Questions often asked
What are the Informationals for?
Informationals, simply put, are merely to get information; information
on that particular organization and the chapter's activities. Going
to an informational does not necessarily mean that you are interested
in being a member of that organization. Expressing interest is something
that is done on a one-to-one basis with a brother in the Fraternity.
When expressing interest, it should be treated as business.
How do I go about becoming an Alpha if there
is no chapter at my school?
You cannot join the Fraternityat a school with an active chapter unless
you are enrolled there as a degree-seeking student. There is no such
thing in Alpha as "cross-pledging". Your school must be
included in the chapter's charter in order for you to qualify to become
a member through that particular undergraduate chapter.
Can you join an undergraduate chapter if
you are still at that school pursuing a graduate degree?
No. Once you have received a bachelors degree (or met all requirements
for one), you no longer qualify for undergraduate membership.
How much are dues? What does the membership
intake process consist of? How long does it take?
For this information, you would have to speak to a brother.
How do I let the Alphas on my campus/in
my community know that I am interested without being overbearing?
If you know an Alpha and feel comfortable with him, then simply express
your interest in the most respectful and business like manner you
can. If you do not know an Alpha yet, start by attending programs
and events. Keep in mind, you don't necessarily need to be friends
with an Alpha to let him know your intent, but effort should be made
on your part and his to extend fellowship. Interested men
should seek acquaintance and fellowship in a professional manner.
It is fine to be assertive without being overbearing. It is best to
ask the Brother with whom you are interacting how he perceives
your interaction for honest feedback. Generally, brothers appreciate
an interested gentleman's courage and excite.
If there's an Alpha you'd really like to get to know better, ask
for his email address or phone number even. Possibly ask him to meet
you somewhere in an informal setting, like meeting for lunch or something
of that nature. Making it clear when you extend the invitation that
you'd like to get to know him better AND find out about Alpha. Then
use that time to tell him how you feel about the Fraternity, and what
your intentions are. Ask him about his involvement in Alpha and if
there are upcoming activities that you can help with or participate
in. In your zeal to be an Alpha, please remember not to be too overbearing.
Just because you meet the minimum requirements for membership (GPA,
public service, recommendations, etc.) doesn't mean you'll be selected.
Before an Alpha can invite you into his family, he must know you.
Know you well enough that he is willing to say, "I want this
man to be my Brother."
Questions to Ask yourself
Why do you want to join a Fraternity?
We can not tell you what your answer should be, since each person
will have his own reasons.
What do you bring to the organization and
what kind of public service have you done on your own?
Alpha Phi Alpha, for instance, is a public service
fraternity. You'll find Alphas active in UNCF, NAACP, National Urban
League, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and a host of
other organizations. As a matter fact, if you're interested in an
organization, the best way to get to know its members is for you to
get active in some of the other organizations that they are
active in. No, there is no minium amount of public service that will
qualify you for membership.
What do you know about the Fraternity?
Do your research!! Why would you want to be a part of an organization
you know little or nothing about? A good resource on Black
Greek Lettered Organizations is The Divine Nine: The History of African
American Fraternities and Sororities, a book written by Brother Lawrence
C. Ross, Jr. and published in 2000.
Please remember, your interest in a fraternal organization
is your business and your business only. Discretion is a key factor
of membership. Brothers are trusted with many things and a lot of
information. A gentleman that cannot keep his intentions and business
dealings with
Brothers to himself, needs to adjust the means by which he is trying
to become
a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
