Chapter Programs

Go To High School/Go To College

  • Opportunity – Some of the same challenges faced by people of African descent in the USA are faced by students in the UK, high drop out rates, low aspiration and discrimination. A 2018 article in the Independent, a major United Kingdom newspaper, reported that more than half of students at United Kingdom Universities had experienced racism during their studies.  Almost a third have personally experienced racism on campus – and one in 10 have encountered racist incidents on a daily basis, according to research by an online forum, The Student Room. Verbal abuse, off-hand or “casually” racist comments and exclusion from social events are the most common experiences of University, the study of more than 1,000 students suggests (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/students-racism-university-campus-witness-higher-education-a8290561.html ).
  • Pen Pal Program – To assist with implementing this major (Inter)National Program in London, we have entered into a formal partnership with the Rho Sigma Lambda Chapter (http://rhosigmalambdaalphas.org/) in South Metropolitan Atlanta to conduct a Pen Pal program with a local Georgia high school and a London high school class. The goal is to widen the horizon of these students, many who have not travelled outside of their countries, and to encourage them to stay in high school and to go on to college.  The methods and procedures for this program have been developed and, we will begin implementation in the Fall 2019 using Zoom.com technology.
  • Croydon Supplementary Educational Programme (CSEP) – This is our major GTHSGTC Program.  CSEP continues to support the Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) community in Croydon by offering a range of services and community-based learning initiatives that can help to develop their skills and unlock their full potential. 
  • Boy Scouts of America – Whilst the United Kingdom has their own version of the Boy Scouts, our Chapter brother, Adrian Walker, is the Tiger Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 404. It falls under the Transatlantic Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which meets on RAF Base (Royal Air Force) in Thetford, Norfolk, England. In addition, RCL provides monetary support.

Voteless People is a Hopeless People

  • THE DEMOCRATS ABROAD – GLOBAL BLACK CAUCUS – The Democrats Abroad (https://www.democratsabroad.org/ ) is the official Democratic Party arm for millions of Americans living outside the United States. Their goal is to provide Americans abroad a Democratic voice in our federal government and elect Democratic candidates by mobilising the overseas vote.
  • Reach Society – “The Reach Society was conceived by Donald Palmer, Rob Neil and Dwain Neil who discussed their concerns about the government’s decision to end the grant funding of the national REACH role model programme after three years. Each of them had been involved with the programme and saw its positive impact on Black boys and young Black men; and so they knew that something needed to be done to maintain this work that was transforming young lives.
  • Expat adviser: How to vote in U.S. election – Yearly we send information on Expats living in the UK on the proper manner to vote in USA elections. We find that many of these individuals fail to vote because of the complexity.

Project Alpha

  • March of Dimes: While the March of Dimes is not active in the United Kingdom, we partnered with our brother Chapter, Rho Sigma Lambda in South Metropolitan Atlanta, to raise over $17,00.00 in 2018.  Our RCL Chapter Vice President raised almost $1,700 of this amount.

A Brother’s Keeper

  • Opportunity: The purpose of is program is to advocate for and improve the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s senior brothers, their spouses and widows; brothers who are retired and have disabilities or ailments.
  • The West Indian Association Of Service Personnel (Wasp): The activities of Wasp includes:1) Social facilities to members and the general public. 2) Thursday luncheon for pensioners. 3) Educational services to those interested in our military history. 4) Support to bereaved families of members. 5) Three current projects – to set up a Caribbean military museum, memorial statue and accommodation for homeless ex-soldiers and, 6) Fund-raising for the Military Parade in Brixton.

RCL has partnered with Wasp to visit, play chess and provide meals to retired soldiers. In addition, the chapter has assisted with cleanup and painting.