National Convention
Proposed Legislation
(by Topic)
National and Regional Alignment
Articles of Association
National Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation
Long Range Goals Report
Resolutions
Risk Management
Rituals, Toast Song, and other publications
Proposed Resolutions
| Submitted by Milton D. Smith, Alumnus, Kappa | Awards & Appreciations Reference #: R-1 |
Proposal:
I move that the H. Roe Bartle award be amended as to contain the following MANDATORY
requirement:
In the past school year, the Chapter has actively participated in one or more of
the
following activities:
Rationale:
In order to fulfill the requirements for Service to Chapter, participation in these
events on an
annual basis is of utmost importance. Without attendance at the events, a chapter
will
slowly
shrink, and become disinvolved with the National Fraternity.
| Submitted by: Submitted by Milton D. Smith, Alumnus, Kappa | National Organization II Reference #: R-2 |
Proposal:
I move that the National Fraternity cause to publish, on an annual basis, the names of
each
National Committee and its constituent members.
Rationale:
The National President appoints many Brothers to serve on the various
committees of
the
National Fraternity. These committees include, but are not limited to, the Board of
Trustees,
Membership, Finance, Scouting, International Relations, Diversity and Publications.
The list of
committees also include special task forces and ad hoc committees established by
Convention
action. Passing this motion further serves the Fraternity in Service to its members
by
making the
Brotherhood aware of the scope of activities that the Fraternity partakes in order to
strengthen
the Fraternity. I believe this will encourage the Brotherhood to contribute more
ideas, time and
service to the Fraternity. Other than in Convention years, these committees are
largely forgotten,
even though their work continues Convention to Convention. An ideal publication for
such a
listing would be in the Torch and Trefoil.
explain, privacy violations, already available from
office
| Submitted by Paul F. Romain, Beta Iota Chapter Alumni | Scouting Reference #: R-3 |
Proposal:
Whereas Alpha Phi Omega is based on the Principles and Traditions of the Boy Scouts of
America, and whereas the earning of the ranks of Eagle Scout (BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA),
Golden Award (GSA), or Quartermaster Award (Sea Exploring, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA)
exemplifies an adolescent's ability to: exhibit Leadership, develop Friendship, and
provide Service,
be it Resolved that the National President will appoint an individual(s) to develop
and
produce
suitable recognitions of achievement (i.e. certificates), so that Chapters may be able
to present
said recognition to local recipients of said ranks, and that the appropriate persons
at
the National
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA & GSA offices be informed of their availability.
Rationale:
1. Service to Campus & Chapter: Public Relations. May entice
recipients to visit
campus
and/or join APO.
2. Service to Community & Nation: Will provide encouragement to recipients to
continue in
their endeavors.
| Submitted by John Grossi, Section 94 Chair and Jason Rolfstad, Section 21 Staff | National Organization II Reference #: R-4 |
Proposal:
We move the following be added to the Pledge Manual on page 9, between paragraphs 2
and
3
- In 1950, Alpha Phi Omega became international with the chartering of Alpha Chapter - Phillippines at Far Eastern University in Manila. There are currently 225 chapters in the Republic of the Phillippines as well as a quarter of a million brothers in a separate National Organization.
Rationale:
There are many brothers of APO Phillippines in the US. I've run into
"brods" and
"sisters" (their
usage) from the Phillippines on the street because I'm wearing my letters. Our
pledges
should at
least be aware of the existence of the chapters in the Phillippines, as they are as
likely to have
encounters with them as I am.
| Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III
Director John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator Mike Ogilvie, Region III Parliamentarian Jamie Conover, Section 81 Chair Diane Trafton, Section 83 Chair Lee Peters, Section 84 Chair Michael Leahy, Zeta Beta Advisor Linda Prevatte, Alpha Delta Delta Advisor |
Chapter Operations Reference #: R-5 |
Be it resolved that:
Any perceived agreement allowing gender discrimination, commonly referred to as the
"1976
Gentleman's Agreement", authorizing all-male chapters at co-educational institutions,
is no longer
in force and is to be considered null and void.
Rationale:
The National Convention is the supreme authority of the National
Fraternity, and is
never bound
by past decisions. Therefore, the Fraternity has the right to reevaluate the actions
of previous
conventions, and the obligation to enforce the Fraternity's open membership policies.
| Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III
Director John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator Mike Ogilvie, Region III Parliamentarian Jamie Conover, Section 81 Chair Diane Trafton, Section 83 Chair Lee Peters, Section 84 Chair Michael Leahy, Zeta Beta Advisor Linda Prevatte, Alpha Delta Delta Advisor |
Chapter Operations Reference #: R-6 |
Be it resolved that:
This convention reaffirms the "1976 Gentleman's Agreement" allowing or authorizing the
continuation of all-male chapters at co-educational institutions chartered before
1976.
