been denied membership but not for the scenario described.  Unless there was a violation in the fraternal protocols and rules that support the intake process, I have never violated a chapter’s constitutional right to select membership.  An individual member in good standing with the fraternity and his chapter has the right to vote based on his personal reasons and convictions on what he wants to see in a prospective member.  If the aspirant was not selected to become a member by 75% of the membership present and voting, and all rules were followed, then that aspirant would be welcomed to join at another time.

• A new chapter seeks to be established as a means of escaping homophobic sentiment in a nearby chapterI would request a mediation meeting between the members and the chapter leadership be convened to seek a resolution that does not involve chartering a new chapter.  I hold the opinion that the Fraternity should not charter chapters because of internal differences.  Chapters should be charted because of a need within a community that Alpha Phi Alpha is not servicing.  If there is no resolution from the mediation meeting, members do have a right to petition the charting of a new chapter and follow the current documented process and based on the parameters listed.

• A closeted bisexual brother was blackmailed by a heterosexual brother into not seeking national office in the fraternityBlackmailing another member is conduct that is unbecoming of a member of the Fraternity.  As with the first bullet, when any allegation is reported, an investigation must begin immediately and information documented in writing.  Based on documented information that can be corroborated and validated, the board of directors can discipline a member or make a recommendation for expulsion.  In addition, the member has a right to seek legal repercussions against the offending member.

Question:

If money was no object and corporate headquarters space was unlimited, please describe the ideal corporate structure of the paid staff of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Answer: 

• Executive Director
• Assistant Executive Director
• Administrative Asst
• Receptionist
• Office Manager
• Director of Development
• Events Director (all conventions or national fraternal events)
• Human Resources Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Director of Membership Services
• Member Affairs Coordinator(s)
• Chief Information Officer
• Data Specialist
• Director of Communications/Public Affairs
• Assistant Director of Communications/Marketing
• Chief Financial Officer
• Accounting Clerks (2)
• Alpha Shop Manager

Questions Submitted Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question: 

What will it take to energize the membership of the fraternity; and how will you motivate brothers to commit or recommit themselves to that purpose?

Answer: 

Alpha Phi Alpha must tangibly show the value of a member’s financial and fraternal investment and that value must be the precursor to everything we do.  Value is obtained by showing that our programs will earn a profit, is filled with significance, and is rooted with substance.  In addition, our corporate office must demonstrate the commitment in providing and achieving “best in class” service and quality to our membership and for chapters to service members and the community locally.

To motivate brothers in my first year as General President, I will embark on initiatives that will focus on the different transitions of our brothers (i.e., graduation and/or relocation).  I will ensure that every member graduating from college or any member not associated with a chapter will have access to a “welcome packet” that invites them to join an alumni chapter seated anywhere on the globe.  For brothers not in good standing, I will commence a major marketing effort to encourage them to financially reinvest in the fraternity. Did you know that if we receive the grand tax of non-financial members at $150.00 each it will add up to over 7 million dollars of yearly operating revenue? In addition, motivating is about inter-personal relationships and I want to promote the “Alpha vacation” in between biennial general conventions.  I believe members enjoy, cherish, and grow their relationships away from business sessions.

Question: 

As a candidate, what makes you the right brother to lead an organization that seems to have plateaued along with other national organizations?

Answer:

I have a detailed history of utilizing my skills to support the administrative integrity of this organization.  I have provided documented tangible growth in the leadership positions I have held in this organization.  As Midwestern Regional Vice President, this region has been ranked #1 or #2 in chapter compliance nationally.  This is significant because if chapters are not in compliant, they are not serving Alpha Phi Alpha.  Every Midwestern regional convention posted a net profit that is shared with host chapters.  This demonstrated my commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability.  The Midwestern Region for 3 of the last 4 years has posted more college brothers attending and participating in the Alpha Leadership Academy.  This demonstrates my commitment to inspiring, motivating, and encouraging our college brothers.  And I have consistently demonstrated vision and accountability to this region by providing a yearly “roadmap” to focus on the values, interests, the strategic plan, and mission of the organization.

