As a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, Omicron Iota coordinates and participates in a variety of community services benefiting our brotherhood, our campus, our community, and our nation and world. Each member of our chapter is required to complete at least 20 hours (reduced to 16 as we transition back to normal campus activites) of community service each semester. Most services can be completed online; members do not have to put their health at risk in order to complete community service. The service events for each semester are organized by our Service Vice Presidents, our annual service chair, and weekly service chair, who are all vital to scheduling and supervising service events.
Annual Services
On the day that WPI's freshman move into their dorms for the first time, our chapter carries boxes, mini refrigerators, and suitcases up the stairs of their residence hall. We and other greek organizations are the first people to welcome the freshman to the WPI campus by assisting with unloading and transporting the contents of their cars. All of our members attend this event to help the freshman class!
Merit Badge University is the B-Term annual service event, where we instruct Boy Scout merit badge classes over the course of two weekends. This event allows around 300 scouts from the Worcester area to earn up to three merit badges, greatly helping them on their path to becoming Eagle Scouts. We are continuing this service in 2021 by holding online classes, prioritizing the safety of scouts and instructors.
Our Spring 2020 Raffle for Relief raised money for the Australian chapter of the World Wildlife Fund, in order to help those who were affected by the Australian bush fires. We sold raffle tickets to the students and faculty of WPI, and raffled off baskets comprised of items donated by our members and solicited from local businesses. This year, our Raffle for Relief raised $1,274!
Beyond our large annual services, we offer several service opportunities during the week and on the weekends to our members. Some of the organizations we work with are Operation Gratitude, Habitat for Humanity, the Girl Scouts of America, Arts Worcester, Wachusett Greenways, and other groups that benefit the Worcester community. We also partner with clubs or greek life on campus for select service events.
Have any questions? Contact the Service Vice President at apo-service@wpi.edu!