TORCH&TREFOIL

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF ALPHA PHI OMEGANATIONAL SERVICE FRATERNITY Spring 1998

Pres iden t ’ s Mes sage . . . . . 2Finding the Timeby Maggie Katz

Chapt er s in Ac t i on . . . . . 3 - 5

Cent enary in Scou t ing . . . . 6

R i sk Management . . . . . . . 7

Chapt er Ann i ver sar ie s . . . . 8

Chapt er Adv i sor ’ s Corner . . 9Sylvia Cypher

Reg iona l Con ferences . . 10 - 11

Brand ing APO con ’d . . . . . 12

Recru i tment Academy . . . . 13

G i v ing Made Easy . . . . . 14 - 15

Who , What , When & Where . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

• Winter Board Action

• National Service Week 2007

• New Field Rep Position

i n s i d e :

Winter 2007

www.apo.org

In Leadership is an Art, Max Depree notes that “we cannot become what we need tobe by remaining what we are.” Average nonprofits with long histories resist change.Alpha Phi Omega is not an average nonprofit. During recruitment, our chapterspride themselves on telling people we are different, we embrace the value of changein our APO LEADS leadership courses, and we note historic initiative in adapting toco-ed membership and risk management policies. Yet in a time when society’s broad-er culture is increasingly cynical and skeptical, we cannot be complacent about thevalue of continued growth and innovation for the Fraternity.

There is a common belief among our membership that we “know who we are,”and this is just not the case. Sure, our members do leadership, friendship and loadsof service. We were founded in 1925 and clearly, the principles of the Scoutingmovement framed our earliest organizational underpinnings. However, theseacknowledgements do not define the “APO brand.” At this year’s National VolunteerConference, more than 150 key alumni volunteers were asked to write three adjectives that describe APO. The results were intriguing. More than half of theresponses were unique to a single volunteer and no single descriptor was used greater than 17 times (<4%). Top responses of fun and friendly could easily describehundreds of youth-oriented organizations. So among an elite group of dedicated fraternity alumni, no clear consensus emerged.

So what is our unique brand? A national effort to uncover, define and possibly adapt our brand identity is

underway. This is not easily done. The payoffs of a well-executed brand creationexercise will reap immeasurable rewards for our Fraternity in the coming years: morestudents looking for us upon arrival at campus, more alumni giving back throughvolunteer service or annual charitable donations and more chapters doing meaningfulservice across the country.

All of this because we take the time to codify in ideas, words, and pictures exactlywhat APO means and then work to stick to a fundamental plan.

While this type of consistency is critical, it is not a given for an organization that,in many ways, prides itself on allowing local variations in chapter identities.Autonomy and brand are not opposites for a national nonprofit organization.

N E X T I S S U E :

Defining the “APO Brand”The Role of “Leadership” in Successful Marketing

continued on page 12

2

TORCH & TREFOIL Winter 2007 Vol. 84 No. 1

NATIONAL PRESIDENTMaggie Katz, Livonia, MI

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTMark A. Stratton, Fishers, IN

PROGRAM DIRECTORSJeffrey L. Cantor, Ewing, NJJim Hahn, C.F.R.E., Milwaukee, WICarla Moran, Quincy, MAHon. John K. Ottenad, J.D., Manchester, MOEd Richter, Franklin, OHW. Brant Warrick, J.D., Louisville, KY

REGIONAL DIRECTORSI Marilyn Mims Dow, Epping, NH II Michael E. Haber, Troy, NYIII Dawn M. Gurganious, Falls Church, VAIV Matthew J. Cross, Sanford, FLV J. Adam Bolain, Pittsburgh, PAVI Robert M. Coop, PE, Westfield, INVII Cole T. Robertson, Lubbock, TXVIII Kathryn S.K. Whitfield, J.D., Lincoln, NEIX Ginny Combs, North Liberty, IAX Franklin D. Brodsky, Chandler, AZXI Tony Ploughe, Seattle, WA

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORRobert J. London, Independence, MO

NATIONAL ARCHIVISTRobert C. Barkhurst, W. Dundee, IL

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIRECTORDavid A. Emery, Vancouver, BC

PAST PRESIDENTSStan Carpenter, Ph.D., Austin, TXE. Ross Forman, Philadelphia, PATom T. Galt, M.D., Drayton, SCBobby M. Hainline, Dearborn, MIFred C. Heismeyer, III, Ed.D., Springdale, ARLawrence L. Hirsch, M.D., Northbrook, ILLorin A. Jurvis, Rockville, MDWilfred M. Krenek, Houston, TXJack A. McKenzie, Clemson, SCGlen T. Nygreen, Ph.D., Scarsdale, NYWilliam S. Roth, Birmingham, ALGerald A. Schroeder, McLean, VALucius E. Young, LTC, Ret., Spring Hill, FLC.P. Zlatkovich, Ph.D., El Paso, TX