Within 5yrs, Alpha Phi Alpha loses 80% of newly initiated members and the remaining members are doing 80% of the work.  With my 25yrs of continuing service at every level and engagement in a variety of phases, I know that I can set the tone to reverse the perception that Alpha has hit a plateau.  It will take a committed effort from every member in this organization to work as a team.  I am committed to providing tangible growth for our organization that is designed to be servants of all.

Questions Submitted Thursday, March 24, 2011

Question:

I would like to know your thoughts on IMPD?

Answer: 

I was not in favor of the 4 weeks.  As vice president, it is difficult enough to deal with 2 weekends.  I would not have mind if the 2 weekends were expanded to include a (WED, THRU, FRI, SAT) combination instead of the (FRI, SAT) combination we already have.  But I am supportive of the pilot and I will be receptive of the feedback that is received from the tests.  The Midwest has 4 districts participating in the pilot including my “home” area in Detroit.

Question:

How do you plan to engage Alpha-West?

Answer: 

I am providing to you Exhibit A and Exhibit A-1 with the Alpha Investment-Mark Tillman Presentation.pdf.  Exhibit A is an email message that invited the district directors (and asst. DDs), area directors and chapter presidents within every district.  If each officer attended from all 5 regions, that would have been in upwards of over 600 people I would have spoken to with no time limit on answers to questions.  Only 1 person took advantage of it in the Western Region (Exhibit A-1).  I did attend the Rocky Mountain district conference.  I know that I am the only candidate that has been to the other 4 regions at least once.  And for my own region, I Skyped back to my district conferences.  I lead 12 states and each state has a conference.  I knew inherently the travel challenges but I planned to make sure no chapter or district in each region was taken for granted.  When I’m on the ballot, there will be more “in-person” travel opportunities.

Question:

What are your thoughts on keeping and assuring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is and stays fiscally and financially sound?

Answer: 

Follow the budget that is presented!  As Midwest VP every regional convention posted a profit and that profit is split with the host chapters.  My mentality is to know what the expenses are, then come underneath that.  It’s that simple with me.  Also, if I need to go over it, justify it up front before the $$$ are spent.  Things happen or evolve.  For example, if I plan for VIP pickups under the pretense of gas being $2.95 per gallon in January but today gas is $3.50 per gallon, than I need to adjust.  There is a reason for an adjustment and understand that it was an outside influencer.  But to spend money foolishly or without a plan, that is simply NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!

Question:

Chapter A is working on getting a house, mainly because meeting space in their city is at a premium and Brothers want to have their own spot. What are your thoughts about a house and the value (plus and minus)?

Answer: 

I am a member of a chapter with a house.  Our house is also pictured in the history book.  There is nothing greater than having your own spot.  It’s the centerpiece of what your chapter is as well as is considered home to the brothers and could bring in money from rentals.  Now the reality.  Mortgage, insurance, utilities, maintenance.  Someone’s got to pay for it.  Expect an increase in your chapter’s dues.  Everyone now has to do their part to keep the house updated.  Is your chapter ready for that?

Question:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.   Under your leadership how will you develop leaders to assure that college brothers are active (once their college days have swiftly passed) with Alumni chapters?

Answer: 

On the Midwestern Region Website, we explain the fees for members including College Brothers: http://alpha-midwest.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=70.  That will be expanded to have that on the fraternity’s website where we can communicate through the various social networks and other communication means to remind brothers the cost and where chapters are.  We also can further make it easier by having the District Directors, Area Directors, and Chapter Advisors to plan for graduating seniors (which they are or should be doing right now.).  They currently have the most direct contact with our collegiate members, there should be no guessing whatsoever.  Also, I am providing Exhibit D, a communication message from during my term as VP where we communicate the fees and other administrative items.  Again, no guesswork.  The issue is re-crafting the message on extending the collegiate experience to a lifetime of service and brotherhood.  The theme to this year’s Midwestern Regional Convention in Louisville, KY and the 100^th Anniversary of Alpha Lambda.  And my personal view of me being the member that I am.  But it starts with the individual to take advantage of it.

