One of my favorite parts of the Greek community is the power to help others. And that power, in turn, becomes something of a responsibility. Lisa from Team America puts it thusly, when responding to Gary as to why helping defeat terrorists is his ccharge: “Because like it or not, you’re the one with the power to do something.” Oh yes. Life lessons learned from puppets.
Okay, so you’ve got the power and the opportunity to do something, but what to do? Chances are, a lot of people have ideas as to causes to support, places in the local community to break a sweat, or service trips to take. Now, likely, these are all good causes to support. Furthermore, they will result in fun, rewarding events, good press for the chapter, and stronger ties between you and the community.
When a brother or sister suggests a pet project, it can be a bit tough to say no, but think about this: there is only so much time and money and effort you can put towards philanthropy. Which is more important? Quality or quantity?
I personally take the Quality side to this debate. If you gather $50,000 over a few years for a huge foundation, your chapter will have made a significant contribution and a significant difference. On the other hand, drops in 1,000 buckets will make few splashes.
Think about the difference in terms of PR: The Quality option is great because you will likely get thank-you letters from high up people in the organization you benefited. If you are doing something locally, like supporting a children’s hospital or adopting a playground, then you’ll be making a big splash in the local papers, on campus, and in the local community. You might even get some word of mouth praise, like this Sig Ep chapter in Oklahoma. You can’t buy this kind of publicity.
Commitment to a few causes near and dear, instead of taking the shotgun approach to service, has the added benefit of answering to a common criticism of the Greek community. Have you ever read an op-ed in the student paper accusing Greeks of doing service only so they look good, or only to cover up the partying and hazing and bla bla bla? Well, an ongoing relationship with one or three organizations in lieu of bits and pieces of help blasted around the charity arena gives you ammunition if you care to fire back against these claims. (whoa there.. shotgun analogy getting out of hand)
Finally, it’s more rewarding to everyone performing the service when you can see real results. Big results. Huge results. AEPi at Brown University, for example, has been able to support the renovation of an entire wing of a hospital through their charity Environment for a Cure. Hundreds of Providence area families will benefit, and the credit goes to a segment of the Greek community on Brown’s campus. Now that’s making a difference.
Be the first to give a HOOT!