About the Alpha ELITE Service Organization
Alpha Elite 2023 Senior Banquet
How it all began…
The concept of the Alpha Elite Service Organization was approved by the membership of the Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated as a means of fulfilling the Mentoring initiative of our beloved Fraternity. The Alpha Elite Service Organization emerged on September 6, 2006, with approximately eight young men in grades 9-12 from area high schools. Most were in attendance from Mattie T. Blount High School. The men included: Jhory Buskey, Jamarcus Finkley, Kendrick Milton, Demarcus Nesby, Jeremy Perryman, Sherman Williams, Kenji Westbrook and Chandler Westry.
Since its inception, the Alpha Elite Service Organization has continued to expand throughout the Mobile community with the support of the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, high school counselors, principals, teachers, parents, as well as former and current Alpha Elites. The Alpha Elite Service Organization has become vital to several educational, religious, professional, social and civic projects in the community.
In June of 2012, the Alpha Elite Service Organization was reorganized and structured to ensure that all participants received well-rounded experiences. The developmental theory used as a model is reflected in the works of Authur W. Chickering and his seven vectors of development (1969). While much of his research focuses on the development of college students, the vectors can be applied to other settings as a general model for student growth and development.
Chickering model discusses what is referred to as “Developing Competence” which includes intellectual, physical, and interpersonal qualities; “Managing Emotions, which helps to understand feelings such as anxiety, anger, depression in an effort to avoid conflicts with the educational process; “Moving through Autonomy toward Interdependence,” which allows one to move from depending on others, to depending on one’s self; “Developing Mature and Interpersonal Relationships” which in this case will focus on understanding and appreciating differences as opposed to stereotyping; “Establishing Identity” which is key to being comfortable with self, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, life-styles andself esteem; “Developing Purpose” which asks, why are you here, what are your goals, dreams and aspirations; and finally “Developing Integrity” which is key to accepting beliefs, values, opinions of others.
Based on this model of student development, many of the activities implemented in the program reflect a particular vector each month to ensure that the Alpha Elites are learning in the process. They will understand the importance of discipline, appearance, preparation, organization, career goals and politics. More important, they will develop an appreciation for activities associated with the characteristics of brotherhood, leadership, self-identity, community service, social interactions, scholarship and achievement. They will continue their affiliation and involvement with religious activities while developing an appreciation of the arts and entertainment, fine dining, communication and dialogue among one another. They will be introduced to the importance of making healthy life choices and physical fitness.
With this approach, a yearly Calendar of Events has been developed as a guide for Fraternity, Parents and the Alpha Elites. The Calendar has been approved by the Elite Advisors that reflect activities noted in the theoretical framework. The Calendar has also been reviewed by the membership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
