It takes an Investment to Generate a Return

Dear Brother

Brother Charles H. Garvin, the 4th General President, wrote an appeal called, Esprit de Fraternite. He felt that an Alpha man’s attitude should not be “how much can I derive from the Fraternity” but “how much can I do for the Fraternity?” Because he realized the serious purpose of the fraternity he penned the first investment of a member’s duties; Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life.

So today, I ask you to make your investment; a promissory note that you still believe in the influence of Alpha Phi Alpha. Without your financial commitment, we cannot continue to grow and build to be the 21st Century change agent we desire to be. The reality is this, without money, we limit our scope, which is, and always should be, limitlessness.

Let’s break it down.

Between September 1st and November 15th of each year, marks the timeframe of when Grand Tax is due for the next fiscal year. This means non-life members and college brothers whose membership expires in 2011 or before are required to pay Grand Tax.

College brothers whose membership expires in 2012 or later and Life Members are exempt from paying Grand Tax. In addition, there is also the responsibility of confirming your payment of your Chapter Dues to be considered to be a member in good standing.

I am encouraging my brothers to make that investment by logging onto AlphaNet to reactivate their membership for the 2012 fraternal year. For your convenience, the Fraternity has made available several credit card options which will enable your chapter account to be updated immediately.

While you’re still logged onto AlphaNet, please be sure to verify and update your contact information. You can also go to our Fraternity’s website at www.apa1906.net and download the forms to reactivate or update your address. This will ensure delivery of your official ballot in April when it’s time to cast your vote for the next General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

For College Brothers: This entails making sure that you use a mailing address where you are certain that you will receive important fraternal communications from the general office, such as your ballot, in Spring 2012.

With these simple steps we can ensure the longevity of our organization and a return on our investment. It takes a dollar to make a dollar. It takes change to make change. It takes brotherhood to make brotherhood.

I understand how tough times are financially for our brothers. The economy is not at its best. That extra dollar that would have been towards Alpha could be used for something more important. I also understand that Alpha Phi Alpha does not come before the necessities of life. But allow me to entreat you, at the very least, ensure you are financial this year. We are the masters of our fate and the captains of our soul.

In order to improve our dear Fraternity, we must ensure all voices are heard. I need you to make an investment now for the future of Alpha Phi Alpha. Espirit de Fraternite is important to remember at this time. I believe in Alpha Phi Alpha. Your investment is important, make your commitment today.

Fraternally,

Brother Mark S. Tillman,
Candidate for 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

From the Campain Trail

Brother Tillman with Brother Winston Bishop, Xi Omicron Lambda (Fort Myers, FL)

Brother Tillman with Brother Ludger Marsan, Iota Delta | Florida State University and Brother Walter Idlette, Theta Sigma | University of Florida.

Brother Tillman is sharing his platform with brothers from Gamma Theta Lambda (Wilmington, DE)

Brother Tillman addresses the members of Xi Alpha Lambda chapter (Prince William County, VA).  Pictured are (from l to r) Brother Floyd Jones (vice president), Brother Chauncey Pointe, and Brother Allen Gradnigo

Brother Tillman with the members of Theta Rho Lambda chapter (Arlington, VA) and Xi Alpha Lambda chapter (Prince William County, VA)

Brother Tillman with the brothers of Zeta Lambda (Newport News, VA), Delta Beta Lambda (Hampton, VA), Beta Gamma Lambda (Richmond, VA), and Nu Omicron Lambda (Fort Lee, VA)

Brother Tillman with supporters who served as presidents of their respective chapters; (l to r) Brother E. Christopher Washington, Xi Alpha Lambda | Prince William County, VA, Brother Dameon Proctor, Omicron Lambda Alpha | Washington, D.C., Brother Paul E. Brown, Pi Upsilon Lambda | Largo, MD, Brother Kwame Ulmer, Mu Lambda | Washington, D.C., and Brother Timothy Fitzgerald, Mu Lambda.

Do You Know Where Your Line Brothers Are?

Dear Brother,

“Do you know where your line brothers are?”

