|
|
ABOUT US
1. What is Alpha Phi Omega?
APO is a national community service fraternity. Founded by members of the Boy Scouts of America in 1925, there are now chapters on over 350 campuses across the nation. Our chapter at Colorado State University is the Epsilon Xi chapter.
2. Who can join?
Membership is open to any enrolled student. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
3. If this is a fraternity, are women allowed to join?
Yes. While APO was originally founded as an all male fraternity, full membership was granted to women in 1976. Since then, APO has been a coed fraternity. Although some of the gender based terminology remains (for example all members are referred to as brothers), women and men have equal membership privileges in APO.
4. Is APO associated with Greek Life?
No. APO is a student organization.
5. How is APO different from a Greek organization?
APO is unique in that community service is our primary purpose. We do not have a house, we have a non-traditional rush, we do not tolerate hazing, we have minimal fees, and we do not drink alcohol in letters. Since we are a studnet organization, members of social Greek organizations can join without conflict. Anyone who is enthusiastic about meeting new people and is dedicated to helping out the community in which they live is welcome in APO.
6. What is your connection with scouting?
APO was founded on the principles of scouting. The Boy Scouts of America, however, does not control or finance Alpha Phi Omega in any way and previous membership in scouting is not required.
7. What kind of service projects does APO do?
An average of two to three service projects are planned each week. We do a wide variety of service projects and are always on the lookout for those who need our help. Examples of things we do are: chaperone Splashdance (a dance sponsored to give young teens a safe place to spend a Saturday night), assist the Larimer County Food Bank with events such as Taste of the Nation and Shared Abundance, help Books for Development sort and pack used textbooks to be sent to third world countries, play cards with the elderly at Park Wood Estates, make seed packets for the CSU Forestry Outreach Program, assist with Boy Scout events like Klondike and Merit Badge University, and much more!
8. Is community service all APO does?
In addition to service projects we also plan an average of two to three fellowship events each week. A fellowship is a fun activity that we do to foster friendship and brotherhood. Examples of fellowships are broomball, movies, dinners, Frisbee, sporting events, plays, and many others. We plan a mixture of fellowships so that people on any budget can join in.
9. Why should I join APO? What will it do for me?
We feel that college should not only be about the pursuit of a degree. It should also be a chance to expand our horizons and develop leadership and social skills so that we may become stronger citizens. APO provides many opportunities for leadership. There are over twelve officer positions and all members are encouraged to take an active role in planning events. Joining APO shows a commitment to the community and a commitment to improving your social and leadership skills. This looks great on a resume and sounds good in a job interview.
10. How much time would I have to commit?
Our chapter requires each member to complete 20 hours of community service, attend 4 fellowship events, and attend weekly meetings over the course of each semester. We feel that most members do not find it difficult to fulfill their requirements. If you average one service event every week you should be able to complete at least 20 hours over the course of the 9 week semester. Every semester we have members who achieve 40, 50, even 60 hours. We understand that college is rigorous and that studies should come first, so you will never be required to make your academics take a back seat to any APO activity.
11. How much does it cost to join?
The first semester (your pledge semester) costs $55. This is broken up into two payments: $35 at the induction ceremony at the beginning of the semester and $20 at the activation ceremony at the end of the semester. Once you become an active member, fees are considerably less (usually $20-$25 per semester).
12. How do I join?
We induct new pledge classes at the beginning of each semester. Please contact us at apo@lamar.colostate.edu or call us at 491-0696 for more information!
|
.gif)