Question:

What are your thoughts on Life membership and the proposed recommendations on changing the requirements of life membership?

Answer: 

The membership does not want to have a time limit imposed on life membership. Every amendment that has been submitted for consideration, failed.  We should work on the tens of thousands of members whose only requirement is to pay $150.00.  We may need to add a new category that is formal in the constitution and speaks to the need to reclaiming members.  But the category would be restrictive if the brother is not active with the chapter.

Question Submitted Monday, January 17, 2011

Question: 

Can lowering registration for the convention still make money for the fraternity?

Answer:

In general, no but it should always leave a profit.  Lowering the cost of registration certainly helps the member but there are other factors that determine the “profit” margin.  There are specific categories that go into the planning of each convention but the expectation of “profit” from conventions must be understood (and planned) from the out set.

For a typical general convention, revenue is generated from five main categories; Individual Registrations, Event Ticket Sales [which includes; Special Events, meal functions, the Miss Black and Gold Pageant, Step Shows and Dances], Souvenir Journal Advertisement Sales, Vendors (including all fairs), and Sponsorships.  Each of these areas contains some element of risk in that a specific revenue target may not be met due to outside factors.

A convention budget contains the required items to ensure a successful and profitable convention such as, room rentals, meal costs, fraternal event programming, printing, audio/visual equipment, etc.  Each of these items contains expenses that must get covered by one of the revenue items.

While it is a policy for the fraternity to hold conventions, conventions should never be designed to lose money and the expectation of “profit” should not be overstated.  We should always design our conventions to leave a profit and hopefully a large one.  But we should treat that profit like receiving a bonus from our employer, you don’t want to plan paying your monthly bills around it but it sure helps when you get it.

We must plan and be realistic for the financial success of our conventions.

Questions Submitted Friday, January 7, 2011

Question:

Considering the state of young black men, what role would your administration play in developing organizational wide mentoring initiatives?

Answer:

Today, Alpha currently has several organizational-wide initiatives for mentoring; Leadership Development Institute (LDI), Alpha Leadership Academy, Go to High School, Go to College, Project Alpha, Boy scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and a host of chapter level programs.  I’m currently a 9-year mentor with BBBS with a 3rd little.

As General President, my role is to continue to educate and encourage participation, at all levels, from our members and partner organizations.  I would asked for each member to identify just 1 program or area of interest to focus on the students, teens, and young kids.  Under the “Fight on the Ice” sub-heading of my platform, I indicate 1) that I will continue to support the strategic vision of our organization and 2) I will maintain focus on current National Programs and Special Projects.  I don’t necessarily think that we need new programs just a more organized & efficient delivery and education method.

Question:

Would you actively seek grants to help the organization implement mentoring programs?

Answer:

Alpha Phi Alpha continues to seek “investors” to our programs and that practice will continue with me as General President.  I also stated as part of my platform, “Leverage and attract corporate and community partners to align services to strengthen the fraternity’s national initiatives.”  Put simply, Alpha cannot do it alone.  We will reach out to our current partners and actively seek new ones.  Alpha must also be prepared to report on those investments, at all levels.  We must (and will) do a better job at reporting on our fraternal activities, as investors are always looking for a return on their investment.  I am very big on compliance and status reporting.  We need to be transparent and show progress.  That’s how we will get more partners to buy into what we are doing.

Question Submitted Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Question:

What is your candidacy’s pledge to the Alpha Goes Green Initiative?

Answer:  

As General President, Alpha’s pledge will be to continue to look for ways to reduce waste, cost, and provide efficiencies that assist our organization, members, and our environmental responsibility.

