NATIONAL SERVICE WEEK

Alpha Phi Omega has designated the first week of November as National Service Week (NSW), in order to unify chapters under a national theme, inspire expansion of chapter service programs and increase the impact chapters have on the communities they serve.

 

National Service Week is an annual event that dates back to 1979 when Dr. Stan Carpenter, Xi Omicron ’68, thought there needed to be a time when all brothers united to provide service as members of a national organization. At a July 1979 Board of Directors meeting, Brother Carpenter moved that National Service Day be conducted and promoted as “Service Day 1979 – A Celebration of Service,” and his motion was successful. Then National Service Chairman, Brother Carpenter would later become National President.

 

National Service Day was expanded to a full week in 1996 and since then, APO brothers have performed service for a week each year reflecting a specific theme determined biennially at National Convention.

SAVE THE DATE! NOVEMBER 6-12, 2022

The 2022-24 National Service Week Theme is Self & Community Care! Chapters are asked to unite under this theme as they seek ways to improve their communities through service.

 

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Click here for more information on self-care from NIMH.

 

Self & Community Care takes the concept of self-care and extends it to members of the surrounding communities. What can your chapter do to help fraternity, campus and community members live well and improve their physical and mental health?

PROJECT IDEAS

LOW PLANNING PROJECTS

  • Assemble portable first-aid or hygiene kits to distribute in the community
  • Host a mental health marathon to check in with your chapter and offer resources
  • Donate blood at a local blood drive
  • Assemble care packages for service workers on campus (mailperson, dining hall staff, etc.)
  • Organize a distraction-free study space for students
  • Post positivity notes around campus to encourage peers and create positive energy

INTERMEDIATE PLANNING PROJECTS

  • Organize events or game nights at a local senior or children’s home
  • Adopt a highway
  • Highlight support services available to students on campus
  • Sponsor a family for an upcoming holiday
  • Schedule service to give back to yourself (massage, barber, etc.)
  • Collaborate with health services on your campus to host a workshop on mental health, handling stress, coping strategies, etc.

HIGH-LEVEL PLANNING PROJECTS

  • Organize an event with a local clinic to offer free health check-ups
  • Fundraise for National Alliance on Mental Illness
    • bake sale, penny wars, pie a brother, etc.
  • Host a CPR certification training session
  • Host a voter registration drive
  • Host a financial literacy night on campus
  • Become a Big Brother with Big Brother, Big Sister
  • Host a local blood drive or bone marrow registry drive with Gift of Life
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