Rationale:
The National Convention is the supreme authority of the National
Fraternity and is
never bound
by past decisions. The Fraternity has the right and obligation to reaffirm the right
of a chapter to
discriminate based on gender.
| Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III
Director John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator Mike Ogilvie, Region III Parliamentarian Jamie Conover, Section 81 Chair Diane Trafton, Section 83 Chair Lee Peters, Section 84 Chair Michael Leahy, Former Section 82 Chair Linda Prevatte, Alpha Delta Delta Advisor |
Chapter Operations Reference #: R-7 |
Be it resolved that: The 1998 National Convention Rules and Credentials Reference Committee deny certification to those chapters not in good standing due to their violation of Alpha Phi Omega's published Membership Policies. The Rules and Credentials Reference Committee will disallow any unwritten agreement between the Fraternity and any other entity.
Rationale:
This is one mechanism to enforce the Fraternity's published membership
policies.
| Robert E. Lee Correll, IV, Region III
Director John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator Jamie Conover, Section 81 Chair Lee Peters, Section 84 Chair Michael Leahy, Former Section 82 Chair |
Chapter Operations Reference #: R-8 |
Be it resolved that:
The National Spirit and Standards Committee recommend to the 1998 National Convention
the
revocation of the charter of any chapter not in compliance with the Fraternity's
published
Membership Policies. The National Spirit and Standards Committee will disallow any
unwritten
agreement between the Fraternity and any other entity.
Rationale:
This is one mechanism to enforce the Fraternity's published membership
policies.
| Submitted by John Conover, Jr., Region III Extension Coordinator | Membership Reference #: R-9 |
Be it resolved:
The National Fraternity allow Petitioning members who have graduated from, or ceased
to
attend
the institution, while in good standing with the Petitioning Group, be allowed to have
their names
placed on the chapter's charter (or recharter certificate) as an active member, upon
chartering of
the chapter. This member would immediately become an alumni member of the chapter and
the
National Fraternity.
Rationale:
This follows the current practice of several Regions.
graduates are not allowed to be active, 75% vote too
high
| Submitted by Debra Salob, Epsilon Mu, University of Maryland at College Park | Publication/Public Relations Reference #: R-10 |
Proposal:
To include the Brotherhood Oath of Loyalty and Service in the Pledge Manual.
Rationale:
One of the points of the National Pledging Standards is that pledges
should know and
understand
the oath, so that they fully understand what is expected of them as brothers. It
makes
no sense
that this should be included in the standards without the oath itself being included
in
the pledge
manual.
| Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter | Scouting Reference #: R-11 |
Proposal:
The Scout Oath and Scout Law should be prominently displayed in the National Pledge
Manual.
Rationale:
At its current size and location, the Scout Oath and Scout Law are hard
to find
and read. Since they are the cornerstone of what Alpha Phi Omega was founded on,
we feel it deserves to be more prominently displayed.
See Jerry Schroeder's comments
| Submitted by Thomas G. Barnhill, Jr., Chapter President Alpha Rho | Publication/Public Relations Reference #: R-12 |
Proposal:
The National APO Slogan:
- Leadership and Friendship through Service.
Rationale:
This slogan would incorporate the three Cardinal Principles in a simple
phrase.
This phrase is already used unofficially by some. By passing this proposal, the
slogan would be officially recognized by the Fraternity.
| Submitted by M. Tomusiak, National Board Member at Large | Chapter Operations Reference #: R-13 |
Proposal:
Be it resolved that every Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega shall review its membership
policies with respect to the exclusion of potential members based on gender, and
by the 1998 National Convention, take action to open membership to all students.
Rationale:
Banning students of either gender on co-ed campuses is contrary to the
open
membership policy stated in our Bylaws, and inconsistent with the Fraternity
ideals of world-wide Leadership, Friendship and Service.
least of the equality proposals
| Submitted by the 1994 National Convention | Membership Reference #: R-14 |
Proposal:
Be it resolved that the 1994 National Convention recommends that the 1996
National Convention give further consideration on amending the Toast Song in
regard to the words "True To."
Rationale:
No rationale submitted.
| Submitted by Gamma Theta Chapter, University of Colorado at Boulder | Service Reference #: R-15 |
Proposal:
National Service Emphasis
Be it resolved that the present National Service Day theme for 1996, which is
Community Disaster Preparedness and Personal Safety, be adopted as a permanent
National Service Emphasis of Alpha Phi Omega as part of the Cardinal Principles
of the Fraternity. The need for adopting such a program into a permanent service
emphasis is justified by the ever increasing risk to life and property, posed by
natural and man-made hazards such as tornadoes, fires, hurricanes, floods,
hazardous materials emergencies, and other related phenomena.