LIFE MEMBERSGeorge F. Cahill, CAE, Pittsburgh, PAIrwin H. Gerst, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CARoger A. Sherwood, CAE, Kansas City, MOWarren C. Weidman, PE, Reading, PA

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERJames L. Chandler, Roanoke, TX

14901 E. 42nd Street South • Independence, MO 64055816 • 373 • 8667

Fax: 816 • 373 • 5975 Email: executive.director@apo.orgWeb Site: www.apo.org

NATIONAL SERVICE FRATERNITY

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEby maggie katz, National President

Finding the TimeBrothers,Family, classes, exams, work, football games, hang-ing with friends – there are so many demands onyour limited time. It can be hard to find time forAlpha Phi Omega in your busy schedules. Afterall, your top priorities are family, school and job. However, I know that APO isimportant to you or you would not be reading this article.

So, how do you find the time for APO? You commit to making the time.Easier said than done, right? Yes and no. Time is a limited commodity and wecannot add hours to the day. But, if something is important enough, we seemto be able to work it into our schedule. My challenge to you is to make APOenough of a priority to ensure it fits into your routine.

We sometimes get caught up in an all-or-nothing mentality. Either I dedi-cate every waking moment to the Fraternity or I just stay away. The healthyplace to be is on middle ground. And our focus on more healthy chapters isbest served by healthy pledges, actives and alumni.

I am sure each of you has goals for your life, often related to education andjob. Alpha Phi Omega can help you meet those goals. As a college student,community service is a valuable addition to your resume or graduate schoolapplication. As a graduate, the leadership skills developed in the chapter and asa volunteer translate nicely to the workplace.

Alpha Phi Omega is a win-win situation. You give to the community whilegaining in personal skills, experience and satisfaction. So, keep on giving butkeep the proper perspective. Alpha Phi Omega is not your whole life, but it isan important part of a fulfilling life.

In Brotherhood,

3

in ActionCH

APT

ERS

ALPHA ALPHAUniversity of Illinois

at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, Illinois

Alpha Alpha Chapter had a booth at the University ofIllinois at Urbana-Champaign Student OrganizationRecruitment Day. They displayed the 16-foot APO paddleand wore their “Service to Society Tour” rock-n-roll rushT-shirts. For more information on Alpha Alpha Chapter,please visit www.alphaphiomega.union.uiuc.edu/basic-page.php?page=home.

NU SIGMAStephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

Members of Nu Sigma Chapter volunteertheir time at the Nacogdoches Boys andGirls Club every Friday while trying toestablish ongoing, positive relationships withdisadvantaged youth.

IOTA KAPPATowson UniversityTowson, Maryland

Iota Gamma Chapter’s president-elect, Liz Juhasz, lost her battle with pulmonaryhypertension. After their loss chapter members decided they wanted to raiseawareness and funds in her memory. This chapter was inspired and organized the“Rock-Around-the-Clock for PH” event. The “rock” was not only from the activ-ity, which challenged students to take turns sitting in rocking chairs over thecourse of the six-hour event, but from the rock bands that performed throughoutthe night! This event was particularly touching, and the chapter’s work for Lizwill make a huge difference in the lives of other patients, families and friends whofight with this disease. For more information on this event please visit www.phas-sociation.org/Awareness/events/event070414RockathonMD.asp. To learn moreabout Iota Kappa, visit www.apoiotagammatowson.bravehost.com/.

4

XIIowa State University

Ames, Iowa

Xi Chapter prepared a Day Camp for children from theBeloit Residential Treatment Center for troubled children.The children made race cars, bottle rockets and dyed T-shirts.For more information on the Xi Chapter, please visitwww.stuorg.iastate.edu/apo/.

SIGMA UPSILONUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

This past October, Sigma Upsilon Chapter assisted with registra-tion the day before the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer, which washeld in Charlotte, North Carolina.

XI OMICRONTarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas

The Xi Omicron Chapter helped a Boy Scout with his EagleScout Project which was to clean a cemetery near Sidney, TX.For more information on the Xi Chapter, please visitwww.tarleton.edu/~apo/.

5

NU SIGMAStephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

Nu Sigma Chapter organized and recruited individuals oncampus to donate blood for The Blood Center of East Texas.The chapter exceeded its goal of 20 donors with a total of 22individuals donating during their blood drive.

MU ALPHA ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONWashington, D.C.

The Mu Alpha Alumni Association participated in a service projecton Saturday, November 10, 2007. The group made 350 healthy andnutritious sandwiches in 90 minutes! The sandwiches were for thebenefit of Martha’s Table, a nonprofit organization in D.C. that servesneedy people in D.C. Martha’s Table also provides assistance in theareas of learning, healthy living and family support services. The MuAlpha Alumni Association has made a total of 750 sandwiches forMartha’s Table this year. For more information on the WashingtonD.C. Alumni Association, please visit www.mualpha.org.

