How to Start an AKL Chapter or Buy AKL Merchandise

Alpha Kappa Lambda (AKL) provides two distinct paths on akl.org: starting a new chapter through a formal expansion and chartering process, and purchasing branded merchandise through its online shop. Starting a chapter is a structured, multi-step process that begins with expressing interest and culminates in a chartering petition and banquet. Buying merchandise is a direct transaction through the AKL Merchandise Shop, which includes items such as the AKL Founders Rock Wine. The sections below cover what each path involves and where to begin.

Starting a Chapter of AKL

AKL lists "Start a Chapter of AKL" as a dedicated resource area, alongside "Upcoming Campus Expansions." This indicates the fraternity actively reviews interest from campuses not yet hosting a chapter.

The Chartering Path

Based on the site's structure, the path from interest to chartered chapter involves these stages:

1. Express interest — Use the "Start a Chapter of AKL" entry point to signal intent for your campus.
2. National affiliation — Work through the "National Affiliation" information, which covers what becoming an official AKL chapter entails.
3. Chapter operations setup — Review "Chapter Operations" guidance covering recruiting members, marketing the chapter, and financial commitment.
4. Membership education — Understand the "Membership Education" requirements that new members and chapters must complete.
5. Chartering petition and banquet — The final formal step, listed as "Chartering Petition & Banquet," where the chapter formally petitions for its charter and holds a chartering banquet.

What to Review Before Committing

AKL publishes several policy and standards documents that prospective chapters should read:

• Chapter Standards — the expectations chapters must meet.
• National Dues, Fees, & Insurance — the financial commitment of affiliation.
• Health & Safety Guidelines and Policies — required safety and conduct standards.
• Statements of Policy and Information Releases — official fraternity positions.

These are listed under the Undergraduates and National Operations sections of the site.

Current Scale

For context on the size of the organization you would be joining, AKL currently reports:

Buying AKL Merchandise

AKL operates an "AKL Merchandise Shop" accessible from the main navigation. The site specifically names the AKL Founders Rock Wine as a branded item available through the shop. The merchandise area sits alongside other giving-related options like "Donate to AKL" and the AKL Education Foundation, so it functions as a separate commercial channel rather than a donation mechanism.

To purchase, navigate to the AKL Merchandise Shop from the site menu. The shop is the direct route for branded AKL items.

Getting Involved Beyond Starting a Chapter

If starting a chapter is not your goal, AKL offers other entry points:

• Join as an undergraduate — "I'm Interested In Joining AKL" connects prospective members to chapters. Individual chapters list their presidents, treasurers, and recruitment chairmen with contact details and chapter websites.
• Volunteer or advise as an alumni — "I'm Interested In Volunteering & Advising" and the "Alumni Volunteer & Advising Roles" page describe available roles. An "Alumni Information Update Form" keeps contact records current.
• Recommend a member — A "Recommend a Potential Member" form lets alumni and others refer candidates.
• Give or request funding — The AKL Education Foundation handles scholarships, grants, and chapter restricted funds, with a separate grant request process.

Where to Start

• To start a chapter: Begin at "Start a Chapter of AKL" and review "Upcoming Campus Expansions" and "National Affiliation" before submitting interest.
• To buy merchandise: Go directly to the AKL Merchandise Shop.
• To join an existing chapter: Use "I'm Interested In Joining AKL" or contact a chapter's recruitment chairman directly using the listings on the site.

Each path has its own forms and contacts, so choosing the right entry point first avoids unnecessary back-and-forth with National Operations.