The members of Alpha Phi Omega have traditionally contributed greatly to these
programs in times of need, and the opportunities for increased service in a
guided and directed program in the future is of paramount importance.
It is further proposed that the Fraternity enter into a "coalition agreement"
with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Family Disaster Preparedness
program, and the American Red Cross Community Disaster Education Program. The
terms of this agreement would create a voluntary opportunity for supporting and
utilizing the resources and programs of those organizations by chapters and
members of Alpha Phi Omega who chose to participate in their respective campuses
and communities. The National Office of Alpha Phi Omega would serve as a
coordination point through which such liaison between FEMA and the American Red
Cross would occur.
Rationale:
No rationale submitted.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Membership Reference #: R-16 |
Proposal:
The National Convention resolves to encourage chapters to take action to
encourage new or renewed chapters at other schools, but only after membership at
the chapter is at a high enough level such that extension activities will not
interfere with any chapter programs or operations, or the academic lives of the
members. The recommended guideline is as follows:
- Chapters with less than 40 active brothers should not spearhead any chartering efforts.
- Chapters with at least 40 actives, but less than 70, should spearhead a maximum of one chartering effort at a time.
- Chapters with at least 70 actives, but less than 100, should spearhead a maximum of two chartering efforts at a time.
- Chapters with at least 100 actives should spearhead a maximum of three chartering efforts at a time. For each additional 50 active members, the chapter could be able to add one chartering effort to their suggested maximum limit.
- Teams of chapters working together on chartering efforts may apply combined membership enrollments to the above guidelines.
Rationale:
Encourages activity by chapters to help charter other chapters, but
establishes
suggested guidelines to avoid any strain on the members or a deviation from
normal charter programs.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Service Reference #: R-17 |
Proposal:
The National Convention resolves to encourage chapters to apply for the Arno
Nowotny National Service Award. Starting with the 1998 National Convention, the
chapter who applies and is chosen as the recipient of the award, shall have the
registration and banquet fees of all its members present at the Conference paid
for by the National Office and the National Office shall donate $20 per attending
member of that chapter to the chapter's service program.
Rationale:
Encourage chapter participation in the award program and the National
Conference.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Publication/Public Relations Reference #: R-18 |
Proposal:
The National Fraternity resolves to designate a week in October and a week in
February as "Fraternity Internet Awareness Week," in which all members with
computer access are encouraged to set up a trial subscription with APO-L,
APOSCC-L and any other pertinent service- and fraternity-related discussion list
or newsgroup, read the messages and post at least one list-appropriate message to
each.
Rationale:
Internet communication is the wave of the future, and the designated
weeks are
aimed at letting all brothers know how electronic media and the fraternity can
mix. The months were chosen because they follow most rushes and precede most
sectionals.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Publications/Public Relations Reference #: R-19 |
Proposal:
The National Fraternity resolves to set aside a section in each issue of Torch &
Trefoil, whenever necessary, to accommodate requests to mention the passing of a
member of the fraternity.
Rationale:
Usually, only deaths of founders, important fraternity personalities,
etc. have
been mentioned in the national publication, but in a fraternity, all brothers
should share in the loss and remembrance of a fellow brother, regardless of
membership status.
We think this will change current policy of the T&T.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Publication/Public Relations Reference #: R-20 |
Proposal:
The National Fraternity resolves to include in the Pledge Manual and all other related
biographies,
the dates of passing of all founders and noted fraternity personalities.
Rationale:
It makes no sense to have the death dates printed for all deceased
personalities who
have been
written about in various fraternity publications, including the Pledge Manual, but not
for the
founding brothers, with the exception of Frank Reed Horton and on the recent passing
of
Ellsworth Dobson. This proposal will simply provide the same complete information for
all
deceased brothers that have biographical write-ups.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Alumni Reference #: R-21 |
Proposal:
This convention resolves that all chapters, regardless of status, should have
autonomous alumni associations associated with them. Any chapter who currently
does not have an alumni association, should take measures in the coming two years
to form one, or at least contact alumni willing to participate in forming an
association. Alumni of inactive chapters should take measures on their own to
attempt forming an alumni organization.
Rationale:
Ensures each chapter has an organization where alumni can still keep in
touch and
serve with each other, and offer any necessary advice and/or help to the chapter.