SECTION 31 & 46Mu, Alpha Gamma,

Alpha Tau, Alpha Upsilon,Delta Xi, Tau Lambda

and Tau OmicronIndianapolis, Indiana

This past September a group of more than 80actives, Advisors and staff from seven chapters insections 31 and 46 helped plant over 100 trees alongI-70 in downtown Indianapolis. (Chapters included:Mu, Alpha Gamma, Alpha Tau, Alpha Upsilon,Delta Xi, Tau Lambda and Tau Omicron).

6

2007 marks an important milestone in the World ScoutingMovement, of which Alpha Phi Omega is a part: This year isour 100th birthday. In 1907, Major General Robert Baden-Powell rewrote his military training manual, “Aids to Scoutingfor Men,” into a more appropriate program for boys.Wanting to be sure his new “Scouting scheme” would appealto boys and, just as importantly, to boys from different back-grounds, he conducted an experimental camp to try it out.

Baden-Powell secured the use of Brownsea Island insouthern England and arranged for 20 boys from working-class and upper-class backgrounds, and from various groupssuch as Church Lads, Boys Brigade and boarding schools, toattend the camp. The boys were organized into four patrols– the Wolves, Ravens, Bulls and Curlews – and set up theirtents. On the morning of August 1, 1907, Baden-Powellsounded the start of the camp with three blasts from a kuduhorn. Scouting had begun. Over the next few days the boyswere engaged in several activities. During the day theylearned camping, tracking and scouting skills, and playedgames that made use of those skills and more. At night bythe light of the campfire, Baden-Powell regaled the boys withtales of his many adventures in distant lands and preparedthem for the following day’s activities.

Considering the camp a success, Baden-Powell complet-ed his work on “Scouting for Boys,” which was published insix biweekly parts beginning in January 1908. From thattiny acorn of Brownsea, Scouting quickly spread around theworld. Soon people in other countries established their ownScouting programs, all based on Baden-Powell’s work.When Scouting was established in the United States in1910, it already existed in 18 other countries.

Today, Scouting is the largest youth movement in theworld – a fact recognized by the “Guinness Book of WorldRecords.” There are currently 28 million Scouts and leadersin 216 countries and territories. There are only six nationsthat do no have Scouting. More than 300 million peoplehave been involved in Scouting since its inception. All

Scouting Associations are united in the World Organizationof the Scout Movement (WOSM) and in following the basicprinciples of Scouting set down by Baden-Powell.

The World Guiding Movement, developed for girls, wasstarted in 1910 by Baden-Powell. There are now Girl Guideor Girl Scout organizations in 144 countries, with more than10 million members. All are united in the WorldAssociation of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).Thirty-four of these member associations belong to bothWOSM and WAGGGS. Girl Scouts was established in theU.S. in 1912. Girl Guiding/Scouting will celebrate theirCentenary in 2010-2012.

To celebrate Scouting’s Centenary, several activities areplanned for this year. There is the Gifts for Peace effort,during which members of each Scouting Association orga-nize service work. For the BSA, this was their Good Turnfor America program. Scouting’s Sunrise was a celebrationof Scouting’s birthday, which was held worldwide on August1 at 8 a.m. local time. Scouts and Scout groups wereencouraged to come together in celebration of theCentenary, renew their Scout Oath and organize a “goodturn” in their local community. Several special camps wereplanned at Brownsea Island, including a re-creation ofBaden-Powell’s original camp, as part of this celebration.There was the 21st World Scout Jamboree, held July 27-August 8, at Hylands Park in England. And finally, therewas the 50th Jamboree on the Air and 10th Jamboree on theInternet.

The year is not yet over, and there is still time to cele-brate the Centenary. There are still ways your chapter can beinvolved. Get involved with your local Scout Council.Educate your chapter and pledges on the history ofScouting. And this year’s National Service Week can involvescouting, with its theme of serving handicapped youth.

Article written by Mark A. Stratton, National Vice President

Centenary of Scouting

7

Since 1996, the Fraternity has had a formal risk manage-ment policy. That policy addresses several areas, and its pro-visions are rooted in common sense. As well, it is importantto know that we have such a policy for two reasons: first, tosafeguard and protect the good name of Alpha Phi Omega;second, to safeguard the health, welfare, and dignity of all ofour members.

As general as our risk management policy is, it hasabsolutely no impact if you don’t know about the policy orwhat it covers. All chapters are required to educate theirmembers on this policy and its many provisions. Every year,each chapter president and chair of the Advisory Committeeare required to sign a statement that the chapter is in com-pliance with the risk management policy. And, every volun-teer in the Fraternity, from a section representative to amember of the National Board of Directors, must also signan acknowledgement regarding the risk management policy.

