COVER STORY
Q &A with Sherman Larkins on Chartering the Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter
Q: What was the motivation to start the association?
A: Do your homework with regards to the petition that has to be filed. Develop a strong, positive relationship with the corresponding province leader- ship. From the inception, act as if you are a chapter (i.e. monthly meetings, community service projects, fundrais- ers, etc.). Have every brother that is interested in forming an association partake in the work necessary to build the association. Q: What did it mean to you to have the Southern Province and Grand Board support the chartering of the chapter? A: As you know, a Chapter can only be formed if the Grand Board and the Province Polemarch support the process. Dominican Republic Alumni was excited when the Grand Board approved its petition but was totally caught off guard when the sitting Prov- ince Polemarch was not in support of the Association becoming a Chapter. The brothers quickly learned a lot about the politics of Kappa at both the Grand Board and Province level. Through hard work and dedication, each Brother did his part to show both the Grand Board and the Province leadership that not only was Dominican Republic Alumni capable of having a sustainable Chapter, but would in fact be a thriv- ing Chapter that would be exemplary amongst the international Chapters of the Fraternity. The support of the Grand Board and the Southern Province and the charter- ing of the Chapter is a badge of honor that each Charter Member wears with pride.
A: Initially several brothers met on the island. After much discussion and con- sideration, and based on the fact that a lot of brothers lived, owned property, had businesses, frequently visited, were retired on the island, or had family ties to the island, it would be a great idea to start a Chapter on the island to extend the Bond of brotherhood to those out- side the U.S. Q: Why are you confident that this chapter is sustainable for years to come? A: This Chapter will be sustainable due to the commitment the brothers have to the people on the island and the commitment as brothers to be success- ful in every field of human endeavor. The Chapter has a broad range of dedi- cated brothers of various age that will ensure a continuous succession plan for the Chapter.
goals and objectives. In it’s short time in existence, the Chapter has had the opportunity to meet with the Vice Presi- dent, several Governors, town mayors and several military and national police personnel in the Chapter’s effort to further its philanthropic reach. DRAC Vice Polemarch Sherman Larkins and DRAC Polemarch Thelonius Alexander. Q: Given the impact of the pandemic, do you see the use of technology be fitting the membership in terms of chapter/committee meetings wherein members of the chapter don't have to be in the DR to support local efforts or is it like any other chapter in the U.S.? A: Prior to the pandemic, the Associa- tion was meeting via Zoom for its vir- tual meetings. Currently, the Chapter Bylaws require that a brother attend at least two out of the five in-person meet- ings on the island. In order to represent the island as a whole, the Chapter rotates its meet- ing schedule amongst the major cities: Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and other cities like Punta Cana, La Romana, Samana. With this meeting strategy the Chapter is able to have an impact across the island with its com- munity service and economic programs. Q: What advice would you give any other brothers wishing to form an as- sociation outside of the US?
Q: Discuss the cultural opportunities the chapter will be able to maximize.
A: The cultural opportunities will be two-fold, brothers will get to learn and experience the Afro-Caribbean culture and customs of the island as well as the different cultural norms of the various Dominican communities throughout the island by way of community events, festivals, forums, and other communi- ty-based activities. Q: Any special arrangements with the local government that can assist the chapter's philanthropic reach? A: It is the Chapter’s objective to develop political, military and busi- ness relationships, as they relate to the Chapter’s philanthropic endeavors, that will enable the Chapter to meet its community service and economic
Here's to the Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter!
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