Week 12 - Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter FAQs

Welcome to the OLA Chapter web site! We are the premier Washington, D.C. alumni chapter with an established commitment to promoting the betterment of the community through education, political involvement, social awareness, and economic and professional development.

What type of alumni chapter is OLA?

In 1952, OLA was chartered as the first intermediate chapter established for brothers attending professional schools at Howard University.  In 1975, the Fraternity eliminated the intermediate designation once given to chapters—making OLA an alumni chapter since that time. 

How can I contact OLA?

OLA can be reached via email at info@ola1906.org or by mail at:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter
P.O. Box 77422

Washington, D.C. 20013

Does OLA accept speakers to visit your meetings?

Yes, occasionally OLA invites speakers to make presentations during the general chapter meetings. All dates and topics must be approved by the chapter executive board. Please send all inquires to Bro. Dameon Proctor, chapter president. 

Do you offer any mentoring programs for young boys?

Yes, OLA offers the following development programs to teenage boys living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area:

• Project Alpha
• Boys 2 Men Conference
• Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club (DGC) 
• The Eastern Region Leadership Development Institute (LDI)

For more information on each program, visit OLA’s education activities page.

Do you partner with other organizations?

Yes, OLA works with other Alpha Phi Alpha chapters and local organizations to make a greater impact in our community.  The OLA chapter contacts are:

• Bro. Mukhtar Raqib, social chair - parties, happy hours, social events
• Bro. Vincent Walford, education activities chair - leadership and mentoring activities
• Bro. Jacquay Henderson, community outreach chair - community service activities/events

I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, how do I join the OLA chapter?

Any alumni brother of Alpha Phi Alpha can become a member of a local alumni chapter.  For more information, please contact Bro. Jeff Johnson, membership & reclamation chair.

I am not a member of alpha phi alpha, how do I join the OLA chapter?

Men interested in joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through OLA should contact Bro. Jeff Johnson, membership & reclamation chair and visit the fraternity's web site for more information on becoming a member. 

What if I already paid my annual grand tax to the General Office?

In order to be considered fully financial, you must pay grand tax and chapter membership dues.  You can pay chapter dues online using PayPal on our web site or by mailing in a check or money order payable to Omicron Lambda Alpha.  Be sure to include your membership number.  Then mail the payment to:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter
P.O. Box 77422

Washington, D.C. 20013

Can I pay membership dues online?

Yes, online payments are accepted using PayPal on our web site. Be sure to select the appropriate payment amount and include your membership number.

Can I pay membership dues via mail?

Yes, be sure to make the check or money order payable to Omicron Lambda Alpha and include your membership number.  Then mail the payment to:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter
P.O. Box 77422

Washington, D.C. 20013

Do you have a calendar of events?

Yes, OLA’s chapter calendar lists general chapter meetings, retreats, events, and community service projects.

Can I follow OLA online on any social media web sites?

Yes, OLA is on Twitter and Facebook.  The chapter sends out news feeds on Twitter to notify our supporters of upcoming events or changes affecting event dates, times and/or locations.  On Facebook, the chapter does the same with the addition of uploading event photos, polling supporters and offering group discussions.

Do have more questions?

For more information contact Bro. Alvin Creswell, history & public relations chair

Week 11 - U.S. Deficit Proposal Could Affect the Smithsonian: Admission Fees are Proposed, Again

The 164 year tradition of the Smithsonian Institute offering free admission to its visitors could come to an end if Congress approves the proposed budget cuts.

by Carl Williams

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On November 10, the draft proposal submitted by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform recommended reducing the Smithsonian’s 2015 budget by $225 million. The Smithsonian Institute was suggested to charge admission fees at its 19 museums and the National Zoo, which are all free, to make up for the difference in funding. 

Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, the commission co-chairs, defends the recommendation saying, “Charging $7.50 per visitor is reasonable when compared to several notable private museums in the United States who charge from $10 to $20 per visitor, and even more for zoos.”

Smithsonian visitors, Neketa Johnson, Kenneth Thomas and Jennifer Clark, while exiting the National History Museum, said they all feared that adding a cost to admission would deter many tourists from visiting the national treasures and reduce the number of schools trips to the area.

“When I need to take a break from studies, the Smithsonian is always an option for a broke student.  They are located in a great area, around the National Mall, which is enjoyed by local visitors, as well as, tourists,” said Johnson. 