Every chapter must take the time to ensure its membersare educated on this policy. How a chapter does that is upto the chapter, as it should be. But it must be done.

The risk management policy is only one component ofa comprehensive Risk Management Program. We are work-ing on developing such a pro-gram. One component of thatprogram is the acquisition ofliability insurance. The 2006National Convention imposeda $7 Insurance Fee on all activemembers and pledges. A por-tion of this fee is used to paythe premium on the insurance.The remainder of the fee isdirected toward risk manage-ment education and materials.If you’ve been to a regional con-ference, you’ve probably heardabout it. You can also findresources about the insurance atwww.apo.org/site/site_files/Liability_Ins_ Summary.pdf.

A second part of that pro-gram will include somethingnew: Every chapter will be sub-scribed to Fraternal Law, a pub-lication dealing with legal issuesand Greek-letter organizations.

These two items are by no means the end of the pro-gram; rather, they are incremental steps in taking a moreserious, proactive approach to managing risk in theFraternity. In the future, we will look at other opportunitiesfor education, such as online training regarding hazing.

For all we might do nationally, however, members andchapters have an important role to play as well. The national risk management policy only provides the basicgroundwork – your chapter or alumni association can, andshould, adopt its own policy to help fill in the specifics foryour campus. For example, your university might have apolicy that requires a faculty or staff member to travel withyou if you go to a conference. Your chapter’s own risk man-agement policy might address that specific policy and howyour chapter will comply.

At the end of the day, risk management is everyone’sbusiness. Everyone is responsible for minimizing, to theextent possible, the risk you are exposed to in leadership-development activities, fellowship events and service pro-jects. Take the time to educate yourself and your brothers.Good risk management begins with YOU.

Risk Management begins with YOU

Managing Risk for ChaptersEducate – The membership on the policies of the Fraternity, your school, local and state laws relatedto risk management. Make sure everyone in the chapter is familiar with the Fraternity’s and yourschool’s risk management policies. Every chapter should have a risk management plan and review thisplan every time there are new officers.

Injury – Review every service project for potential points of injury and make sure the appropriatesafe guards are in place. For example if a service project involves power tools make sure people usingthe tools have experience in using them and have been trained on their use before they begin.

Alcohol – Is never to be used as part of a pledge or rush event. If a chapter decides to have alcoholat the event, the safest method is to have a cash bar using a licensed third party vendor (i.e. A hotel)

Hazing – Make sure you are regularly reviewing the Fraternity’s and your schools policies with yourmembership. Bring in an administrator from your school’s Student affairs office to explain the school’spolicies. Remember, hazing is often times defined by the person being hazed. What may seem like ajoke to one member can often be perceived as hazing by another member.

Harassment – Every Chapter should make sure that all pledges and new members know who theycan talk to if they believe they are being harassed. Most campuses have resources available to assistchapters in creating an anti-harassment plan.

8

CHAPTER Anniversaries80Zeta, Stanford UniversityEta, Northern Illinois University

75Alpha Zeta, University of Kentucky

70Beta Mu, Missouri State UniversityBeta Epsilon, University of Northern IowaBeta Eta, University of Missouri-ColumbiaBeta Theta, University of Wisconsin-MadisonBeta Zeta, University of GeorgiaBeta Iota, New York University

60Epsilon Sigma, SUNY at BuffaloEpsilon Pi, Southern Illinois University at EdwardsvilleEpsilon Psi, Kent State UniversityEpsilon Omega, University of MississippiZeta Epsilon, Gustavus Adolphus CollegeZeta Theta, Drexel UniversityZeta Gamma, Valparaiso UniversityZeta Delta, Miami UniversityZeta Alpha, Bradley UniversityZeta Mu, Catholic University of AmericaZeta Lambda, University of ToledoZeta Kappa, Bowling Green State UniversityZeta Omicron, California Polytechnic State UniversityZeta Sigma, University of DelawareZeta Tau, Central Methodist UniversityZeta Pi, Wayne State UniversityZeta Upsilon, Boston UniversityZeta Phi, Howard UniversityZeta Beta, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State UniversityZeta Psi, University of OregonZeta Omega, Baylor UniversityEta Beta, Simpson College

55Kappa Chi, Creighton UniversityKappa Upsilon, East Carolina UniversityKappa Tau, The CitadelKappa Psi, North Carolina A&T State UniversityKappa Phi, Saint Lawrence UniversityLambda Alpha, East Tennessee State University

50Mu Lambda, University of RochesterMu Mu, Oglethorpe UniversityMu Xi, High Point UniversityMu Nu, Western Illinois UniversityMu Pi, Colorado School of MinesMu Omicron, Clarkson University

