A SHIFT IN THE MAKING
Jose R. Lara | NAK National President & Chief Executive Officer
Over the last five month, our organization has been working towards the challenge of moving beyond the rough and uncertain landscape of 2020. Our National Executive Board, National Alumni Association Executives and our undergraduate brothers had to be creative and resourceful to make a conscious effort in adapting to our new environments and reality. The mantra of being Men of Mind, Culture and Pride was now more important than ever, as we continue to do our best to simply get through the obstacles of our daily lives. I am forever grateful for all chapter leaders, actives, alumni, and members of the local alumni advisory teams for their efforts in keeping their chapters motivated, involved and most importantly afloat during these challenging times. The struggle hasn’t been easy, the balancing act for many has been rough, but I applaud you all for simply not giving up on the organization, your chapter and each other. As many communities are reopening, as our campus partners are readjusting their health and safety protocols, we will continue to monitor these changes and provide any updates as we adjust our planning towards the summer and Fall.
The Pandemic Era of NAK will be a point in our history, at both the national and local level where we re-strategize the organization’s education efforts. The previous summer was a disappointing and eye opening experience for our organization. We had to make sure our policies and procedures, including our national initiatives and training, made a better effort in outlining what a true member of this organization adheres to and represents. Many of our conduct policies can now be found on our National website (www.naknet.org). This is an on-going approach to making a shift to improve our responsibility and accountability to our stakeholders.
We are still in the process of reviewing and adjusting our efforts, I encourage all of you to continue to review your local practices and policies as well. I encourage all alumni to make an effort to re engage with their local chapters and help chart what practices and processes need adjusting. The beauty of our organization is that we can shape and reshape the experiences of each member but simply learn from the efforts, positive or negative experiences and lessons from older brothers and alumni.
In the coming weeks, we will make a call to all members to become involved in some capacity with the organization. We will be opening opportunities to serve on committees to improve our National efforts all across the board, from recruitment/expansion, education/training, development/assessment, programming/brotherhood, marketing/branding, communication/information, philanthropy/service, diversity, equity, inclusion/social justice, alumni/mentorship initiatives amongst a few efforts. More on this in a couple of weeks, any questions or early interests should be sent to the National Executive Board (neb@nakinc.org).
Best of luck to those working on the last set of finals going into this month. As always, please continue to check-in and take care of each other. Also, remember Father’s Day is around the corner, make sure you give him a call, pay him a visit or simply think about him. Until the next time.
Quick links:
https://myturn.ca.gov/
https://www.immunizenevada.org/county-specific-covid-19-vaccine-sites
Fraternally,
Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. – National Office
