The postulation at hand today for Phi Theta Kappa members concerns their organization. "What if Phi Theta Kappa….?" If today you could create an honor society to meet the needs of two-year colleges and their outstanding students in the new millennium, what would its mission be? What would be its priorities? What would be its scope? What would be its reputation to those outside the organization? How would it be funded? How would it allocate its resources?

Phi Theta Kappa members, alumni, chapter advisors, college administrators, and college presidents have the opportunity to respond to the question, "What if Phi Theta Kappa…..?" The Society is currently engaged in a long-range planning initiative to set the priorities for the organization in the next decade. The initiative is The Alpha Project, which was named by the 1998-99 International Officers.

Everything is on the table for discussion. Is education in two-year colleges different today than it was ten years ago? Will it change over the next ten years? Have the needs and demographics of two-year college students changed over the last ten years?

What's ahead?

And, what about chapter advisors? Have their needs and responsibilities changed over the last ten years within their institutions and Phi Theta Kappa? What about the next decade? And, what about two-year institutions overseas? Does Phi Theta Kappa have an obligation to reach out and become a partner in a global village?

Phi Theta Kappa constituencies have the opportunity to respond to the challenge at hand using various venues for discussion. Town meetings have been held at seven regional meetings. Those having access to the Internet can respond to "The Alpha Project Question of the Week," via the Society's web site. Comments from Town Meetings and responses to "The Alpha Project Question of the Week" are also posted on the Society's web site. Finally, all will have the opportunity to provide input by completing the The Alpha Project Survey mailed in November or accessed from the Society's web site.

Responses will be analyzed by The Alpha Project Commission, which is to be convened in January 2000. The commission will be comprised of members from the international and national business and education communities and the ranks of Phi Theta Kappa. The priorities of the Society will be shaped by this commission and presented to the Phi Theta Kappa 82nd International Convention in Orlando, April 20-22.

The charge often provided to Phi Theta Kappa members at time of induction is that, to whom much is given, much is expected. All of us are stewards of the Society's future. We have a responsibility of thinking about and shaping its future. What will that future be?