To: Members of the Middle Western Province

From: Kevin E. Triggs, Buckle Up with Kappa Alpha Psi Chairman
         Middle Western Province
         Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Subject: Buckle Up With Kappa Alpha Psi National Campaign

Brothers,

As you all know the 2004-2005 National Guide Right/Kappa League Seat Beat Safety Initiative is the "Buckle Up with Kappa Alpha Psi" program. Our fraternity was awarded a 2-Year $100,000 Seat Belt Educational Grant from the USDOT that goes through May 31, 2005. As stated in the letter from Grand Polemarch Hamilton to the brothers, our initiative is designed to encourage young African Americans between the ages of 16 - 24 to buckle up when they drive in order to save lives. Statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state that African American drivers in this age range lead the nation in the number of deaths of all age groups and races. In 2003, 63% of teen (16 - 20) passenger vehicle occupants killed were unrestrained. We have a duty to our community, families, friends, and fraternity to promote this initiative when it comes to saving lives.

At the recent C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference in Kirksville, MO, brothers were asked to complete surveys to ascertain the utilization of seat belts along with their knowledge of the benefits of wearing their seat belts. All chapters and every brother are needed to promote this cause. Each chapter is asked to pledge their total support/loyalty to this endeavor. Contact other fraternities and sororities, churches, community groups, schools, PTA's, colleges and universities, etc. and develop partnerships to implement activities designed to reach our goal of reducing deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents. A total of 42,643 people died, and 2.89 million were injured in 2003 in motor vehicle crashes.

Brothers, on behalf of the Middle Western Province I am counting on each of you to be a champion for this initiative. When you have events take as many pictures as possible documenting your efforts. Surveys, fact sheets and bumper stickers will be sent to each chapter for distribution. As a member of the host chapter for our 77th Grand Chapter Conclave, I hope that no brother is unable to attend because he was injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident where he was not buckled up. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at SeatBelt@KAPsiMWP.com. Drive carefully and buckle up.

Yours in the Bond,
Kevin E. Triggs
Buckle Up with Kappa Alpha Psi Chairman
Middle Western Province