Alpha Phi Omega: more than just service
By Corinne Minard, Staff Writer
April 19, 2007 | 6:45 p.m.
With infamous stereotypes about sororities and fraternities, Ohio University’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega shatters these labels and contributes what they can to the Greek life on campus.
Between exams, homework, extra-curricular activities and hectic social calendars, who has time for community service? Within our busy lives, we take for granted the small things we can do to help improve our campus or area. Alpha Phi Omega, however, has impacted the area significantly through services that mean the world to many.
As stated on their Web site, www.ouapo.com, this service fraternity vows to prepare campus and community leaders through service as it creates proud community leaders and lasting friendships. More than two hundred active members in the Ohio University chapter do service work for a number of organizations on the local and national levels. With busy schedules and the attitudes of philanthropists, the members of Alpha Phi Omega have weekly responsibilities, consisting of a number of community service opportunities in which they participate each week. These endeavors, mainly around the Athens area, range from serving lunch at the United Methodist church or working with the developmentally disabled through ATCO to volunteering at Passion Works or the Athens Community Center. Everyone has an opportunity to do good every day of the week.
In addition to small weekly projects, they also participate in bigger projects every quarter. Fall quarter they have “Service Week," winter quarter they sponsor a 5K that benefits the Invisible Children’s Fund, and every spring quarter, they participate in the Relay for Life.
Who needs sun where there is work to be done?
While many bathe in the sun during their spring break, others adopt an “alternative spring break” where volunteer work is the main focus. Alpha Phi Omega recently participated in an alternative spring break in which 27 members of their chapter spent spring break in the Dominican Republic working through the Orphanage Outreach program. This group was in the western end of the Dominican Republic in Monte Cristi where they taught children English in both morning and afternoon sessions.
“It was an advantage to kids and the adults who participated as well as valuable program within the community,” said McKenzie Koss, senior member of Alpha Phi Omega and participant on the trip. “There were games, a talent show, and we got to learn so much about the Dominican Republic culture.”
“It was a great experience to spend spring break there,” Caitlin Nowlan stated. “It was through a great organization and anyone should try and do it.”
Members of Alpha Phi Omega have participated in other trips such as a trip during winter quarter to Orlando, Florida to work with the terminally ill through the “Give Kids the World” program, and two trips to New Orleans in winter and spring to help with the reconstruction of houses in the area.
“These trips seem to be more fun than work and are rewarding experiences,” said Brian Ponchak, junior and Communications Correspondent for the chapter.
More than just community service
With a strong foundation in service Alpha Phi Omega is more than just work. In a chapter full of reminders and opportunities to donate time, it is evident that these “brothers” have more in common than just a desire to help.
“We work with a lot of organizations, but we also have socials and do intramurals,” said Ponchak.
Even with the current campaign for Relay for Life in full steam, the chapter still has time to update their members on the intramural softball scores in between announcements and community service events.
The sociable atmosphere of their group meetings only serves to validate that they are friends working toward a common goal.
“I’ve met some of my best friends here, not just in the chapter but also in the community,” noted Koss.
Erica Blocher, freshman and newly initiated member, noted that community service was her favorite part of the fraternity. “It helps me meet the people of Alpha Phi Omega. Each time in the service projects, I get to meet new people.”
Fellowship, service, support and leadership are all components that play a large role in Alpha Phi Omega. Whether they are serving lunch, reading to children at the Community Center, or teaching English to a class in the Dominican Republic, this fraternity helps improve Ohio University and the Athens community in whatever way they can.