HHL Hosts 2023 Chapter Retreat

ARNOLD, MD. On August 12, 2023, the Brothers of the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, gathered for their annual chapter retreat, this year hosted on the campus of Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland.

The retreat, intended to be an opportunity for reflection on the past year and a formal strategic planning session for the upcoming year, calls together the brothers of the chapter for a full day of engagement, spirited dialogue, honesty, creativity, and focus to ultimately continue to deliver on service to the residents of Anne Arundel County and Maryland, while fortifying our collective commitment to the brotherhood and the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

This year’s retreat proved a pivotal event for our collective body, providing an invaluable opportunity to reflect upon the accomplishments of the past year. The retreat, coordinated by Chapter Vice President Brother Jamar Turner, allowed for the facilitation of a comprehensive review of our slate of activities, a constructive analysis of areas that demanded refinement, and a collaborative planning session for the year ahead.

By considering feedback and embracing a spirit of open dialogue, the retreat led to the implementation of strategic improvements across various fronts. Some highlights of these improvements include enhancing our communication channels, which will result in a more impactful social media presence. Another is the introduction of age-focused activities through our signature Alpha Academy Mentoring Program, which will foster greater inclusivity and engagement, which the chapter believes will lead to heightened participation and retention. Chapter Brothers committed to enhancing participation at the regional and national level including seeking leadership positions where plausible. Improving our fiscal outlook and moving away from solely relying on dues as a funding source, the chapter spent time on improving fundraising strategies, which allowed for a thoughtful assessment of what had proven effective and what requires innovation. The retreat also underscored the importance of fortifying brotherly bonds, an overarching goal that remained at the forefront of discussions.
In sum, the retreat served as a crucible for transformative growth which the chapter is confident will leave an indelible mark on our organization's trajectory moving forward.