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From the desk of
Robert M. Clark, Jr.
21st International Grand Polaris
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"God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed."
(African proverb)
Greetings, my Brothers,
I wanted to submit to the Brotherhood my '30-day Report' that chronicles our administration's first month of leadership of our great Fraternity in line with my goal to be more communicative and transparent. Indeed, the last 30 days have been full of energy, excitement and expectations for the future of Iota Phi Theta, as well as a realization of the challenges that our Brotherhood faces. As this administration, and indeed, the entire Fraternity moves forward, I wanted to present to you a summary of our accomplishments, the status of our proposed goals and initiatives and the current challenges facing our administration and organization.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- As required by the newly-adopted bylaws, our administration succeeded in posting the 2013 Conclave minutes and the newly-adopted Bylaws to the Fraternity's national website. Although the posting of the Conclave minutes was delayed, it was important to insure the accuracy of the minutes so as to avoid any confusion within the Brotherhood. NOTE: All Brothers should review and become extremely familiar with both the Conclave minutes and Bylaws.
- Our administration successfully completed the formation of our new Grand Council and Directorships, as well as other supplemental offices. The respective directors have been busy building their departmental teams and completing 30/60/90 day action plans for their respective departments. Additionally, the committees within those departments are open for participation from any Brothers, Sweetheart, family member, professional colleague or friend, who wants to offer their skills and expertise to build and improve Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Simply contact (via the website) the director(s) and committee you wish to become involved in.
- Per the bylaws, our administration has submitted the 2014 Budget to the National Board of Directors for their review and approval. Within the required 15-day review period, it is our hope that the budget will be approved by the BOD.
- Our administration has re-established our relationship and involvement with the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC), and I have taken a leadership role within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), spearheading an initiative/program to bring more visibility and relevance to this organization. I strongly urge all Brothers, both undergraduate and alumni, to become more involved with both the NIC/IFC and NPHC, taking leadership roles within these respective organizations. My goal is to have an Iota Man at every level of every organization (fraternal, campus-based, community-based, governmental, etc.) so that nothing happens on campus, or in the community without Iota Phi Theta being aware and involved
GOALS/INITIATIVES:
There are three major goals/initiatives that our Fraternity will pursue over the coming years:
- Leadership Development (goal): As I stated in my 'first day letter,' it is important that we become "One Iota" instead of a collection of Brothers, chapters and/or regions operating in silos and not in unison. To that end, plans are on-going in preparation for the Summer Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada this July/August. The goal is to get the leadership of Iota, from the chapter Polari to the Grand Council, to the national Board of Directors and the Board of the National Iota Foundation on the 'same page' in terms of the efficient operation and future direction of the Fraternity. More information concerning dates, registration and other logistics forthcoming.
- Community Service Initiative: As stated during our campaign, my primary focus is on making our organization more 'relevant' to the communities we serve, both nationally and internationally. Therefore, over the next four years, our Fraternity will embark on a comprehensive Community Service Initiative that addresses the plethora of issues facing our communities, primarily (but not limited to) AIDS Awareness and Prevention, child and female trafficking and exploitation, and the comprehensive, positive development of young men. Under the Department of Community Service, comprehensive programs are being developed and collaborations (both national and international) are being formed and/or enhanced.
- "IOTA 360" Health Initiative: Although other fraternities have developed and/or sponsor programs to address health issues within the community, not one has developed a comprehensive health program that addresses the complex issues affecting African American men and other Men of Color. Therefore, the "IOTA 360" Health Initiative is being developed to offer a comprehensive, holistic program that addresses the Physical, Psychological/Emotional, Spiritual and Financial health of Men. More specifically, the purpose of this initiative is to focus on the personal health of our own Brothers, especially in light of recent losses within the Brotherhood. Again, under the Department of Health Initiatives, comprehensive programs are being developed and collaborations (both national and international) are being formed and/or enhanced.
CHALLENGES:
First, the 'growing pains' of a new Grand Council administration, operating under newly-adopted bylaws and new organizational structure, with the national Board of Directors assuming more governing responsibility, is an on-going challenge. However, this administration is committed to working in a collaborative, cooperative manner with the BOD for the overall benefit of the Fraternity. Both the GC and BOD are working diligently in that regard, identifying issues that need to be addressed and resolved to promote the effective, efficient operation of the organization.