45Xi Zeta, Rochester Institute of TechnologyXi Iota, Susquehanna UniversityXi Omicron, Tarleton State UniversityXi Lambda, Bloomsburg University of PennsylvaniaXi Rho, SUNY/College at Oneonta

40Tau Zeta, Texas Southern UniversityTau Lambda, Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyTau Omicron, Indiana University Purdue University at IndianapolisTau Mu, University of South FloridaTau Upsilon, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

25Alpha Beta Beta, Saint Bonaventure University

20Alpha Beta Psi, Roanoke CollegeAlpha Beta Omega, Old Dominion University

15Alpha Gamma Chi, Frostburg State UniversityAlpha Gamma Omega, University of Texas at San AntonioAlpha Delta Beta, Wesley CollegeAlpha Delta Gamma, Loyola College in MarylandAlpha Delta Delta, George Mason University

10Alpha Delta Psi, Lindsey Wilson CollegeAlpha Delta Omega, Saint Vincent CollegeAlpha Epsilon Beta, Ohio Northern UniversityAlpha Epsilon Epsilon, Henderson State UniversityAlpha Epsilon Zeta, University of Texas at Dallas

5Alpha Epsilon Pi, Georgia Military CollegeAlpha Epsilon Rho, West Liberty State CollegeAlpha Epsilon Tau, University of Dallas

1Alpha Zeta Xi, Lake Superior State UniversityAlpha Zeta Omicron, Oakland University

9

CHAPTER ADVISOR’SCORNERFeaturing...

Sylvia CypherFaculty Advisor for Alpha Gamma Pi Chapter at the University of Maine at Farmington

“The camaraderie demonstratedthrough APO is heartwarming, as isknowing the work students do on andoff campus makes a difference,” saidSylvia Cypher, Faculty Advisor forAlpha Gamma Pi Chapter at theUniversity of Maine at Farmington.“This chapter has great personalityand energy. From movie fellowshipsand blood drives to volunteering and attending sporting events, there’salways something going on with this group.”

The success of Alpha Gamma Piwouldn’t be nearly as great withoutthe influence and commitment ofSylvia, who became Chapter Advisorin fall 2006. “APO feels like myhome atmosphere because it was myfamily culture to give to the commu-nity,” said Sylvia. “I was the sixthchild of eight, with four older broth-ers, so I was very familiar with theBoy Scouts. My dad was active in the troop as the liaison betweenchurch and the troop. My momserved as assistant den mother formany years. I find the coming andgoing of many ideas stimulating, andI find participating in community-focused projects rewarding.”

When she’s not advising AlphaGamma Pi Chapter, Sylvia serves asmanager of patron services and train-ing in UMF’s computer center. Inthis role she troubleshoots student,faculty and staff computer problems;she also coordinates and trains a staffof 40 students who work at the helpdesk in the 24/7 computer lab.

“In my role I can help studentsnot only with their computer andtechnological skills, but I can serve asresource and sounding board formany,” said Sylvia. “This involve-ment with students and staff allowsme to have a handle on the tone ofthe student population at any giventime. As APO Advisor, I’m aware ofthe many different activities on andoff campus to help encourage mem-bership and participation.”

Sylvia finds that advising APOmembers and her student workersinvolve many of the same skills.According to Sylvia, being a good lis-tener, understanding group processes,and being aware of student and cam-pus resources are necessary for advisorsuccess. “I believe advising is guidingthe process of student development,”said Sylvia. “Advising is gentle guid-ance, resource knowledge and a wholelot of fun.

On this campusof 2,000 students ina town of 4,000 resi-dents, Alpha GammaPi Chapter is espe-cially well known forcoordinating trick ortreating in the dormsand an annual Easteregg hunt – eventsthat many area fami-lies look forward toeach year. Brothers also recently vol-unteered at a Handcraft Sale support-ing the efforts of a women’s healthclinic in Nicaragua, a South African

project focusing on poverty andhunger, and volunteered in support-ing a women’s cooperative in Zambia.

“At the university and in the com-munity, APO is an example of thestrength of social networks,” saidSylvia. “The students who areinvolved with APO come from many disciplines and have diverse personalities. This richness offeredwithin the chapter, both individuallyand collectively, benefits theFraternity, the campus, individualsand community networks.”

As much as Sylvia values the workand dedication of chapter members,she finds the students are a major rea-son why she’s Faculty Advisor. “Thestudents have energy and want tomake a difference...and they do!” saidSylvia. “APO does not limit theirideas. Instead, it welcomes a varietyof ideas resulting from a diverse group

with the common theme of helpingand serving others. I feel honored tobe part of APO.”

Sylvia with chapter president Maryann Aresti and BrotherAllison Gerrish.

