COVER STORY 83 RD GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: SPVP SPOTLIGHT
Journal: What are some things you hope to do for your province while being SPVP? Woolridge: Prepare the future leaders of the province for next-level responsibili- ties. I am a brother who firmly, stead- fastly believes in teaching and training. Furthermore, I desire equip them to achieve in their careers and all other as- pects of their lives. Training for Leader- ship never ends . It is an ongoing process, akin to continuous improvement.
and collaboration. It is my hope that every brother in the Province can say “Yes, I did hear about that.” I would also like to help the East Central Province Chapters and Brothers do a better job of telling their story. We have so many high achieving brothers and chapters but would like to improve on those stories of accomplishment being shared, acknowl- edged, and rewarded. Finally I would like to continue the work that has been started around member engagement. We want every brother in our province to feel he is welcome and that his feedback is important. I will use the time I have as the Senior Vice Province Polemarch to making that even more of a reality.
ous publications as deemed by Brother Tildon. Journal: What does being a SPVP mean to you? Woolridge: For me, it means being in a constant state of readiness. When the Province Polemarch requires me to step in and facilitate any aspect of the vision that’s been put forth, I am able to do it. In order for that to be the case, I stay as prepared as he does. I work closely with South Central Province Polemarch Leonard Clemons to bring his vision for our province to light. Journal: Describe the importance of the relationship between the SPVP and the Province Polemarch. Woolridge: The SPVP is the strong right hand of the Province Polemarch. With-
SOUTHWESTERN PROVINCE William A. Puder Houston (TX) Alumni Chapter Time serving as Senior: 1.5 years
Journal: What is one significant initia- tive you lead as SPVP (for your Province and/or Grand Chapter)?
SOUTH CENTRAL PROVINCE Donald L. Woolridge, Sr. Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter
The Senior Province Vice Polemarch is the highest elected officer within a province. The brothers at large are making a declaration when they vote for you—your peers are saying ‘worthy, Vice Polemarch...’ If you are not humbled by that, then something is wrong with you.
Time serving as Senior: 1.5 years
out a good SPVP in place, nothing gets done. The Province Polemarch’s vision (as well as that of the Grand Chap- ter) becomes stagnant and halted in a given region of the fraternity when the Province Polemarch and the SPVP aren’t in sync. The two must be on the same page and the SPVP must be in support of the vision and goal(s) of the Province Polemarch. Journal: Why do you feel the role of SPVP is so important? Woolridge: The SPVP is the highest elected officer within a province. The brothers at large are making a declara- tion when they vote for you – your peers are saying ‘worthy, Vice Polemarch…’ If you are not humbled by that, then something is wrong with you.
Puder: Membership Re-engagement and Co-chair for the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference. Journal: What does being a SPVP mean to you? Puder: It is an opportunity to support the Province Leadership team. It allows to learn firsthand the many responsibili- ties of the Province Polemarch. In the role you begin to develop a network with other Province leaders and Grand Chapter leaders. It provides an op- portunity to lead at times and learn the importance of supporting the Province Polemarch. Journal: Describe the importance of the relationship between the SPVP and the Province Polemarch.
Journal: What is one significant initia- tive you lead as SPVP (for your Province and/or Grand Chapter)? Woolridge: For the South Central Prov- ince, I provide Leadership Development training for the Alumni Polemarchs in the province as well as oversight for some of the province committees, including expansion and reclamation. This is the same executive level training I conduct in my Human Resources pro- fession. For Grand Chapter, I support the Publicity and Publications Commis- sion under the leadership of 94 th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Earl T. Tildon. I prepare various communications as needed, write the litanies read aloud for the award winners during Conclave, and some editing responsibilities of our vari-
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