Under the “Fight on the Ice” sub-heading of my platform, I indicate 1) that I will continue to support the strategic vision of our organization and 2) I will maintain focus on current National Programs and Special Projects.

New programs are initiated within Alpha because of need or an evolution of our approach to issues.  Some programs are short-term and others are strategic and long-term in nature to provide a greater benefit or impact.  Each succeeding administration evaluates initiatives that are implemented.  The Alpha Goes Green Initiative is more than just a slogan.  Below is one example of what was instituted under my leadership as vice president within my region.  It’s not just a slogan for us.  It has become a way of doing business within this region.

EXAMPLE NOTE TO THE MIDWESTERN REGION:

Date: April 17, 2010

Subject: IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Details for the 78th Annual Midwestern Region Convention

Message:

You are receiving this email because you are registered for the 78th Midwestern Region Convention.  We have a few items for your information and that require your attention.

QUICK FACTS

78th Annual Midwestern Regional Convention

Date: April 22 – 25, 2010

Location: Dayton Marriot | 1414 S. Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Please find the convention schedule attached.

TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

The training and development committee plans to once again further our development in leadership by offering workshops geared to not only benefit us in Alpha but in the world we live and interact in.

Here is the workshop schedule for the convention
Friday April 23, 2010
10:15 am – 11:15 am      The Miracle of Motivation        Rm: Salon B/C

10:15 am – 11:15 am      Leadership at a Higher Level   Rm: Salon F/G

Bro. Robert Bedford, Regional Training and Development Coordinator, wants to make sure that the brothers are able receive the most out of the workshop experience and as such has recommended a sign up sheet so that those who know they are attending a session can place their names on the list and will be accommodated appropriately.

What we are asking of you is that you send an email to Bro. Bedford (trainingattendance911@gmail.com) no later than April 20th, 2010, with your name and session you plan to attend.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The region is moving forward with the Alpha Goes Green Initiative and as such have modified the method of delivering the reports for committees this year.  The report book you will receive will contain the reports from the region and district directors.  The reports for sector directors and committees can be accessed by going to the following link

http://www.box.net/aphiacommitteereports

You can also find the regional statistics there, which is a snapshot of the Chapter Directory results for the year.

A powerpoint presentation will be displayed during the respective members reports.

NEOPHYTE REGISTRATION

The Region will once again welcome its Neophyte brothers to the convention.  We want to make sure their experience is a great one.  As such we will make sure they are able to attend the functions and have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the convention.  We ask that you help us in welcoming the neophytes to Alpha and to the convention.

Question Submitted Friday, December 17, 2010

Question:

Recently my chapter and I were in trouble for a hazing allegation.  It is just about resolved and I know that Brother Crutison spoke with you about the matter.  I know that what I did was wrong and short sited, I am not writing to debate that.  I feel that the Fraternity has a larger problem on its hands then it wants to admit.  As a result of my lapse in judgment I was almost expelled from school, my chapter is suspend for five years, our charter may be revoked, and I may be expelled for 3 years.  This entire experience was emotionally draining for me, and I am worried that what will happen is people will forget about this case, and those who choose to ignore the past are doomed to repeat it.  I do not think ANY brother has any idea what it feels like to almost have your degree taken away from them unless it has happened; being one of those brothers that it has almost happened to, I do not want anyone to experience that.  My question to you Brother Tillman is will you try a new approach to end underground pledging, or will you continue doing what the current administration is doing?  If you do have some new ideas what are they?

Answer:

As a former Michigan District Director and current regional vice president, this is an issue that I have been dealing with for a long time.  Let me be honest, underground pledging will not end unless the member (or members) who is doing the act don’t do it at all.

