[9506] in APO-L
A Phi O Tree
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (J.D. LEONARD)
Thu Sep 29 16:35:57 1994
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 16:28:21 -0400
Reply-To: "J.D. LEONARD" <JL3002%ALBNYVMS.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: "J.D. LEONARD" <JL3002%ALBNYVMS.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
Hi Brothers,
I have been listening to the many post these past few weeks. Sadly I
think that a few of the people have lost sight of the function of this mailing
list. APO-L is an excellent tool for Brothers to gather ideas or to express
their opinions. Its not a place to wage battles, to find out which way is the
"Right" one.
Alpha Phi Omega is the Oak. Its roots are deep, its trunk is strong,
and its branches extend over a large area. The Oak is unbending as per our
principles. No matter the chapter, who ever the Brother, some things we all hold
to be true: Leadership, Friendship, and Service. However in a strong wind,
that which does not bend, will break. I, for one, would hate to see Alpha Phi
Omega come apart. When I talk to others about Alpha Phi Omega, I speak of
its diversity as one of its main strengths. Because we have such a wide make-up
in our membership we are able to do more and to assist more people. On the
other hand our diveristy also sometimes leads to conflicting view points.
I see the Fraternity as the Oak, I see myself as a Willow tree and I would
ask all my Brothers to see themselves as the Willow. The Willow does bend with
the wind, it doesn't break in times of stress or change, however after the
storm has past the Willow tree resumes its up right position.
I ask that the Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega act as a grove of willow
trees surrounding the mighty oak. We can protect the Oak from the storms and
allow it to grow. Alpha Phi Omega is not stagnent... our history is deep, but
our future is just as bright.
Here are some of my views on some of the past topics:
Toast Song: Leave it as is, if change is need add another verse. We do not
change the history books to suit us in the present. I think it says
more that when show that we have grown to include more and more
people.
Dating Pledges: Its happens. I'm concern when we have to worry about a Brother's
behavior (using his or her influence to manipulate a Pledge's outcome).
If it comes out, the Brother should remove him or her self from the
vote.
Large Pledge Class: I cannot believe this as a problem. I believe that one of
Alpha Phi Omega's missions is to try and reach as many people as
possible. Any size class is possible, however the larger the class
the more planning is involved.
Open E-boards: (This is a little old) I'm going a bit against the grain from
the rest of the list that posted on this issue. But I do not believe
that e-board should be open. If people are worried about e-board
making decisions for the chapter without approval then adjust your
by-laws stating that e-board decisions must approved by the general
memebership. However I don't understand the lack of trust. These are
Brothers that were elected to chapter positions. Hopefully there wasn't
a forceful take over at elections.
Peace to all. And I hope to see all of you in Dallas.
As always the views are mine, and not necessary those of my chapter, or the
chapter before me (having been in two chapters :).
Quack "John" Leonard
JL3002@ALBNYVMS.BITNET
JL3002@CNSVAX.ALBANY.EDU
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| Alpha Phi Omega | * Leadership * Friendship * Service |
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Formerly of ABX chapter at Plattsburgh,
Currently with ADH the new Chapter at the University at Albany!!!
Charter Brother and VPM
"Van Gogh became a painter because he had no ear for music." -- Nikki Harris
"The first time I walked into a trophy shop, I looked around and thought to
myself, 'This guy is good!'" -- Fred Wolf
"Don't worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good,
you'll have to ram them down people's throats." -- Howard Aiken
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