Joining The House
By: Bro. Dexter Egleston
Joining a fraternity like Alpha Phi Alpha is more than just joining a group; it is a life-changing experience that can positively impact us in a variety of ways. As a relatively new member of the House of Alpha (Fall '17 ZSL), I've been thinking about what draws people to organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and I believe it's the sense of community and shared values. My personal experience has taught me that joining a fraternity like Alpha can provide a variety of benefits, including opportunities for personal growth, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. It's not just about meeting new people; it's about finding a community that shares your values and goals. Furthermore, research supports the notion that fraternity membership can contribute to overall well-being and happiness. As we investigate what makes Alpha Phi Alpha unique, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section and join the discussion.
Differentiated Opportunities
Personal growth has presented a challenge for many black men through the form of differentiated opportunities. I was struck by the depth to which the author of an article titled "How African American Professional Men Negotiate the Impact of Racism on Their Career Development" dove into the challenges faced by Black men in the business world. Some of these challenges include but are not limited to, increased difficulty in gaining access to networks dominated by White people and the experience of both overt and covert forms of racism. The study found that people typically deal with racism by seeking out role models and support systems, focusing on personal fulfillment outside of the workplace, and directly confronting racist ideas and actions. Being an Alpha Phi Alpha Brother has equipped me with all three of these tools to help me deal with the challenges of life. The fact that there are other prosperous Black men gives me hope that I can find a kindred spirit with whom to discuss issues and celebrate triumphs. Despite the sobering findings of the study, I have faith that our younger generations will be able to solve major problems that we cannot by leveraging the connections and experiences that my generation and those that came before us have gained.
Community and Social Connections
It's simple to fall for the myth that affluence and material success will make us happy. However, numerous studies have demonstrated the critical role those social connections and a sense of community play in each of our lives (Helliwell, Layard, & Sachs, 2018). Happiness is something we all seek, but it's important to remember that it can't be bought with a bigger bank account or fancier furniture. Having friends and family to lean on, along with other social connections, is crucial. Policy initiatives that foster social capital, equality, and environmental sustainability have been shown to have a greater impact on our quality of life than those that prioritize economic growth alone. This illustrates the importance of balancing economic growth with social and environmental considerations to improve people's well-being and overall quality of life.
I specifically, joined the House of Alpha to prioritize social relationships and build genuine bonds with my brothers. This has led to a strong sense of belonging and community. The House provides an opportunity to discover your purpose in life and connect with a group of people who will always support you. The friendships I've made in The House have had a profoundly positive effect on me. The fraternity provides various opportunities for individuals to socialize and form new connections, which is especially important in today's society where loneliness and disconnection are prevalent issues. It feels like unlocking the secret to a joyful and fulfilling life is within our reach, and it starts with placing a high value on our social connections and the power of community. Share your thoughts on this concept in the comments below and let's hear what others have to say about community and connectedness in the House of Alpha. (What comes up for me is the saying “You are the sum of the five people you hang around the most”).
Meaning, Purpose, and Volunteering
Alpha Phi Alpha is more than just a fraternity committed to bettering society through volunteerism; it offers members a unique opportunity to improve their own lives while making a positive impact on their communities. However, some members may not realize the benefits they can gain from participating in the wide range of volunteer and community service activities the chapter contributes to. According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), autonomy, competence, and relatedness are essential for fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being. Research by Ryan and Deci (2001) further suggests that engaging in meaningful activities has a positive effect on well-being. By involving ourselves in committees and volunteer events, we are building the experiences needed for competence, which in turn boosts our confidence and ability to lead autonomously. That information has gotten me to think deeply about how to take advantage of the opportunities available to us and experience the personal and societal benefits that come with participating in meaningful activities. The opportunities I've had as an Alpha Phi Alpha member, such as being an Associate Editor for the Sphinx, have been invaluable to my development as a person and a professional. I'm excited to see where this opportunity takes me because of the richer, more in-depth conversations I've been able to have with my brothers.
In my experience as an Alpha Man, the sense of fulfillment and pride that comes from belonging to a group that places such a high value on giving back to the community is unparalleled. Knowing that my actions are having a positive impact on the world is a remarkable sensation. One's own happiness and sense of fulfillment can increase as a result of helping others, and this is supported by studies of the phenomenon. The effects of self-spending versus altruistic giving on happiness were examined in a study by Dunn, Aknin, and Norton (2008). Those who gave to others rather than putting their own needs first reported higher levels of happiness. Surprisingly, the size of the expenditure had no bearing on the extent of the participants' generosity. A person's mood could be improved by doing something as simple as buying them a cup of coffee or a small gift. Because of Alpha Phi Alpha's emphasis on volunteer work, I've had the chance to make a difference in the lives of my neighbors. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to something I care about so much. It is humbling to know that my efforts, however small, can make a positive impact. When I work to better the lives of others, I find that I am also bettering my own happiness and sense of purpose.
As we come to the end of this article, it's clear that the House of Alpha is much more than just a fraternity. It's a community that offers numerous benefits to its members, from social connections to personal growth opportunities. By emphasizing community service and meaningful engagement, we create a culture of purpose and fulfillment that contributes to our overall well-being and happiness. As a member, we have access to differentiated opportunities that continuously challenge us to grow and develop in new ways. We are part of a community that values service and making a positive impact on the world. And, most importantly, we have the chance to make lifelong connections and friendships that will enrich our lives for years to come. To my fellow brothers, I challenge you to think deeply about how you can leverage your skills to make a difference in your community. Consider joining a committee or initiative that aligns with your passions and values and reflect on how that experience makes you feel. I believe that the more we give to our community, the more we get out of our membership in Alpha Phi Alpha. Let's continue to work together to make a positive impact on the world around us.
References:
Helliwell, J., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2018). World Happiness Report 2018. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 141–166.
Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687–1688.
Pittman, E. L. (2018). How African American professional men negotiate the impact of racism on their career development. Journal of Black Psychology, 44(7), 642–662.