Thomas has lived in the area for about a year.  “I thought the Smithsonian was just one museum,” Thomas said.  “Having twelve free options, all within walking distance from my apartment, is enough encouragement to get me to visit more”  Now with more leisure time, thanks to a job change, he said he looks forward to exploring the museums, festivals and other activities that the area has to offer.

Clark adds, “Many of my childhood memories with my family include our visits to the museums, while growing up in the Washington, D.C.  It’s a tradition that I hope they continue,” pointing towards her daughter and son.  She live in Tennessee.  

Admission fees have been considered before by the Smithsonian.

In 1995, the New York Times reported a House panel proposed to cut $32 million from the Smithsonian’s budget of $371 million.  These cuts would have suspended the construction of the National Museum of the American Indian, the extension of the National Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport as well as additions to the National Zoo.

In 2006, Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.) urged the Smithsonian Institution to begin charging $1 per person admission when a Smithsonian official said the complex is crumbling because there is not enough money for critical repairs.

According to the Washington Post, Sheila Burke, the Smithsonian’s deputy secretary and chief operating officer, said the idea had been considered and rejected three times by the Smithsonian Board of Regents.  The last discussion was in 2002.

She also noted that four museums are legally forbidden from charging. The laws that created the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden prohibit admission fees. In addition, Charles Lang Freer's will, which provided for the creation of the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art, stated there could never be a charge.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The story would have a national audience since many tourist take advantage of the free admission when visiting the area

The story could include pictures of the museums & interviewees, a chart listing the number of visitors per year and the number of visitors who enter more than one museum in one day, a timeline listing all of the attempts to add a fee in the past.

My sources included:

• The Draft of the $200 Billions in Illustrative Savings Report from the President’s deficit commission on the FiscalCommission.gov web site.
• The Smithsonian web site, which had a response to the proposed funding cuts.
• Three visitors exiting Smithsonian museums, who are listed within the article.
• A Smithsonian worker, who wished to remain nameless told me about past attempts to impose fees.

I called and emailed Linda St. Thomas, Chief Spokesperson of the Smithsonian Institution.  My attempts to get a response were unsuccessful.  Her contact info said ‘“or media” only but I decided to give it a try anyway.  My questions for her would have been:

1. Do you think a required payment will affect the number of visitors to the museums?
2. Will it affect other areas of the Smithsonian? (food court restaurants, shops, etc.) 
3. How much of the Smithsonian’s annual budget is covered by our tax dollars? 
4. How long has the Smithsonian been no cost to visitors?
5. Have there been recent suggestions to add admission fees?
6. How long have you held your current position?

My questions for the Smithsonian visitors (Neketa Johnson, Kenneth Thomas and Jennifer Clark) included:

1. What is your name and age?
2. Is this your first visit to a Smithsonian museum?
3. How far did you travel to get here?
4. Will a required payment deter you from making future visits?
5. If you are willing to pay what is your limit?
6. How many museums do you plan to visit today?
7. What else do you enjoy about the museums other than the free cost?

Week 10 - Twitter Blog Questions

Lessons learned or major takeaway(s)

The twitter experience was not that bad.  The limit of 140 characters did make me think about the important points of what I was trying to say.  I was forced to eliminate words on almost every tweet.  

I also had to type quickly.  The mobile device being used did make a difference on my performance.  I was uploading comments using my BlackBerry instead of my iPad.  I tend to type much slower on a touchscreen.  I didn’t know the lecture would be in a dark room due to the presentation being projected.  The smaller screen made it easier to conceal the extra light, not to disrupt the presenter or those sitting adjacent to me.

How you think twitter can be best used

Twitter is good outlet to connect with people through communication streams.   It can be used to notify individuals of updates on a product, project, online store or event.

How you think it should definitely NOT be used

It is not set up for social networking.  Your tweets are not directed towards one individual. Everyone receives the notifications. 