Let me explain, the very definition of “underground” is to be in concealment or secrecy.  As an Alpha official or even a general member, I don’t know when another member is going to do something wrong if it’s done without my knowledge.  No one can.  So the member who is committing the “act” of illegal pledging (hazing) is willingly violating our fraternal, university, and state rules.  If you are a friend of a member and you know what is about to occur, then it now becomes your duty to make sure that the member does not put you, himself, the aspirant, or the fraternity in jeopardy.  Again, it starts with the individual member.

As a district director and regional vice president, I constantly remind, educate, threaten, you name it to alert our members that underground pledging, hazing or anything beyond our fraternal rules to bring in new members is WRONG.  My job is to investigate, suspend, or expel members who decide to violate those rules.  We have local officials in place, district directors, chapter advisors, or area directors, to assist members in doing the right thing.  But if someone wants to do wrong, then there is nothing to stop that person from doing wrong.

If we want to stop underground pledging, it starts with self and that includes me as well.  In my 25yrs, I have never been put into a situation (nor put myself into a situation) of underground pledging.  The fraternity will deal with the violators, and yes that’s doing more of the same.  But I can assure you that I will continue to educate and support policies that provides a “safe environment” for those members who want to do right and report those who are violating our rules.

I want to leave you with a statement I made more 12yrs when I was a district director to show my feelings about underground pledging, hazing, and the effects of our Alpha brand.  We truly need an army of brothers who want to do the right thing.  I hope this helps and I hope you will be able to be one of those agents of change so that you nor anyone else has to go thru the same experience you had.  It sounds like because of your experience, it’s starting with you right now.

The following statement was addressing a “ghost brother” situation back in 1999.

On 01/30/99 at 14:18 Bro. Mark S. Tillman from Gamma Lambda said:
“Greetings Brothers!!! My name is Bro. Mark S. Tillman and I am the current District Director for Michigan. I was just recently informed of these posts and I would like to inform you that the District is doing everything in its power to make sure that “non-members” do not jeopardize the future of the Fraternity and to repair an already damaged image of the state. I was initiated into the Fraternity in 1985 at Dillard University (New Orleans, LA), Beta Phi Chapter and like many of you, I am appalled at the fact that we are dealing with this subject at all. When I was installed in 1998 at our Midwestern Regional Convention in Louisville, KY, I knew I had an uphill battle. Yes, I know there are INDIVIDUALS, and I stress that term, that are utilizing the name of the Fraternity in a negative light. Unfortunately, these INDIVIDUALS seem to disappear like “ghosts” (pun intended). However, we are dealing with human beings. I cannot go back and change the past of what happened in this state. But I am trying to affect it’s future. How? By making sure that ALL of the District’s chapters are (and STAY ) in good standing with the Fraternity. When I took the job, only 3 chapters were in good standing and 8 out of 10 college chapters were on their way to being decharted. Now, 10 out of 10 college chapters are in good standing. The current District leadership has ZERO-TOLERENCE with chapters operating outside of the boundaries of the fraternal laws. And chapters know this upfront. The District is also planning a host of POSITIVE activities where everyone can get to know each other in different settings. And yes, The District is encouraging chapters to be MORE involved in contests at ALL levels of the Fraternity. Plus, there are other initiatives in the works… As for these “GHOSTS,” they will be exposed. One by One!!! But it also takes the help of “official” Brothers for not condoning this behavior. If a brother is a friend of this individual (and some of you are) then ask him not to represent himself as an Alpha. If he wants to become an Alpha, he needs to go through the Intake Process like everyone else. Otherwise, that individual could face legal repercussions by misrepresenting the Fraternity. And for you “official” brothers who come in contact with these individuals, stand up for yourself (peacefully and within the law). YOU are Alpha Phi Alpha, THEY ARE NOT!!! Brothers, this message will no doubt be seen by these non-members of the Fraternity. I know that. But remember what this Fraternity was founded on; “Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for ALL Mankind!!!” Not, “How you pledge, Where you pledge and Who you Pledge!!!” If you keep worrying about that, then this Fraternity will NOT move forward. If brothers really want to make a change, I am open to ANY and ALL ideas. Bro. Tillman… “

Question Submitted Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Question:

With an alarming rate of our Brothers TERRIBLY disgruntled and distancing themselves from the frat because of our existing General President’s “I’m bigger than the organization” mentality, how are you different?