10

The Region XI Conference was hosted by Alpha Eta Zeta.Conference attendees made paper mache figures for kids at theChildren’s Hospital. These figures were presented to the chidrenthe week following the Conference. They also painted, built anew fence, cleared brush and spread hay for the animals at TheAlaska Conservation Center. For more information about thisregion, please visit http://www.apor11.org.

Region XI ConferenceOctober 5-7, 2007Anchorage, Alaska

Region III ConferenceNovember 2-4, 2007

Raleigh, North Carolina

This year the Region III Conference was tri-hosted byNorth Carolina State, Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. TheConference offered several workshops, which includedmany guest presenters along with APO LEADS courses.Making blankets and APO memorabilia was just someof the fun during the conference. For more informa-tion on this region, please visit www.apor3.org.

Region V ConferenceNovember 10, 2007

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

11

Region VI ConferenceOctober 26-28, 2007

Dekalb, Illinois

This year’s Region V Conference theme was “Region VRocks the ‘90s.” The Conference was hosted by BetaChapter at the University of Pittsburgh. To obtain moreinformation, visit www.apor5.org.

The Region VI Conference was hosted by Eta Chapter, whichimmersed members in an Oscar-themed event. Activities includ-ed a Mr. APO Pageant and a red-and-black Oscar Banquet.Service projects included a blood drive, can drive, book drive,campus cleanup and making blankets with children. For moreinformation about the region, visit www.apor6.org.

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Educating our members on the value we gain from a nation-al brand identity is key if the Fraternity is to reach its long-term goals. For this reason, our alumni play a critical role insupporting this effort. Sometimes the most ardent guardiansagainst change are our newest inductees who defend “tradi-tions” that often span less than a few academic terms. Eventhe most stable and reliable chapter evolves dramatically overtime – influenced by changes in our culture, technology, college policies and, of course, its own active membership.

The message for these earnest new initiates is that having a consistent national brand identity helps us gainrecognition in a crowded field of campus activities, complements our other efforts to attract new members andreinforces key concepts about why the APO experience isone that prospective members should want to share. Thereis positively no negative consequence to APO having a recognizable, national identity – as any successfully brandedmultinational corporation can attest. The difference is a for-profit business can compel brand compliance while APOwill require the goodwill and genuine leadership of its mem-bership to enjoy similar success.

In the coming months, every group of stakeholders willhave the opportunity to weigh in on the brand process at var-ious stages and to varying degrees. Ultimately, the NationalMarketing Committee will lead the education effort for theFraternity on how to most effectively implement the brand. Is it possible that not every person will be fully satisfied withthe results? Certainly, though if done in a brotherly manner,Alpha Phi Omega will become a stronger Fraternity. Oncecodified, the brand standards should be given every opportu-nity by every individual member to succeed. This will be a test of our ability to live out our fundamental value of realleadership - putting the best interests of the entire Fraternityand its future ahead of our individual preferences. Our history suggests we are up to the challenge and will emergefrom the effort a more unified and preeminent family of service-oriented citizens than we have ever been.

Anyone wishing to assist more directly in the nationalbrand creation exercise should contact the NationalMarketing Committee at marketing.director@apo.org.

This article was provided by Jim Hahn, CFRE.

BRANDING APOcontinued from page 1

SERVE - APO LEADSRegion: VIII Section: 49

Address: 8350 Highway 30Dittmer (St. Louis), MO 63023

Contact: Erica Roberts at serve.coordinator@apo.org

Date: 2/15/2008 Time: 3:00 PM

Visit our website to register for this SERVE eventhttps://www.apo.org/show/National_Programs/Leadership/APO_LEADS/Course_Descriptions/SERVE/Registration

Watch for more details to come for the Sacramento, CA SERVE!

13

Whenever we

mention the

Membership

Committee in

Alpha Phi Omega,

people automatically

assume we are

just taking

about the

numbers.

Certainly, this year we have a lot tobe proud of with our membershipnumbers. After all, we have reached anew milestone in total membership.Our total membership (new initiatesand returning actives) for the yearending July 31, 2007, was 17,358 – a new record for our Fraternity!However, I am proud to report thatour National Membership Commit-tee has been working on much morethan just tracking numbers.

With an overall mission of creat-ing more healthy chapters on morecampuses, providing more opportuni-ties for more students to do more ser-vice, we have been working hard toprovide programs that support thismission while allowing us to reachour long-term national membershipgoals. We have been trying to find

tools that we can get into the handsof active members to support theirefforts at building and strengtheningtheir chapters.

We hired a Field Representativewho will work directly with chaptersthat are struggling with recruitmentor retention issues. Additionally, theField Rep will help get some of ourextension efforts off the ground inplaces where we just don’t haveenough alumni volunteers to supportour efforts.