Here is the Twitter feed

• Waiting for the start of the #FotoWeekDC lecture of Andy Adams: Digital Media + Photography Online. http://twitpic.com/34sm63
• Andy is editor+publisher of #FlakPhoto, provides a platform to showcase new work, books and galleries to a web-based photography audience.
• The lecture explores the intersection of online publishing, social media, and community collaborations through the web.
• Andy credits the increase of online communities to computer ownership, advancements of mobile devices and interest in social media.
• Andy feels a collaborative effort benefits from having multiple people having a stake in the success and survival of the project.
• Andy says the internet is fostering the growth of a global online photo community at an increasingly rapid pace.
• Andy shares how photographers are no longer just image-makers. You must be promoters and editors to be more vested in a projects success.
• Those who fear to display images online can benefit by having a direct connection to those interested in purchasing/selling work. -Andy
• Andy is not concerned about the role of the amateur web publisher. "Quality work tends to rise to the top. We all start as amateurs."
• Other photographers in the lecture share that not having a web site resulted in curators telling not taking them seriously.
• Andy calls traditional photobooks analog publications. Doesn't think they will disappear but more will use digital media to promote books.
• He ends,its hard to predict where technology is heading,its clear more are connecting w/ blogs & social media to increase collabs & discovery
• The lecture was attended by a diverse group of photographers, who added to the discussion with personal experiences.

Week 10 - Wikipedia entry for West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, NC

West Charlotte High School (also called WC or Dub-C) is a comprehensive high school in the University Park neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. The school is state funded.

The marching band is one of the best known extracurricular activities at West Charlotte. They have performed at a bowl game every year since 2004, when they debuted at the Sugar Bowl.

WC offers many extracurricular activities to encourage students involvement in the school’s community outside of the normal classroom setting.  Those activities include:

Art

• Band
• Chorus
• Dance
• Drawing/Painting
• Photography

Languages

• French
• Spanish

Sports

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Football
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Other Special Interests Programs

• Academic contests
• Community service
• Science and technology
• Yearbook

Mission Statement

To promote and support student learning in a safe, diverse learning community where students, staff, and parents actively commit to academic excellence and personal responsibility.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Since April 2005, West Charlotte has been an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Diploma Programme. 

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for higher education and life beyond. The programme is taught over two years and has gained recognition from universities world-wide.

IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students select one subject from each of the following groups:

• Group 1: Language A1
• Group 2: Second Language
• Group 3: Individuals and societies
• Group 4: Experimental sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics and computer science
• Group 6: The arts 

Performance

Due to low test scores on standardized testing, it was feared the school would be closed.  During the 2006-2007 school year, WC had the third worst performance in the Mecklenburg county--surpassed only by Harding and Independence. The school has remained open, in part because of the response of its active alumni.

In 2007, Local pastors in the Charlotte area, officials at Johnson C. Smith University, and Charlotte mayor Anthony Fox formed the West Charlotte Mentoring Coalition, a collaborative effort to eliminate the 50 percent drop-out rate by providing mentoring and tutoring support for ninth graders at West Charlotte High School.

The group placed each of the 550 incoming freshman with a mentor. West Charlotte principal Shelton Jeffries said the graduation rate at his school is a serious concern. He believes the work of the coalition will be powerful in reversing those trends by positively influencing the lives of young people.

Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE)

In 1989, a West Charlotte student named Alex Orange was killed while trying to break up a fight at a party. His grieving classmates gathered and vowed to organize against violence in Alex's memory. The group formed Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE), with the vision that all students will be able to attend a school that is safe, secure, free of fear, and conducive to learning. Their signature color is orange, a reflection of Alex's surname.

SAVE members participated in local non-violence marches and the Carolina Carrousel Parade.  During the school year, they would visit elementary and junior high schools, as well as, television and radio shows to perform skits showing how to act out non-violence solutions to problems.  

Due to SAVE’s efforts, their was a decrease in the number of violent incidents, weapons found in the school and the excursion rate of students.  This sparked an increase of chapters being started at other local high schools.

In 1992, SAVE received the 875th Daily Point of Light award by President George H.W. Bush.  The award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities.

Over the past 20 years, SAVE has grown from one chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina, to over 1,800 SAVE chapters with more than 200,000 members across the U.S. Today, SAVE serves youth in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and community youth-serving organizations in 46 states and several foreign countries. SAVE is coordinated by a North Carolina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere, but it is still led by students, for students.

Athletics

West Charlotte stadium is named Jack Martin Stadium.  WC is known throughout the Charlotte area for its athletic programs. Their rivals are Independence High School and Harding University High School.

State 4-A Championships

• Men's Basketball 1986, 1991, 1992, 1999
• Football 1985, 1991, 1993, 1995
• Men's Track 1995, 1999, 2003
• Men's Indoor Track 1999
• Volleyball 1997, 2000
• Women's Basketball 2008, 2009

Week 10 - Wireless Access Points in Chapel Hill