Contributions That I Would Bring to Alpha PHI Alpha

¶ … Alpha Phi Alpha

The mission of Alpha Phi Alpha is so closely aligned with my own values, goals and visions for my life and for this country I truly believe that if invited to join, I will fit in seamlessly and be a productive brother in service to the causes and mission of Alpha Phi Alpha. Being aware of the quality of this fraternity, of the fact that Alpha Phi Alpha develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and encourages academic excellence, causes me to pursue membership with a confident smile on my face and a sincerity in my heart and mind.

Why I Would be a Worthy, Contributing Member of Alpha Phi Alpha

I have developed a deep sense of respect for the work of Alpha Phi Alpha over the years, and at the age of forty, I have reached a point where I know I am ready to serve, to contribute and to lead, and this is my quest, to become a valued, activist, loyal member of a fine organization of men like Alpha Phi Alpha.

As for me, without a moment's equivocation, I believe I have been brought up as a man of substance, a man who understands the seriousness and commitment that go along with joining the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The unselfish, professional gentlemen that have mentored me over the years, the gentlemen that have helped show me the way to academic and personal business success, have, in the main, come from this wonderful fraternity.

My desire is to be linked to these gentlemen, to be associated with the concept of perpetual growth, and by aligning myself with this great organization, I believe I will grow in important ways to a new point in my manhood that will lead me to approach several new and higher rungs on my ladder to excellence as a person and as a man. As I grow, I too will be able to mentor others, especially those young men who are capable, bright, eager learners, and who need a leader in their lives to help them transcend from the ordinary to becoming bright shiny role models that will in turn, on down the road, show the way to others.

I have been active in the United States Army for the past 22 years, and the Army has helped mold me into a leader in this context. The Army teaches that a leader fully understands who he is, what he knows and doesn't know, and what he can do. A person lacking motivation and personal drive will always be a follower, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am a leader, born to lead, born to learn -- and I am very effective at communication, which is the bright welcome sunshine after seven stormy days for those struggling to understand how this society operates.

President John Fitzgerald Kennedy said it simply and poignantly: "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." I truly believe that leading is also listening, and when a strong person demonstrates leadership, he in fact becomes indispensable to the organization.