We have restructured theChapter of Excellence Award and, atthe request of delegates at theNational Convention in Louisville,created the new Pledge Program ofExcellence Award. These awardsallow chapters to compare their pro-grams against a set of criteria thatencourage a diverse chapter program,incorporating the elements ofLeadership, Friendship and Service.Additionally, these programs high-light and encourage adherence to theNational Pledging Standards. Welook forward to recognizing manychapters with these awards at theNational Convention in Boston!

In the area of retention, due tothe generosity of an alumni donor,we are able to offer a new Friendshipand Retention Grant Program. Inconjunction with the new NationalFriendship and Retention Day on thefirst Saturday of October, this pro-gram will allow chapters to apply forgrant money that they can use for a

chapter program aimed at increasingfriendship and improving retentionin their chapter.

One of the most exciting newinitiatives, which is still beingplanned, is a weekend-longMembership Academy, tentativelyscheduled for June 20-22, 2008. Forvice presidents of membership,pledge trainers and anyone else inter-ested in chapter membership, thisMembership Academy will provideinformation, training and hands-onpractice to equip them to successfullylead their chapters. Participants willlearn how to recruit, the essential ele-ments of a successful rush period,how to run a rush meeting, theimportance of diversity and how toretain members in the chapter.

Our ultimate goal is to have eachparticipant walk away from the week-end with a written recruitment andmembership plan that they can takeback to their campus and implementin the fall semester. We are veryexcited about this program and thedirect impact we hope it will have onimproving chapter leadership and,thus, improving our recruitment andretention in some of our strugglingchapters.

If you should have any ideas orsuggestions on other ways we canhelp create more healthy chapters, orif you should wish to help with anyof these new initiatives, please contactme at membership.director@apo.org.

Membership… Making More Healthy Chapters!

By The Hon. John K. Ottenad, J.D., Membership & Extension Program Director

14

’Tis The Season...During this joyous time of year, please include Alpha Phi Omega in your holiday giving. Your gift will help our members and the campuses and communities they serve throughout the new year.

The Fraternity has much to accomplish in 2008 and is counting onyour support to carry out the goals and ideals of Alpha Phi Omega!

~�

�

A UNIQUE OPPORA UNIQUE OPPORTUNITYTUNITYFOR OUR DISTINGUISHED BROTHERSFOR OUR DISTINGUISHED BROTHERS

BORN PRIOR TO 1937BORN PRIOR TO 1937The Federal Government’s Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) may offer you opportunities for tax-free charita-ble giving. There are enhanced tax incentives if you are 701/2 years of age or older and make a gift directlytransferred to Alpha Phi Omega from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

You can make a tax-free gift, directly transferred, of up to $100,000 before December 31, 2007, and it will alsoqualify toward your IRA minimum required distribution for the year. If withdrawn voluntarily or under arequired distribution prior to the PPA, this money would be taxable. For details on PPA charitable transfers, con-tact your tax advisor.

These legacy-type gifts are placed in the Fraternity’s Endowment, which is professionally managed and supervisedby the Endowment’s Trustees. The income it generates will be used to support the activities of the Fraternity forfuture generations. The Alpha Phi Omega Endowment, in addition to giving scholarships to active members, alsoprovides support for the service and leadership programs that are available to all chapters of the Fraternity.

There are two additional benefits to this special opportunity. First, a major APO donor has agreed to match yourgift as part of the first $100,000 raised from IRAs this year. The total would then exceed $200,000 and be amajor new investment in the future of the Fraternity. Second, if your gift is $10,000 or more, it will qualify youfor membership in the Blue & Gold Society, which is a distinct honor given to major Endowment donors.Thank you in advance for considering this unique opportunity to help better our Fraternity!

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Yes, enroll me for preauthorized giving to Alpha Phi Omega’s Annual Fund today!Process my gift: ■■ monthly on the 1st ■■ monthly on the 15th ■■ semimonthly on the 1st & 15th ■■ quarterlyI preauthorize a gift amount of:

■■ I have enclosed my voided check and authorize the above-specified gift to be transfered from this account.■■ I authorize the above-specified gift to be charged to my: ■■ Visa ■■ MasterCard ■■ Discover ■■ American Express

Print Name____________________________________________________________________________

Card #______________________________________________________________ Exp. Date __________

Signature ____________________________________________________________ Date _____________I understand that I can SUSPEND my preauthorized giving at any time, simply by notifying APO’s National Office.

Givin

g Made Easy!Supporting Alpha Phi Omega is now easier than ever. In today’s busy world, time and money areprecious commodities. So to make it easier for you to provide monthly or quarterly gifts to theFraternity, Alpha Phi Omega now offers the time- and-money-saving convenience of preauthorizedgiving via automatic bank transfer (through ACH or Automated Clearing House).

It’s as simple as completing the enrollment form below and returning it, along with a voidedcheck, to the APO National Office. We’ll make arrangements with your bank to trans-

fer your specified gift amount directly to Alpha Phi Omega on a monthly, semi-monthly or quarterly basis. No more check writing, postage expense, credit

card interest or forgetting to make your donation!

