Fraternalism is Friendship AO Style

I have said many times and written often in my blog, that Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is unique in many ways. No other organization provides the combination of fraternalism, professionalism and the important base of Judaic values and principles. This week I was pleasantly reminded of great example of the unique aspects of Alpha Omega’s fraternalism.
At the 2001 Alpha Omega International Convention held in New York City, our convention was symbolic for many reasons, but most important was the tragic September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks, where New York was the most tragic and dramatic target. It was important both for New York City and for the nation to resume relatively “normal” activities, because otherwise we were permitting the terrorists to dictate to us. The Convention steering committee held many brainstorming sessions in the period immediately before the convention, discussing all the ways to make the attendees at this convention receive “super special” treatment, and receive not only perceived value, but “more bang for the buck.” As a result of this, my husband Richard led three walking tours and an early morning walk over to the Today show. Each walking tour had between 25 and 75 walkers, despite the very cold weather. One couple that went on every walking tour was newlyweds, Bob and Colleen Klein, from Columbus Ohio. Richard recognized that Bob and Coleen were “new” to convention s, and took them under his wing, helping them appreciate the city, have a great time, and feel welcomed by Alpha Omega. Bob and Colleen have so enjoyed their convention experiences that they look forward all year to coming and spending time with their Alpha Omega family! Since 2001, Bob and Coleen have attended every convention except this past year’s, where they had to cancel at the last minute because of family commitments. Bob and Colleen have already made plans to be coming to this year’s convention in San Diego. The Klein’s have become very dear friends of Richard and me, and stayed with us for several days this past week. This has become an “unofficial rite of summer” and we all look forward to the Klein’s visit to our home most summers.
The story of Bob and Colleen Klein teaches us important lessons (do I sound like your Rabbi?) and information relevant to Alpha Omega. It shows how important fraternalism is, and true caring about getting newcomers involved. It also demonstrates how important the New York convention’s steering committee’s willingness to ‘think outside the box” was in making that historic convention a truly special experience for all that attended. It also demonstrates that one of the best ways to get a Frater truly committed to the fraternity is to get them to an International convention.
If you have not already made your arrangements and reservations to attend this year’s Convention in San Diego, I urge you to consider attending. I can tell you what a special experience it is, but until you experience it yourself, you don’t realize the full scope and significance. Convention Marshal Bob Simon and his committee have created a fun-packed, value-filled, CE loaded, event-driven, community service, fraternal, and professional week that you will truly enjoy! Go to: aosunnydays2010.ao.org and you will see all the great details, and be able to reserve. We have secured great group room rates at The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, in San Diego, to go along with the great value-packed convention program. Please come to San Diego, and remember to say hi to the Klein’s, they are very friendly in an AO sort of way!
I bet we all have dear friends like the Klein’s, who friendship was cemented at an AO convention. Come to convention and make your new friends.
I am looking forward to my upcoming Presidential visitation to our fraters in Israel. David Ash and his committee have arranged numerous activities and visitations, and I am proud to represent Alpha Omega during my visitations to “our” dental schools in Israel, as well as all the other great programs the fraternity and the AO Foundation have so loyally supported. Next week I will report from Israel.



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