A Voteless People is A Hopeless People

What does the word “vote” mean to you?  When I think about voting, and the responsibility that comes with it, I realize that it means more to me than what is written into a dictionary.  The word “vote” to me is defined by the history of a peoples’ journey to attain the right, understand that right, and then use that right.

Our brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha decided to educate and register people to vote beginning in the 1930s with A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People National Program.  These brothers understood that strong forces existed in society that chose to define the word “vote” in its own way – as a responsibility bestowed on some but not others.    Our brothers wanted to equip their community with the tools necessary to understand the importance of voting, and why it is a critical tool for short and long term influence and impact.

Today, brothers across the nation are still helping communities be politically aware and engaged, registering new voters, and teaching the fundamentals of government as a part of A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People.   This is the return on that initial investment in the 1930s – believing in and continuing the traditions and initiatives begun by those before us, and something that I believe in wholeheartedly as candidate for 34th General President of Alpha.

And as we continue these traditions, let us not forget the reason why we teach about “the vote”.  The vote is a voice – a voice for us to exercise when choosing individuals to represent our interests in government, or a voice to reflect a choice that you stand behind on principle and values.   This voice should not be forgotten or taken for granted, especially as the nation prepares for the 2012 Presidential and Congressional Elections, and as our great Fraternity journeys toward choosing its next General President.

How would you feel if you knew that only 37% of our members even participated in the last General President election? So as we teach about the power of the vote through our revered National Program, let us also practice what we teach.  Remain engaged. Stay abreast of the issues affecting our country.  Continue investing in Alpha Phi Alpha and be a force that is responsible for shaping its future.  Do not take for granted the voice that those before you have earned on your behalf.

Any vote is defined as a formal expression of preference for a candidate for office or for a proposed resolution of an issue.  To me, I define your vote as something that should not be taken for granted.  How will you choose to define YOUR vote?  Whatever you decide, Just get out and VOTE!!!

Fraternally,

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