As men, we are confronted with many transitions in our lives that shape our values. Our perspectives change from when we enter college, through our first job and career goals, family obligations, health concerns, and in our retirement years. College days do indeed swiftly pass. At every stage, we must continue to invest in, and encourage, our line brothers and ourselves to stay connected to our brotherly relationships that are formed at initiation. By doing so, we can show that Alpha Phi Alpha can be balanced in our lives.

The Alpha Investment is about our involvement IN the fraternity, and FOR the fraternity. It touches the relationships we formed when our memberships began, and those that induct us into the Omega Chapter. It involves lifting up those who need our help during our journey of growth and reaching back for those we may have lost along the way. It is forever true: “he is not heavy, he is my brother.”

Where are your line brothers? Are they as involved, are they as committed, are they giving back as you? Do you know how to reach those who crossed with you? Are you even in touch with those who crossed with you? Are you willing to work to reconnect those bonds you once had? Are you willing to invest your time to bring back members who came in as your brothers when you all were becoming our brothers?

As your 34th General President, I want our brothers to know that we need to exercise the collective and stabilized strength of our membership.

1. I will invest in a strategy to communicate to every member of Alpha Phi Alpha and connect him to the challenges of where the fraternity needs support regardless of membership status.
2. I will invest in a strategy to develop a “welcome packet” that invites any member to join an alumni chapter seated anywhere on the globe.
3. I will invest in a strategy to develop a major marketing effort to encourage brothers to reinvest in the fraternity.

I also want brothers to know that I will promote opportunities that integrate and connect our membership to the fraternity at different stages in one’s life.

1. I will invest in a strategy to expand the participation of the Alpha Leadership Academy and the College Life to Corporate Life initiatives where every member from every college chapter is benefiting from the programs.
2. I will invest in a strategy to provide programs so that college brothers can raise and meet academic expectations.
3. I will invest in a strategy to support brotherhood development initiatives where all brothers can take advantage of fraternal mentorship opportunities.
4. I will invest in a strategy to expand on the support of the Brother’s Keeper Program.
5. I will invest in a strategy to continue supporting the business of Alpha Phi Alpha while providing and promoting affordable activities that allow for brothers, and their families, to connect with each other and to strengthen our fraternal bond.

Your line brothers were with you at the beginning. Much like in my case, many are not active in the Fraternity with us now and are missing the wonder of being part of this amazing fraternal journey. I do know where my line brothers are. We are in Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. Allow me to share what my line brothers thought about me when I was wishing 2 of my LBs a happy birthday;

“Mark, I want to say thank you for what you have done and been for the Nuprin Nine. You have taken the word “brotherhood” to another dimension. For the past twenty five years, you have taken upon yourself to help keep our “fraternal spirit” alive! You have remembered and helped us to remember each other’s birthdays. You found Marc and our long lost Harrison! Each of us have built busy lives, but, we are grateful because you help bring us back to what it’s all about. Loving relationships that cannot be made, they have to be born and cultivated. You have helped foster that growth between us, and, even though we don’t see each other, I believe that our bonds are still as strong as they were when we, together, crossed those burning sands!!” Brother Christopher F. Taylor #6

“Very well said Chris, I totally concur. I am totally grateful to Till for his thoughtfulness firstly, but mostly for his friendship and commitment to his LBs and the frat in general. Till, U da man. U hold the torch high everyday. I appreciate u for that.” Brother LTC Kirk L. Williams #4

“Amen to that well said” Brother Danny C. Williams, #8

“I agree Chris. It is a rare gift for an individual to embody literally all the precepts and spirit of our fraternity. When you think of Alpha Phi Alpha – in my mind – The definition of brotherhood is Bro. Mark Tillman…” Brother Michael Curd #5

“I count on that email every year. It means a lot…” Brother Huiet V. Joseph #2

I believe that if you and I invest our time in brothers, we can reclaim more brothers than ever in the history of our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. That, I believe, is a more than reasonable investment of your time. Please reach out to them as I have, and will continue to reach out to you, and to each other. This is about what was, what is, and what has yet to be.

Let us all do our part in the Alpha Investment. Start your investment today! (click here)

Fraternally,

Brother Mark S. Tillman,
Candidate for 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.