Phi Alpha Delta

The Reporter | Issue Three 2018

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2 The Reporter — Issue #3, 2018 Message from the International Justice As we began this biennium, our newly elected International Executive Board hit t h e g r o u n d r u n n i n g o n t h r e e i n i t i a t i v e s (Revitalization of Weak and Inactive Chapters; Restructuring of International and Regional Events; and International Expansion) that we set forth at Convention in Lexington, which are essential to the success of Phi Alpha Delta. Our sisters and brothers who are working on these initiatives continue their hard work, as do many throughout our organization, whether it is our volunteers or staff, in their respective roles for the betterment of the Fraternity. To quote the late great coach Vince Lombardi, our brothers and sisters understand that "the price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied ourselves to the task at hand," and in this respect I could not be more proud of our sisters and brothers, and wholeheartedly thank them for their continued service to our Fraternity. However, whether it is in Phi Alpha Delta, our professional lives, or our personal lives, there sometimes is another price for success – the toll that it may take on our physical and mental health, which has become more common in this fast- paced world of ours. While it is difficult to find the courage to discuss personal health struggles, P.A.D. recognized and opportunity to better support our members. This was the impetus for the creation of the P.A.D. Health Initiative in 2015, providing a forum for our members to address various physical and mental issues. The Initiative supports those with the courage to discuss their struggles and offers a safe space to have these conversations. As part of the P.A.D. Health Initiative, we observed Mental Health Awareness Week in early October and World Mental Health Day on October 10th with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health while advocating against social stigma. It was a chance to learn more about how to stay healthy and support those that may be struggling. Additionally, for those brothers and sisters who were struggling or needed someone to talk to, it was a reminder that they are not alone and the Phi Alpha Delta community cares about them. P.A.D.'s core values of courage and compassion compels us to shake off the stigma that all too often leads people to adopt a "suck it up and deal with it" response to those with mental health issues. It is this compassion for our brothers and sisters in need that leads us down a different path, which includes listening to our sisters and brothers, finding out how they are feeling, supporting the courage they have to share, letting them know they are not alone, and assisting them with getting the help they need by directing them to appropriate professionals. Let's keep working together while being cognizant of our own health needs, as well as those of our sisters and brothers. Essentially, keep up the hard work, but remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Jay Ross Jason Michael Ross, International Justice Thank you to Brother Matt Bakke (Monroe Chapter, Minnesota Statewide Alumni Chapter) who created and maintains the national P.A.D. Health Initiative. The Health Initiative was launched in 2015 from Bakke's prior work as Monroe Chapter Justice and on the Alumni Advisory Council. Thank you to Brother Jesse Bulluck (Langston Chapter, Charlotte Alumni Chapter) for organizing P.A.D.'s Mental Health Awareness initiatives in conjunction with the P.A.D. Health Initiative.

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