Volunteers and advisors play a vital role in the success of Alpha Kappa Lambda chapters. Volunteers and advisors can fill specific needs that support the chapter and provide continuity and institutional memory. Listed below are the separate roles available to those who may be interested. Training is also available as needed and supplemented through various manuals and resources. Volunteers and advisors do not need to be members of AKL, they can be from another fraternity or sorority, parents, and university faculty/staff.
Chapter Advisor
The Chapter Advisor role is vital to the success of chapters. This person would spend the most time with the members, attending at least one meeting a month when possible, and providing guidance as needed. This person must be approved by the National Headquarters and Alpha Kappa Lambda staff will assist in searching for a candidate when necessary. When possible, they should live or work close to the campus and be available as needed by the Fraternity or host institution.
Virtual/Remote Advisor
Want to help but not local to a chapter? Living in a more digital world, we have opportunities available for those who want to stay involved. The Virtual/Remote Advisor is just as vital to the success of chapters as any local Chapter Advisor. A virtual/remote advisor would be able to assist the members no matter where they are located and help with achieving chapter goals, oversight, and providing guidance as needed. This person must be approved by the National Headquarters and Alpha Kappa Lambda staff will assist in searching for a candidate when necessary. They do not need to live or work close to the campus.
Chapter Advisory Board
A Chapter Advisory Board is comprised of volunteers and advisors who can support and work in conjunction with the Chapter Advisor. The Chapter Advisor should be a member of the board, helping to delegate tasks and assign roles best suited to each volunteer. Taking on a role with the Chapter Advisory Board is suited well for those that may not be local to a chapter but still want to share their expertise. These individuals are asked to meet once a month, in person if possible but virtually when necessary.
Chapter Officer Mentor
Being a mentor is a significant role, not just in the development of AKL members, but in all of us as we grow. Having a mentor to bounce ideas off of or just share what is going on in your life outside of the Fraternity can be helpful and therapeutic. Anyone interested can assist with as many or as few members as they see fit, dedicating their time as they are able to help. We encourage members to have a mentor as they grow both personally and in the fraternity. Anyone is suited for this role who enjoys working with college students and helping with their development.
Housing Corporation Board
If already in a house, or planning to be housed, as Housing Corporation Board must be established separately from the Chapter Advisory Board. This separation allows for incorporation, providing a veil of protection for the financial management that is needed in successfully managing a house or property. Volunteers and advisors who wish to be involved, but do not want to assist in a chapter advisory capacity, make the Housing Corporation Board a great alternative option. The National Headquarters must be consulted prior to organizing a Housing Corporation Board.
Parents’ Club
Many parents want to be involved with a chapter, but not in an official capacity such as a Chapter Advisor or on the Chapter Advisory Board. Any interested parents can form a Parents’ Club to support the chapter through special activities. “Mom/Dad/Parents’ Weekend” is more common on college campuses and provides a great opportunity for involvement. If interested, a parent representative can be a member of the Chapter Advisory Board or Housing Corporation Board to serve as an additional contact and provide additional insight.
