Conclave

   

Conclave Fall 2007: Hosted by M.I.T

Conclave is usually a 2 day long conference of all Alpha Phi Omega chapters (and those who are in the process of building a chapter) within New England. (Other sections of APO refer to this meeting as the "Section Conference.") There are service projects, 2 business meetings, workshops, and a number of planned and unplanned fellowship opportunities, including a dance.

    Conclave's main focus is brotherhood. Alpha Phi Omega is so much bigger than just your university's chapter. There are so many great things that happen in some places and different great things in others. The purpose is to provide a place for brothers to interact, talk, share ideas, socialize and have fun with one another. It is often a chaotic and energizing weekend. There is a lot going on and a lot to see and do.

    The business meetings last anywhere from one to two hours depending on the business at hand. Usually this business includes deciding when and where the next section conference will be. Conversation also often features a good deal of information about what is happening in the larger Alpha Phi Omega picture. In the spring, there are the Section Chair elections. The meetings also provide your chapter with the opportunity for networking with both the section and region volunteers that are available to support you and your chapter.

    There are usually at least two or more service projects during the Conclave experience. They often reflect the favored service projects of the host chapter. Service projects range from crafts, demolition, construction, handiwork, caring for others, you name it. You may want to pack a set of work clothes just in case.

    Workshops are designed to assist and support chapters as they build and strengthen their programs. The topics change each semester and are based on a combination of things, including recommendations of the host chapter, as well as suggestions by the section chairs and region director. Often times, APO LEADS programs are available to students at conferences, too.

    Fellowships are both planned and unplanned events. The planned events range from karaoke to games to Olympic races to movies. There is almost always a banquet of some kind that ends with a dance to wrap up the experience.