Upon hearing about this new option, Brother Keith Roots said, “I’mexcited to hear that the Fraternity is making ACH/EFT an avail-able option for giving. I prefer to do most of my giving throughmonthly withdrawals from either my paycheck or from my pri-mary checking account. I have been contributing to Alpha PhiOmega for several years now via a standing monthly withdrawal

from a credit card, but will be shifting to this new option. Thankyou for making this service available!”

Many Alpha Phi Omega supporters have been sustaining donors for years viapayroll deduction, preauthorized credit card payments or mailing monthly checks. We

still welcome these methods of payment but hope the additional convenience and savings ofautomatic bank transfers will encourage more of you to support the Fraternity on an ongoingmonthly basis. A steady, dependable flow of unrestricted donations is of the utmost importance

to the operations of Alpha Phi Omega.

Past President Brother Jack McKenzie said, “Supporting APO comes naturally, butwriting checks does not. I set up an automatic monthly gift arrangement so that my

financial support for the Fraternity would be as easy and natural to give as are my loveand devotion. It saves me time and effort and, frankly, it ensures that I won’t slip up and

forget to make a gift. Good intentions are wonderful, but you can’t take them to the bank!This way, both the Fraternity and I can bank on my support being there when and as it should

be.”

■■ $7/mo. Torchbearer ■■ $13/mo. Silver Torchbearer

■■ $21/mo. Gold Torchbearer

■■ $42/mo. Diamond Torchbearer

■■ $84/mo. Silver Founders’ Circle

■■ $209/mo. Gold Founders’ Circle

■■ $417/mo. Diamond Founders’ Circle

■■ $_____/mo. Other

Benefits of Preauthorized Giving:

•Your donation goes further by reducing the administrativecosts of processing checks and credit cards, as well as the printing and mailing offundraising appeals andreminder notices.

•Preauthorized gifts guarantee a minimum level of income for the Fraternity every month.Money will be there to covermonthly expenses and helpcash flow.

•You’ll never have to worryabout forgetting to make your annual donation or missing Torchbearer recognition dates.

•Gifts made in monthly or quarterly payments are typically easier to budget than one lump payment.

•Preauthoried giving saves time and money for you and the Fraternity!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

m o v i n g ?Alpha Phi Omega14901 E. 42nd StreetIndependence, MO 64055n e w a d d r e s s

MAIL TO: Alpha Phi Omega14901 E. 42nd Street • Independence, MO 64055

Name

Address

City State ZIP

Non-profit Org.

U.S. Postage

P A I DSHAWNEE MISSION, KS

Permit No. 366

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WHO, what, WHEN & Where?A L P H A P H I O M E G A ' S C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

Name

Address

City State ZIP( )Area Code Phone Number

E-Mail Address

MAIL TO: Alpha Phi Omega • 14901 E. 42nd Street • Independence, MO 64055

F O R T H E C U R R E N T C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S , V I S I T W W W . A P O . O R G

December 2007Region I & II ConferenceDecember 28-30, 2007Allentown, PA

Region IV ConferenceDecember 28-30, 2007Tampa, FL

January 2008Region X ConferenceJanuary 3-5, 2008 8 a.m.-11 p.m.UC San Diego, CAContact: Scott Heinecke E-mail: scottmarin@aol.com

Alumni Association Renewals DUE January 15, 2008

Region VIII ConferenceJanuary 18-20, 2008Norman, OK

Chapter Officers Update FormDUE by January 31, 2008

Youth Service GrantDUE by January 31, 2008

February 2008Alumni ReceptionFebruary 1, 2008Chicago, IL

National Board of DirectorsMeetingFebruary 2, 2008Chicago, IL

March 2008Campfire USA“Absolutely Incredible Kid Day”March 20, 2008

47 & 50 & 51 Tri-SectionalsIllinois Wesleyan University –Bloomington, ILMarch 28, 20087:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.Contact: Iinna Muzykansky E-mail:trisectionals08@apos50.org

April 2008Section 87-88-89 SpringSectionals Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NYApril 4-8, 2008Contact: Chris Forbescrf6296@rit.edu

Spring Youth Service DayApril 25-27, 2008

May 2008Spring Youth Service Day Report DUE May 1, 2008

John Mack ScholarshipApplication DUE May 1, 2008

Pledge Class NamesakeNominationsDUE May 1, 2008

June 2008Graduating Seniors List DUE June 1, 2008

July 2008National Board of DirectorsMeetingJuly 12, 2008Boston, MA

Chapter of Excellence Award & Pledge Program of Excellence Award July 31, 2008

National Volunteer ConferenceJuly 31-August 3, 2008Independence, MO