Answer:

I can tell you this.  I could have easily been one of those brothers that you have mentioned.  I have been “in the fight” since my days at Dillard University.  Moved to Detroit, joined Gamma Lambda and became one of the youngest brothers in the chapter (and I’m sure you know about chapter issues though the eyes of a young brother.).  Took on leadership roles that dealt with hazing issues, ghost brothers, or issues that you expect grown men to be able to solve.  And mentoring our today’s young brothers to stay focused in school, in life, and contribute through Alpha.

Through it all Brother, I want brothers to know that I tackle challenges with a “servant” first mentality and provide a tangible, accountable, and measurable result.  I have one favor to ask of you.  I asked that before we speak, please review my website thoroughly.  Under the link “My Record as Vice President” please review the information on what I have done as VP but more importantly go to my blog when I was a VP candidate, http://alphainvestment.blogspot.com. Please review the comments on what brothers of the Midwestern region thought of me at that time when I asked for their trust to lead them.

I am passionate about Alpha. I am a life member of Alpha. I have paid dues to a chapter for over two decades (my current chapter’s dues is $350.00).  I have invested thousands of dollars in Alpha and thousands of hours of time in Alpha.  I have never thought of myself as being “bigger than the organization”.  I am a dedicated, servant-leader of this organization and I serve with humility.  And I hope through your eyes and the information I provided that you can see me differently as well.

Question Submitted Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Question:

Thank you for introducing your candidacy. As a brother fairly new to Alpha, I’ve been blessed to receive new mentors within my chapter of Epsilon Gamma Lambda. However, I’ve found that mentorship within my field of study, medicine, has not been as easy to find. I know that there are numerous brothers within the field of medicine, but I’m disappointed in the lack of an “online”, “user friendly”, “up-to-date”, “central” registry of brothers and their fields.

My vote for general president is directly linked to the candidate I feel has a specific plan that will be able to best connect brothers in this world of Facebook and LinkedIn communications. Do you have a specific plan in how you will do this?

Answer:

As you may have read, I have over twenty years of Information Technology experience and employed with the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP).  A little more detail about myself and my contributions of technology within Alpha. I utilized my skills as a programmer and systems designer to develop a registration system for conventions within the Midwestern region.  That system was used for 9yrs.  I was appointed as a member of the Management Information Systems committee under two general president administrations and contributed to technology changes within the corporate office, including the implementation of AlphaNET.  I facilitated the Midwestern region to adopt AlphaNET as the main system for conventions and other administrative processes.  And I have been instrumental in its adoption for conventions in two other regions.

In addition to being passionate about Alpha, I am passionate about technology.  But also as important, not every issue needs a technology outcome, just an understanding and consistency in its use.  We currently have a repository.  AlphaNET currently allows members to enter their field of study and that information has been utilized in the past but it has been inconsistent.  And you are correct that it is not easily accessible to the general membership.  It wasn’t a technical issue but a use and policy issues, not all members want their information shared and security and privacy are just as important to anyone that is a user.  Today, I am instrumental on the update to AlphaNET which will be implemented soon and it will better address some of the issues.  But being in IT, you are only as good as your last software update.  Change is constant in the world of IT and new processes, technology, and ways of doing things are always introduced.

I can assure you that I will rely on my experience as an IT professional with a discipline in systems design and business process improvement.  There will be a constant reassessment of “ease of use” and efficiency requirements for both our corporate office staff and the members at large.  My background and my understanding of the details in the processes of the fraternity will help shape the use of technology in this ever changing landscape of Twitter and Facebook.