Secondly, as many of you already know, our administration has inherited an unplanned financial challenge, primarily from the past Conclave. Overall, all who attended the Conclave and 50th Anniversary Celebration had an excellent time. However, now is the time to do the 'right thing' for our Fraternity. What is the 'right thing?' Simply, do what any "True Iota Man" should do: Manifest our Stars and fulfill his fraternal obligations. If you hold a leadership position (chapter, local, regional, national), let the Light of Polaris guide your actions and lead your way. Also, all Iota Men should pay his respective dues. Unfortunately, our Fraternity currently operates solely on individual dues, chapter dues and intake fees. Until 'alternative streams of income' are realized, dues and intake fees are our ONLY immediate sources of income that help pay our bills/obligations, fund our initiatives and keep the organization running effectively.
In regards to dues, some of you have questioned the feasibility and even "sanity" of financially contributing to the Fraternity. The following quote has been offered in this regard: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results." I agree wholeheartedly with that quote. Indeed, this administration does NOT plan to 'do the same things' and, instead, will seek input from both the Board of Directors and the Brotherhood, in general, in regards to financial matters. Also, in the spirit of accountability and transparency, at the end of each year, this administration will employ outside agencies to conduct financial audits of our financial accounts and processes to insure that best practices are being employed in regards to fraternal finances. Since the discussion of the Fraternity's current financial state will take more time than this letter will allow, over the next few weeks I plan to hold 'Regional Town Hall' meetings to allow the Brotherhood to ask specific questions of me and the administration, as well as offer possible solutions to improve our organization. More information will be forthcoming from your respective Regional Polari as to times and dates.
On a personal note, I have paid my national dues, even when a particular administration did not seem to be doing what I thought was right, or proper. Just as I pay tithes to my church and dues to my lodge, I believe once someone makes a commitment to a person, or entity, one should fulfill that commitment. I intend to continue paying my Life Membership maintenance fee and local chapter dues for the next 4 years, as well as throughout the rest of my life, God-willing.
Additionally, I believe a leader should lead by example, not just via words. To that end, I am committing to donate $5,555 towards our 2014 fiscal year. Of that, I will personally pay for the chapter dues of the two local undergraduate chapters that my alumni chapter advises, as well as the individual dues of the chapter Polari of those chapters. The balance of my commitment will be through travel expenses (I will be paying a portion of all my national travel) and general donations. This is how I plan to "be part of the solution, not the confusion." I challenge any "True Iota Man" to join me in this endeavor.
In closing, I offer a quote, one of many that have helped me to keep focused in my own life, from (of all people) Yoda in Star Wars: "Do, or Do Not ... there is no Try." We will either 'do' what we pledged to do as Iota Men, or we won't. Likewise, I will share another from my father when I first started college: "Just do your best." Whenever I did not do my best, I felt guilty, knowing in my heart that I did not perform to my potential. Since that time, I have strived, to do my best in all aspects of my life: personal, professional and fraternal. I simply ask that WE (collectively the "True Iota Men") strive to 'do our best' for the benefit of our organization through 2014 and beyond. For those who try to compare us to the other NPHC and/or NIC fraternities, don't waste your time: We're incomparable. Iota Phi Theta has its own rich history, its own legacy, its own 'Tradition.' We have been 'Building' for 50 years and have survived outside adversity and inside 'dark days' ... and we shall continue to not only survive, but excel, but only if we work together, as a Brotherhood, as ONE Iota, for our collective good. Per the African proverb, "God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed," let us all prepare to roll up our sleeps and put in work in 2014, my Brothers.
This concludes this '30-day Report' from our administration. I invite all Brothers, who care about the positive direction of our Fraternity, to join a national committee, or a board of directors committee and focus your energies into building Iota in your own locale. There's plenty of work to be done!
I look forward to conversing with many of you in the upcoming 'Regional Town Hall' meetings.
In Brotherhood,
Robert Clark
21st International Grand Polaris
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
LIPTTDID!
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This communication is the official communicating method of Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Incorporated.
Communication from any other source that is not sanctioned by the Office of Communications should be disregarded and reliance thereon is at your own risk and at the risk of you being misinformed.
Copyright 2013 - Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Inc. - All Rights Reserved |
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