Kappa Journal Post-Conclave Issue (Fall 2017)

83 RD GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: SPVP SPOTLIGHT

Gilbert: One significant initiative I led was the creation and implementa- tion of the Senior’s newsletter entitled “REALTALK!” This medium serves as my dialogue with all Brothers to openly discuss concerns, new ideas and oppor- tunities to increase awareness through- out the Eastern Province. The origin for the title of this publication stems from a very aggressive yet successful discussion forum during the 2016 C. Rodger Wil- son Conference. This is where a lively, impromptu exchange amongst both Undergraduate and Alumni Brothers was held during a session which was being facilitated by Eastern Province Advisors Committee, Chairman Warren Greene. The exchange provided everyone who participated, the opportunity to discuss the state of the Eastern Province, its challenges, and opportunities as well as our roles and responsibilities one to each other. The willingness of the brothers to discuss the-elephant-in-the-room topics” gave birth to what I have entitled; “#RE- ALTALK!” This publication gives rise to the acceptance that we can face our challenges and differences if and when we are willing to accept and discuss those challenges without malice or pur- suit of personal agendas. “REALTALK!” provides a communication mechanism to enhance our current culture for the good of Kappa! Journal: What does being a SPVP mean to you? Gilbert: In the true sense of training for leadership, being the SPVP of the Eastern Province means that I must be ready, willing and able to serve at all times. As the Senior, I serve at the pleasure of the membership both prov- ince and Grand Chapter. Thus I must make myself available to stand in the Province Polemarch's stead, challenge the status quo, inspire the membership to think broader, and provide guidance and counsel to the undergraduates and committee chairmen. Journal: Describe the importance of the relationship between the SPVP and the Province Polemarch:

Gilbert: The relationship between the SPVP and the Province Polemarch is critical and essential to the success of the province. Effective communica- tion, awareness of directives, competent operations, well-defined processes, compliance and teamwork are important to maintain a solid working relationship between the two positions. To lead the province, the SPVP and the Province Polemarch must lead by example to enhance the business culture while aligning the goals of objectives of the province with those of Grand chapter. In addition, I provide operational leader- ship for the province and share and collaborate with the Council of Senior Province Vice Polemarchs. Journal: Why do you feel the role of SPVP is so important? Gilbert: The role of the SPVP is im- portant as it provides an opportunity for succession planning, stability within the province operations, strategic evolution to strengthen our positive impact on the respective communities of the province and Grand Chapter. Most importantly, the role provides on-the-job training and real-time decision-making opportunities necessary to build internal and external business relationships. As Senior, I relish the challenges and serving the needs of the brotherhood; while utilizing our corporate model to govern, motivate and inspire our multigenerational volunteer organization. Journal: What are some things you hope to do for your province while being SPVP? Gilbert: The things that I hope to do for the province while being the SPVP in- clude but are not limited to: enhancing the efficiencies of the Eastern Province electronic voting process where I led the committee’s implementation as Election Chairman in 2013, continue to close the communication gap of undergraduate and alumni chapters, continuing to as- sist undergraduates’ transition into alum- ni chapters across the country, as well as with internships and employment upon graduation. Moreover, I hope to utilize

Journal: Why do you feel the role of SPVP is so important? Kinloch: The SPVP role is important because "it shall be the duty of the Se- nior Province Vice Polemarch to perform the duties of the Province Polemarch when the Province Polemarch is absent or otherwise unable to serve and such other duties as may be imposed on him by law." Additionally, it is important be- cause he assist the Province Polemarch in his endeavors while training for leadership. Journal: What are some things you hope to do for your province while being SPVP? Kinloch: There are 4 or five things that I would like to accomplish while serving as SPVP: 1. To assist the Province Polemarch with establishing a 501c3 Non Profit Foundation for the North- ern Province to aid in providing schol- arships to the current undergraduates brothers and chapters who achieve academically, brothers who attend graduate school and support selected National Kappa initiatives. 2. To assist with enhancing the relationship between the undergrads and Alumni brothers. 3. To assist with increasing the transition rate of undergraduates into alumni chapters. 4. Lastly, I would like assist with documenting our Province history by creating a history book and or DVD. EASTERN PROVINCE Charles A Gilbert Fort Washington (MD) Alumni Chapter Time serving as Senior: 2 years Journal: What is one significant initia- tive you lead as SPVP (for your Province and/or Grand Chapter)?

118 |  FALL 2017  THE JOURNAL

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