I want to welcome all brothers to a revived edition of the Garnet & White. Production cost and fraternity finances have made it impossible to continue the production and mailing of a printed version of our magazine. Many graduate brothers have expressed their disappointment in not receiving their Garnet & White. This new electronic version of the Garnet & White is our attempt to restore this communication vehicle to the graduate brothers, as well as resident brothers. It is my hope that we can gain stronger communication between graduate brothers, resident brothers, the National Council and the National staff.
During my presidency, goals were established in these areas.
· Finances
· Expansion
· Graduate Relations
· Communications
· Ritual
While in any organization there may be a rather long laundry list of things needing to be done to improve the organization, these items need the attention of the brothers, Council and staff over the next year.
Finances – For the next year, high priority is being placed on the financial condition of the National Fraternity and many of its chapters.
The grants available from the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation have been reduced in size due to the current worldwide financial crisis. Increased graduate support of the Annual Fund is a mutual goal we share with the Educational Foundation that is essential to building the financial base.
The ability of individual members and chapters to meet their financial obligations to this organization and others deserves our renewed attention. This is an area that Council, staff, every chapter and every brother can help control. It is a fundamental obligation we all take on when joining any organization, to pay one’s dues and assessment in a timely manner. Our Fraternity is a brotherhood based upon “Living the Landmarks.” However, every level - the national Fraternity, every building corporation and every chapter - is also a business. A brother not paying his national dues is not paying his fair share. A chapter not paying its annual dues or its insurance bill is not paying its fair share. As such, it forces the costs to be borne by chapters and brothers that are paying their bills. If you want this Fraternity to survive, each individual and chapter must pay their fair share.
The National Council will be joining with Brother Carlson and the staff to work with all delinquent chapters and brothers that need to become current in their obligations. Unfortunately, the Council may be forced to make difficult decisions with regard to underperforming chapters and brothers.
Expansion - The second priority under my presidency is expansion. In any fraternity there is attrition of chapters caused by financial factors, loss of recognition on a campus, or lack of membership. Therefore, an ongoing campaign of developing colonies is needed. Expansion consumes staff time and travel costs. Brother Frank Mistretta has been appointed Chair of the Expansion Committee. They are working with the staff and we have several strong prospects for new chapters. During this period of financial frugality we will be asking our graduate brothers to help us with this activity.
Graduate Brother Participation - The third priority is to increase graduate brother participation at the chapter level and at the national level. It is well known that an undergraduate chapter with a strong Building Corporation or Graduate Chapter will be a stronger undergraduate chapter. I have observed this with the transition of the Zeta Phi chapter going from a chapter being in serious trouble to one of the finest chapters on its campus. We are actively seeking volunteer graduate brothers to aid resident chapters. We need graduate brothers to be mentors for their undergraduate chapter.
Regional events held by chapters should be reported to the National Office staff. Support can be provided with mailing lists and email communications. From time to time there are events that may be in your geographical area; I urge you to attend these events. Come out and meet your brothers. It is a great way to network socially and professionally.
Communication – The fourth priority is communication between resident brothers, graduate brothers, the National Council and the National Staff. The Council and staff are working on getting an improved web site up and running. The rehabilitation of the Garnet & White is an important part of this communication program. Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn have been created to promote graduate participation and networking.
Ritual - The fifth priority is to increase and improve the use of Ritual at the chapter level. One element of a cohesive chapter is the regular use of Ritual in its meetings. This creates a formality that reminds the brothers of what being a member of Alpha Chi Rho is all about. Brothers Ramos and Mercaldo have been reviewing the status of the Ritual and have been training Council members and others on its proper use. The Council and I will support any activity that strengthens the use and understanding of the Ritual at both the chapter and national levels.
In summary, with your help, the Council and I will actively work with the staff, undergraduate chapters, graduate chapters, building corporations and the Educational Foundation to make progress on these priority items. Our goal is to make Alpha Chi Rho a stronger organization with chapters that are successful through leadership on their campus. With your support, we will have a Council that achieves success with each of these priority goals.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank the professional staff - Brothers Carlson, McGoey, Zisko and Smock and the officers and members of the Council for all their efforts, especially during these difficult economic times. Nor could I forget to thank Barbara Bianchi, Office Manager, for her friendly and helpful activities at the other end of the phone.
If any of you wish to communicate directly with me on any matter related to the Fraternity, please contact me at
president@alphachirho.org.
In the Bond,
Gerry
National President
The Fraternity of Alpha Chi Rho