About the Fraternity |
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Alpha Phi Omega (also known as APO, ΑΦΩ, and A-Phi-O) is a co-ed service fraternity organized to provide community service, leadership and social opportunities to college students. Chapters of the fraternity exist in the United States, Australia, and the Philippines. The purpose of the fraternity is to assemble college students in a national service fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity; and to further freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage. Unlike many other fraternities, Alpha Phi Omega’s primary focus is to provide volunteer service within four areas: service to the community, service to the campus, service to the fraternity, and service to the nation as participating citizens. Fraternity HistoryAlpha Phi Omega, the National Coeducational Service Fraternity, was founded on December 16, 1925 on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania by fourteen strong men. Based on his experiences in World War I, Frank Reed Horton resolved to do his best to “help young people get the right start in life, by holding up before them a ‘standard of manhood’ that would withstand the test of time!” He was inspired by Herbert G. Horton (no relation), a Boy Scout Executive, to begin a college organization that continued the ideals instilled in young people by the Scout Oath and Law. With the Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service as a guide, Alpha Phi Omega was initially considered to be a collegiate fraternity exclusively for former members of the Boy Scouts of America. Later, the Scouting requirement was dropped. Chapters of Alpha Phi Omega were chartered on the East Coast, South, Mid-West, and West Coast by 1928, with membership growing exponentially since then. Alpha Phi Omega went truly international when the first chapters were established in the Philippines in 1950. Women were officially admitted into the Fraternity by the National Convention of 1976. To preserve the integrity of Alpha Phi Omega’s history and traditions, all members are referred to as “Brothers” on the National level. Alpha Phi Omega is now considered the largest fraternity, with over 275,000 members performing service worldwide. . . . Vision StatementAn all-inclusive collegiate fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega is committed to being the foremost student-run organization in developing lifelong leaders, instilling lasting friendships, and fostering a lifetime of service to all people. Mission Statement- To strengthen the presence of Alpha Phi Omega on college campuses and among its members The mission statement was approved by the National Board of Directors on Feburary, 8 2003 based on recommendations of the 2002 National Convention |
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