Co-ed service frat begins rush

Kicking off another year of community service and fellowship, Alpha Phi Omega -- the University's only co-ed service fraternity -- began its rush process this week. APO held information sessions for prospective brothers Monday and Wednesday night, and a third is scheduled for this evening at 8 p.m in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge. "Our rush is to attract anyone on campus," said APO Vice President of Membership Jamie Hine, a College senior. "We are open to everyone because the community can use all the help it can get." Separate from the three organizations under the Greek umbrella, APO is one of the 600 chapters in the National Council, who -- according to Vice President of Service Jessica Wilson -- "makes community service our top priority." Pledges -- who have the opportunity to form a brotherhood with Bill Clinton, an APO member while at Georgetown University -- must commit themselves to 20 hours of community service throughout the semester before they are initiated into the fraternity next spring. In addition, the pledge class must design and implement their own community-service project and one fellowship activity. Wilson said the new projects organized by the pledge class keep APO's activities fresh by "incorporating new ideas." "We have so many different types of projects all over the community," the College senior said. "Even if members aren't interested in our listed events, they can create their own -- one that they are interested in doing." The fraternity, which began its service events this fall by helping to sponsor Freshmen Orientation's Into the Streets, will introduce pledges September 18 to one of their regular projects -- sorting clothes at Thrift for AIDS on South Street. Hine said his organization is also planning a retreat at a youth hostel in Fairmount Park and mixers for members of the pledge class to "get to know the brothers." According to APO Pledge Educator and College sophomore Jane Hill, the fellowship activities are an important part of the fraternity because "the fraternity is not only about service, but also about forming wonderful friendships with a group of people dedicated to helping others." Other projects planned for the coming weeks include raising funds and walking in the AIDSWalk, cleaning the areas around public schools as part of Philadelphia Cares and spending time with children in the Discovery Program. Unlike most other university organizations, APO does not receive funding for its projects. Members must raise their own money for transportation fares and other costs. Hill said that although her organization does not receive much public recognition, "the time and effort we put in is always worth it." "Not many people are aware of what we do," she added. "But community service is a selfless act, and we have a lot of fun while doing it."