Alpha Gamma Retreat

Charter Members 1921

Joseph Chester Allen
Clarence Abram Burrell
Joseph Fredrick Starr Carter
Chester Wellington Chinn
Clinton Leroy Henry
Russell Adrian Lane
Samuel Byron Milton
Howard Hughes Murphy
Louis Lorenzo Redding
Heber Edward Wharton III
Jay Mayo Williams

The First Annual Alpha Gamma Chapter Alumni & Undergraduate Retreat
June 15-16, 1996 ~ Howard University, Washington DC

A series of recommendations for improve the current state of Alpha Gamma were made at this time. The "Remedies" are to:

assess the needs of the chapter and the larger community which we serve;

conceptualize and strategize the state of Alpha Gamma, i.e., what is our role on campus, in Providence, in ONECA and on the national level;

develop a united focus and vision for the future;

create focused objectives for the year including workscopes and implementation plans;

establish a Protocols Committee to facilitate understanding of how every event is planned and carried to fruition;

manage debt;

plan activities well in advance and delegate work to all Brothers;

address individual and collective responsibilities;

know what is happening, socially and politically, at Johnson & Wales, Brown and in the larger community;

build relations/coalitions with those persons and organizations who can help Alpha Gamma accomplish the goals and objectives set forth, i.e. Mu Theta Lambda, graduate Bros., Plant Operations, other fraternities and sororities, campus organizations, etc.; set-up fundraising initiatives; and

surpass tradition.

It was emphasized that Brothers need to be more focused, strategic and visionary in our work. Alpha Gamma must implement these remedies in order to reposition the organization as a major social, and political force.

What tactics can we use in order to achieve our goals?

It was noted that the list-serve at Brown is an important asset as it facilitates communication between Brothers around the country. As the list-serve is one way on uniting Brothers, we must also think o other ways to bring about better communication and unity. Alpha Gamma is not in a position to settle for just any type of event or function. It is necessary to create initiatives and strategies that will have resounding and sustainable impact for years to come. In order to reposition the chapter, each brother must become accountable for his role (i.e., Are we financially active? Are we involved with other organizations? Are we in touch with at least one other brother who is an undergraduate? What can we do to advance our race, our unity, our nation?).

The following are the most important suggestions/strategies that came from the discussion:

1. Maintain communication within the chapter; put chapter updates and personal updates on the net.
2. Form and charter an Alpha Gamma Alumni Association.
3. Form an Alpha Gamma Scholarship fund in the amount of $10,000.
4. Compile a resource directory of Alpha Gamma.
5. Make every Brother an active voting Brother of the fraternity (alumni Bros. should link up with a graduate chapter.
6. Start a scholarship contest.
7. Set up an Alpha Gamma Newsletter.
8. Strengthen the political representation of Alpha Gamma (National Political Action Committee) through lobbying group.
9. Form affiliations with organizations working with underserved communities.
10. Develop teen empowerment initiatives (i.e., increase undergraduate involvement in the John Hope Brotherhood)

Brothers signed up to spearhead certain initiatives as follows.

All Brothers Active: Bro. Mance, Bro. Clarke
Alumni Grad Chapter: Bro. Harrison, Bro. Howell, Bro. Robinson, Bro. Duru
Scholarship: Bro. Robinson, Bro. Warwin, Bro. Durant, Bro. Lopez, Bro. Tyson
National Political Action/Lobbying: Bro. Collymore, Bro. Clarke, Bro. Howell
Teen Empowerment: Bro. Clarke, Bro. Weekes, Bro. Johnson, Bro. Arnold

Minutes prepared by Brother David M. Johnson