Our chapter service programs provide many opportunities for the development of social awareness,friendships and leadership skills. Participation in our Service program helps make Alpha�Phi�Omega the unique fraternal organization that it is.
The Fraternity has established "four fields of service" in which chapters would be involved. These are:
SERVICE TO THE CAMPUS: Each chapter should carry out projects that benefit the campus and fellow students.
SERVICE TO YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY: Chapters should include projects which benefit the community and its residents. Service to youth - especially the Scouting movements - is a special area of consideration.
SERVICE TO THE NATION: Each chapter should develop projects which have an impact beyond the campus and community.
SERVICE TO THE MEMBERS: Service projects that directly benefit the members of the chapter should be included. Sponsoring leadership workshops, Fraternity conferences, fellowship events and academic support groups are some of the ways Brothers can challenge and support each other.
As a new member, you have a responsibility to contribute ideas, interest and desire to the planning of the service program. "We've always done it that way" is neither a reason to continue a program, drop it, or refuse to add innovative projects. As the membership of your chapter constantly changes, its needs, as well as those of your campus and community, change as well. The chapter program must reflect these changes.
Balance is the key to any great chapter service program. While all service projects can provide both leadership development and fellowship opportunities the benefits vary with the size and duration of the project. As you develop a service program, there are a variety of factors to consider:
LARGE OR SMALL? Large projects, involving most of the chapter, provide a greater opportunity for your members to work closely with each other. They may also present a chance to involve members from other chapters or other organizations. Several small projects will increase the chapters' diversity and meet the interests of a greater number of your Brothers.
TRADITIONAL OR NEW? Traditional (repeated annually, quarterly, etc.) service projects give a chapter a sense of continuity and history. They must be evaluated periodically to determine if they still meet a real need. New projects often have a sense of challenge and excitement which strengthens the chapter's morale.
"PEOPLE" OR "WORK-TYPE"? Projects with direct contact with people (visiting patients in a convalescent hospital or assisting a Girl Scout Troop) have a strong appeal to some members. Others are more interested in activities which have a longer lasting impact, such as building a nature trail in a national park or painting equipment in a community playground.
CHAPTER INITIATED OR ASSISTED? Service projects suggested, planned or carried out by chapter members provide a variety of leadership opportunities, as well as a way of utilizing the talents and resources of the members. Assisting at projects planned by others is usually less challenging but does promote Alpha�Phi�Omega and enhance opportunities for cooperation.
In addition to the above, Alpha�Phi�Omega encourages every chapter to participate in several national activities which are designed to enhance our impact on the nation.
Each National Convention selects a "Program of Emphasis," which focuses service activities on a particular area. The 1994 National Convention designated "THE ENVIRONMENT" as the 1995-96 Program of Emphasis. Each Chapter's annual program should include at least one project in this area.
The Fraternity has designated the first Saturday of November as "NATIONAL SERVICE DAY" to unify chapters with a national theme and to inspire expansion of chapter service programs. On this day every chapter is encouraged to carry out a new, high-profile service project related to the Program of Emphasis and involving other chapters and the community. The recent Convention specified "GREEN PROJECTS/RECYCLING" as the theme for Service Day 1995 and "NATURAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS/PERSONAL SAFETY" as the theme for 1996.
Finally, the Fraternity dedicates the Fall Pledge Class on a national level. In conjunction with this dedication, the fall pledge class of every chapter is asked to conduct a service project in an area selected by the Pledge Class Honoree.
In developing and executing a chapter service program, both the Brothers and those being served should benefit. Brothers should feel good about the quality of volunteer work they have done. They should feel challenged and have had the opportunity to learn new skills and strengthen friendships.
For as long as you are involved with Alpha�Phi�Omega, as a student or as an alumnus the philosophy of service, the leadership skills and the joy of helping others should remain with you. This commitment to our three Cardinal Principles is one of the continuing benefits of membership in Alpha�Phi�Omega.