Mentoring Matters

Greetings Brother,

January is National Mentoring Month to promote youth mentoring. At some point in each of our lives, a positive influence or reassuring presence made the difference between a good decision and a bad one.  Many of us probably had the benefit of a mentor or two that took a vested interest in our development as productive young men preparing for the “real world”; I know many mentors did in mine more than once.  We say the House of Alpha is the “School for the better making of men” – no one should enter our house without experiencing growth and feeling the support of our close knit brotherhood.

As Alpha men, it is our aim not to simply share our goodwill with our own house, but to share that goodwill with the community that surrounds us.  As Alpha men, we have a mission to “develop leaders” of the next generation.  Many of our chapters have “beaus”, Alpha Esquires, Alpha Men of Tomorrow, or some other name that says we are about the future growth of hard-working, positive, and respected men in society.

In this spirit, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., since the 1990s, continues to be a strong and committed partner to the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters. I started as a “Big” in 2001 with my first little named Devan.  Our relationship matured as he has gotten taller and more mature. And my commitment to my second little, Crispin, and current little, Elijah, strengthens my desire to develop our young boys into men.

Ever since 1904, when a New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter saw many boys come through his courtroom desperately needing the presence of caring adults, and Ladies of Charity identified girls in need through the New York Children’s Court, Big Brothers and Big Sisters has been committed to connecting children with caring role models. It is about the one-to-one relationships and as Brother Dale Long, national chairman for Big Brothers Big Sisters, often states, “to BE a man, they must SEE a man.”

We have a tradition of setting great examples.  Many of our most celebrated brothers throughout history were pioneers and visionaries that set an example for others to follow decades later.  And I believe the good accomplished by one brother choosing to serve as a mentor to even one young man will leave an everlasting legacy.

As a candidate for 34th General President for our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., it is my position to not only support Alpha’s successful partnerships, but to continue cultivating them so that our impact is continually felt.  The working relationship Alpha has cultivated with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is one that I truly value every time I return home from a trip.

Let us be the vehicles of goodwill and service that our visionary Jewels expected us to be.  Join me in supporting organizations for social change like Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and join me in making a difference!

Fraternally,

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

Brother Tillman with his first “little” Devan.

Brother Tillman with his second “little” Crispin.

Brother Tillman with his current “little” Elijah.