Alpha Phi Omega - Be a Leader, Be a Friend, Be of Service

Got Advisors?

By: Keith Roots and Lyndal Butler

Chapter Advisors are members of Alpha Phi Omega chapters. Their role in the chapter is different than that of active or pledge members, but their participation in a chapter is as important as that of any other member. Chapter Advisors not only will provide continuity over time during the growth of a chapter, but also will provide valuable contacts to and perspectives about your campus and community. Each chapter Advisor can make significant contributions to your chapter's success, while also being there to support other members during times of trouble.

If your chapter does not actively involve Advisors in your program or if you feel no need for talented people serving in this role, then you should evaluate what you may be missing. But, if your chapter's plans to expand your membership base include Advisors, then please consider the following techniques.

Advisors often must be sought out to join a chapter, just as most of your pledges are recruited. However, the typical "rush" format is not appropriate for Advisors, so an alternate strategy with different tactics is needed to secure the commitment of individuals who will serve with you as an Advisor.

Even though you may be capable of sending a mass electronic invitation to your school's faculty and staff, you should instead target your search for advisors. Most faculty members will give any mailing, even for the best of organizations, a passing glance, and the possibility that you will recruit Advisors by this method is small. People respond best to a direct approach, such as a personal invitation.

Active Brothers already know professors and administrators that they respect and potentially would want as Advisors. If possible, take time during a chapter meeting and as a chapter put together a "wish list" of those you would like to approach. List all names on a sheet that everyone can see. Just allow Brothers to make suggestions without any discussion during this first round. Take this master list and narrow down your top three choices. You may not need three Advisors, but it is always best to be prepared in the case your first choice is unable to serve.

Please keep in mind that everyone on the list is a busy person who probably participates in a multitude of activities already. These are exactly the people you want to advise the chapter. Busier people are busy for a reason-they are very successful in what they do. Go after individuals that you think are best for your chapter, and let them tell you if they are too busy to participate.

Alpha Phi Omega is a great organization. Even so, not everyone that you invite to advise will accept your invitation. Don't let the fear of rejection keep you from trying. You probably will have to ask a few individuals, but if you stay with it, you will be successful.

When you make an invitation, you must provide information about your chapter. Would you feel comfortable joining an organization without knowing something about it first? Most likely not, and prospective Advisors will feel the same way. The attached fact sheet can be used as an outline. Feel free to change it as your chapter's needs dictate, but keep it to one page-brevity is a bonus.

Once you have selected your targets and have completed the fact sheet, schedule brief (20-minute maximum) meetings with them where two Brothers can meet with your prospects. These members do not necessarily have to be officers, but they should be active Brothers who would best represent the chapter. Walk the prospects through your fact sheet, and leave for them a copy of the Pledge Manual, your chapter's pledging materials, and your constitution and by-laws. Make sure that your fact sheet includes the names and contact information of your current Advisors, because they may want to talk to a "peer" about the fraternity.

Prospects will ask about the time commitment and the chapter's expectations for Advisors. Again, this is something that the chapter should discuss beforehand. Be honest with the prospect. If your chapter needs campus and community resources for projects, then tell you prospect. Should your chapter want Advisors to attend one meeting per month and one to two projects each term, tell your prospect. If you desire Advisors who are only a phone call away, then tell your prospect.

Be realistic and honest about your expectations, as most prospects will admire that you have thought things through and will be flattered that you want them to be a part of the fraternity. Ask for a time that you may get back in touch with them for an answer as you end the meeting. This is not being pushy. Your persistence is a sign that you care about the success of APO and that you are truly interested in them being a part of that success.

This approach has been successful with many chapters and other organizations. These methods will take some preparation, time and effort that can be counted toward the investment in your chapter's future. All of the above are proven suggestions, but the precise steps that you take are less important than your sincere interest in your Advisors and prospective Advisors as individuals and as members of your Brotherhood.