About Alpha Phi Omega
A good way to describe our chapter is a great group of IUPUI students who have come together to gain valuable leadership skills, meet new friends and have a great time while serving their campus and community. Our chapter at IUPUI, Tau Omicron, was founded in 1968. The three cardinal principles of Alpha Phi Omega are Leadership, Friendship, and Service. Here is a brief breakdown of what we call LFS:
Leadership
Leadership development is one of the advantages of joining Alpha Phi Omega. There are many opportunities to take leadership roles in virtually every aspect of chapter operations. Our chapter is entirely student run so you will have the chance to help guide the direction of the chapter. We also sponsor seminars and workshops on leadership development. In the past they have been led by current members in the chapter, guest speakers from the community, and Alpha Phi Omega staff from around the nation.
Friendship
Friendship is another great reason to join Alpha Phi Omega. We always have a great time together. There is an entire officer position dedicated to planning fun events for our members to attend (Vice President of Fellowship). Whether it's bowling, driving go carts or just getting together at someone's house to hang out, you will definitely make new friends and have a great time.
Service
Service is a big part of what our chapter at IUPUI does. We sponsor campus blood drives, help beautify local parks and urban areas, volunteer regularly at the humane society, and work with the children at the DAMAR Center. For a small chapter, we do quite a bit. We are "regulars" at many places that constantly need volunteers, and are always finding new places that need our help. If you are looking for community service opportunities, you've definitely come to the right place.
National Chapter Information
Alpha Phi Omega was founded December 16th, 1925 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Alpha Phi Omega is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The purpose of this fraternity is to assemble college students in a national service fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity; and to further freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage.
Alpha Phi Omega is the single most representative undergraduate intercollegiate organization in the United States of America. We take pride in this and continue to spread across the nation in order to further our common goals more effectively. We share with colleges and universities all across the world the benefits that Alpha Phi Omega gives to students, their campuses and their communities. (*From the national office)
Why Join?
Why should I join?
College should be more than the acquisition of facts and figures; it should also broaden your experiences, expand and test your inherent abilities, and sharpen your social skills. Alpha Phi Omega, through its unique program of leadership, friendship and service, can add this necessary but often lacking aspect of college life--and at the same time enable you to help others while helping yourself.
Who can join?
Membership is open to any student enrolled on a campus where a chapter exists who is approved for membership by that chapter. If there is no chapter at your college, but there is a campus nearby with a chapter, contact that chapter. The chapter may be able to invite you to participate in their service program.
Will this cost me anything?
Like most fraternities, we have dues. However, compared to most social fraternities, our dues are very low. Member dues are $60 per semester (summer sessions are not counted). New members (pledges) have a $30 due at the beginning of their pledging period and another $30 when they are activated with full membership at the end of their pledging period. These dues go to the national office in order to fund the paperwork required for all chapters. Any money raised by the chapter goes towards the chapter's events - you will have the chance to run for Treasurer and help decide where the money goes.
Are there any requirements to being a member?
Each member must complete a total of 25 hours of service, 5 of which may be performed outside of the chapter. Another 5 may come from food or clothing donations, 5 from chapter fundraising events, and 3 from recruitment events. Members must also complete 9 hours of fellowship, pay chapter dues, and attend chapter meetings.
Are there any requirements for pledges?
Pledges must complete 12 hours of service, 4 hours of fellowship, attend 3 chapter meetings and 1 executive meeting, attend a majority of their pledge class meetings, and co-chair a service and fellowship event in order to become Active members.
Wouldn't it be cheaper to just volunteer on my own?
Yes, however, providing volunteer opportunities is just one part of the organization. With APO, you'll have the entire chapter volunteering alongside you, and more can be accomplished in groups. Along with the volunteer opportunities, Alpha Phi Omega has many social activities and leadership opportunities. Not only will you develop a history of community service, but you will have the opportunity to network and create freindships with people of all walks of life
What is "Rush Week?"
"Rush Week" is a common term among fraternities and sororities. Basically, it is the period of time that an organization designates to attempt to add many new members at once. We use the term mostly for the traditional and sentimental value. In fact, it is rare that our "Rush Week" lasts only 1 week, it is usually 2 or 3.
Alpha Phi Omega is always looking for new members. However, we do hold "rush" periods at the beginning of each semester (we had 3 total this past school year). During these weeks, we will have many different and fun "get to know you" events (game nights, movies, bowling, etc.) as well as a few service projects (usually on campus). These events are a great way to get introduced to Alpha Phi Omega and meet some of the members. Yes, sometimes there is free food too.