In the case of inactive chapters, a corresponding active alumni association
could be instrumental in any rechartering efforts.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Service Reference #: R-22 |
Proposal:
The National Convention resolves to take measures to have National Service Day
coincide with "Make A Difference Day," sponsored late every October by USA
Weekend magazine, and to encourage all chapters to document service done on
that day and send material and entries to the magazine.
Rationale:
The amount of themed service done on National Service Day would likely
receive some
publicity
if it were eligible for Make A Difference Day. The resulting participation and
exposure could only
be an asset to the Fraternity.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Service Reference #: R-23 |
Proposal:
The National Fraternity resolves to award $2,000 to the service program budget of any
chapter
that wins the USA Weekend "Make A Difference Day."
Rationale:
An added incentive to support well-publicized service programs.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Service Reference #: R-24 |
Proposal:
The National Fraternity resolves to encourage all chapters to send photos and
text descriptions of their projects done on National Service Day to the National
Office. All submitted material shall be used to put together a yearbook
chronicling all projects done. The 1997 National Service Day shall be the first
to be chronicled in such a yearbook.
Rationale:
It could be a small fundraiser for Nationals, but more important, it
will allow
all chapters to share vivid images and descriptions of all projects with other
chapters.
Chapters are already encouraged to send in photos and
writeups to the T&T.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Publication/Public Relations Reference #: R-25 |
Proposal:
The National Fraternity resolves to collect news articles about various
fraternity events nationwide and publish them in an annual scrapbook. In
addition, video vignettes of news items concerning Alpha Phi Omega shall be
collected and combined into an annual highlight tape.
Rationale:
Sharing news items about APO events with all chapters help to encourage
efforts
to attract community and media attention to fraternity activities. This may be
done in conjunction with the National Service Day yearbook, if passed.
| Submitted by Richard E. Vehlow, Epsilon Zeta Chapter | Alumni Reference #: R-26 |
Proposal:
This convention resolves to begin efforts to have a national alumni directory
published by the year 2000, in order to help facilitate the networking of alums
with each other and their alumni associations and chapters. The National Office
shall delegate to the Chapters and Sections the task of identifying their alumni
who would be interested in participating and shall advertise in the Torch &
Trefoil for interested alumni and life members. Such information shall be
collected and submitted to the National Office by the first day of the 1998
National Convention. Then it shall be decided whether to print the directory in
book format (estimation of 5 volumes, one for every 2 regions) or on one CD-ROM,
or both. The book/CD-ROM shall be available by April, 2000. Included
information will include, at a minimum, name (including maiden), address,
chapter(s), years of pledging and graduation(s), degrees, occupational title (if
applicable) and location of business (if applicable). Phone numbers optional.
The master directory shall arrange listings alphabetically by last name, and
cross-referencing directory shall list names by affiliated chapter, current city,
state and/or country of residence and place of business. Updated versions shall
be manufactured every 5 years. News on advertising milestones or difficulties
shall be provided in the Torch & Trefoil. Proceeds should be split
between Nationals and service programs of participating chapters, as an incentive
to get involved.
Rationale:
Alpha Phi Omega is the only major organization I belong to that has not
yet
published a member or alumni directory for its members. I currently have
directories for both high school and college, two of my professional societies,
and my chapter's alumni association. Such a national directory would be a
resource of immeasurable value to alumni who wish to keep track of friends, make
business acquaintances, and contacts, get together for service projects, and so
on. My college alumni directory has roughly 50,000 listings in one hardcover
volume, which will be about 20% of APO alumni by the year 2000, and cost about
$60. Hence, I suggested a 5-volume set, which can be purchased in whole or in
part. However, for brothers with computer access, a CD-ROM disk can hold over
500,000 listings, plus cross-reference lists, and costs less.
| Submitted by Jack A. McKenzie, National Vice President | National Organization I Reference #: R-27 |
Proposal:
Resolution #01: The 1996 National Convention directs the
National President to commission a comprehensive study of the role, processes and
structure of Alpha Phi Omega with regard to their impact upon the future of the
Fraternity, with findings and recommendations to be presented to the 1998
National Convention.
Part of Nat Reorg
| Submitted by Jack A. McKenzie, National Vice President | National Organization I Reference #: R-28 |
Proposal:
Resolution #02: The 1996 National Convention directs the
National Board of Directors to include the following factors among those
considered by the National Board when, as required by the National Bylaws, it
submits Regional Boundaries for approval by the 1998 National Convention:
- the volunteer support available to chapters in a given geographic area;
- chapter concentrations or groupings across the country;
- transportation hubs and systems across the country;
- existing relationships among chapters and groups of chapters.