Glen Townsend for ATA District Director – Tennessee
Campaign Platform: One District. One Purpose. One Alpha.
I’m Glen Townsend, and I’m honored to announce my candidacy for ATA District Director here in Tennessee. With 36 years of dedicated leadership in the House of Alpha, I bring proven organizational, professional, and community experience.
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My platform focuses on One District, One Purpose, One Alpha—strengthening college-to-graduate chapter relations, expanding training, revitalizing our health initiatives with a focus on men’s and prostate health, and improving communication through technology to better reach and reclaim brothers across the district. Together, we can continue our upward trajectory and ensure every brother sees value in our district. I look forward to serving you.
1. Chapter Empowerment & Growth
Across the district, we face challenges with divides between chapters and even within chapters themselves. My goal is to strengthen both alumni and college chapters by providing the resources, mentorship, and support needed to thrive in their communities.
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For Alumni Chapters:
I will serve as a sounding board to help alleviate tensions and promote unity. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on brotherhood—yet at times, we fall short of that ideal. I will promote initiatives that reinforce the bonds of brotherhood, including districtwide activities and friendly competitions beyond the district conference to keep us engaged and connected.
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For College Brothers:
With declining numbers of African American men on campuses, it is vital that we support recruitment and retention efforts. I will work alongside college administrators to ensure our brothers have access to campus resources and are positioned for success. My mission is to empower these young men, demonstrating through action what we mean by “the better making of men.”
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College-to-Alumni Transition:
My plan is centered on creating a smooth, welcoming transition for college brothers, ensuring they actively enhance and contribute to alumni chapter work. We will strengthen and expand the College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) program, making it more meaningful and relevant so college brothers feel prepared, valued, and fully engaged after graduation.
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Training & Career Development:
I believe our college brothers should be both Alpha-strong and career-ready. District-led initiatives will provide:
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Alpha Training: Beyond Alpha University, area directors will lead workshops on the Code of Conduct, Standing Orders, Constitution, and By-Laws, aiming to make Tennessee brothers the most Alpha-educated in the country.
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Career Development: Workshops, professional development sessions, and a career mentor-matching program will pair brothers with alumni in their chosen fields.
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Post-Graduation Support: We will help brothers navigate the transition from campus to career with the tools, confidence, and network to succeed.
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Travel Resources:
One barrier to engagement for college brothers is financial. I will create a District Travel Resource Team dedicated to researching and providing cost-effective travel solutions so brothers can attend conventions and leadership gatherings without financial strain. As a travel professional, I bring expertise to make convention travel affordable and accessible, ensuring college brothers are present, engaged, and contributing to Alpha’s future.
2. Brotherhood Engagement & Retention
Modern Communication Tools:
While communication in our district is decent, we can and must do better. Alpha in Tennessee must leverage technology to strengthen engagement, improve outreach, and expand reclamation.
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Events & Campaigns:
To build excitement and unity, I will introduce weekly updates and accountability structures during major campaigns such as March for Babies and other national programs. Friendly competitions and accountability partners will keep momentum strong.
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Event Participation:
Strong participation starts with strong communication. By improving promotion, advance planning, timely reminders, and direct brother-to-brother engagement, events like the District Summit and Leadership Development Citizenship Education Institute (LDCEI) will maximize turnout and foster deeper connections.
3. Excellence in Leadership & Integrity
Preventing IMDP Violations:
Our goal is simple: prevent violations before they happen. I will implement training that addresses past violations, explaining what occurred, why they were violations, and how to avoid them in the future.
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Mentorship:
Assigned alumni chapters will take an active role in guiding and supporting college chapters. Pairing education with mentorship protects both our process and our brotherhood.
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Leadership by Example:
Alpha in Tennessee has felt the weight of inconsistent leadership. I will model integrity, accountability, and open communication, setting the standard through consistent actions and honest dialogue.
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District Leadership Institute:
We will establish a District Leadership Institute focused on succession planning and leadership development. This institute will prepare brothers at every level to serve effectively and confidently, ensuring Alpha’s legacy of excellence continues for generations.
4. Financial Stewardship & Conference Value
We will partner with the District Finance Team to identify growth opportunities while ensuring fiscal responsibility with your funds. By strategically analyzing financial practices, we can grow in ways that benefit all brothers.
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A comprehensive review of district conference expenses will focus on finding savings without sacrificing quality. Under my leadership, every brother will see their investment of time and money in the conference as meaningful, valuable, and producing a true return in knowledge, networking, and brotherhood.
5. Community & Health Impact
Men’s Health Focus:
Brothers have emphasized men’s health, and I plan to revitalize the District Health Committee with an emphasis on men’s health initiatives, particularly prostate health education. We will bring back “Men Go to the Doctor Day” annually across the district to raise awareness and encourage preventative care.
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Community Service:
Service programs will strengthen Alpha’s presence in Tennessee, including March for Babies, district blood drives, food drives, and more. We will remain true to our motto of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind, making a meaningful impact across the district.
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6. Innovation & Communication
Leveraging my technical background and IT expertise, I will modernize communication across the district. Enhancements to the newsletter and website, along with new mobile and online tools, will connect brothers more effectively.
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By using AI-driven tools and platforms like Alpha Elite, we will strengthen engagement, improve outreach, and expand reclamation efforts, ensuring no brother is left disconnected from the work of Alpha.