Alpha Phi Omega: Leadership, Friendship, and Service at UCLA

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a national coeducational service fraternity founded on the cardinal principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service. It gives its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they provide service to their campus, to youth and the community, to the nation, and to members of the Fraternity. At UCLA, APO provides a space for students to thrive through service, leadership development, and brotherhood. While many Greek organizations are recognized for their social aspects, Alpha Phi Omega distinguishes itself with its commitment to service and inclusivity.

History and Founding Principles

Founded in 1925 as an exclusively male organization, Alpha Phi Omega opened its doors to all genders in 1976, embracing inclusivity and diversity within its brotherhood. This commitment to inclusivity sets APO apart from many traditional Greek organizations and aligns with the values of service and community engagement.

The three cardinal principles of APO are:

Leadership: APO provides opportunities for members to develop leadership skills through various roles within the chapter and by leading service projects.
Friendship: The bonds of brotherhood are strong within APO, with members supporting each other through their college years and beyond.
Service: Service is at the heart of APO's mission, with members dedicating their time and energy to serving the campus, community, nation, and fraternity.

APO's Presence at UCLA

While UCLA's first Greek-letter organization was the Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, chartered on January 23, 1923, APO has established a significant presence on campus, offering an alternative Greek experience centered around service. Unlike many fraternities and sororities, Alpha Phi Omega does not belong to any of the on-campus Greek councils, such as IFC, Panhel, IGC, or National Panhel.

Membership and Pledging

APO Recruitment occurs twice a year at the beginning of each semester. Recruitment is an opportunity to get to know the members of APO and decide if you'd like to join. After the initial wave of recruitment, interested students are invited to participate in the Induction ceremony, which formally starts the Pledging Period. The Pledging Period lasts for the rest of the semester, and pledges are given the opportunity to attend various service projects, socials, and retreats within the brotherhood. Upon successful completion of all pledging requirements, pledges are initiated as brothers of Alpha Phi Omega.

Pledging Requirements

The pledging process is designed to integrate new members into the brotherhood and instill the values of leadership, friendship, and service. The specific pledging requirements are:

Complete 20 hours of APO-endorsed community service
Interview 90% of your pledge class
Engage with the current brothers of APO through interviews, meals, and other such activities
Wear your pledge pins at all times as a symbol of pride in you affiliation with Alpha Phi Omega
Make a pledge paddle
Pay pledge dues
Attend all pledge meetings
Pass all quizzes and the final (we give you the answers ahead of time, so don't worry!)
Participate in a mid-semester discussion
Attend two brotherhood meetings
Join a pledge committee (social, service, membership, fundraising, historian)
Attend six social events
Attend the pledge retreat
Attend the pledge project
Attend Initiation

Membership Requirements

Once initiated, members are expected to uphold the values of APO through continued service and engagement. The membership requirements are:

Complete 20 hours of APO-endorsed community service per semester
Pay semester dues within two weeks of budget approval
Attend weekly Brotherhood meetings, with the exception of two excused absences

Non-Selective and Inclusive

APO prides itself on being a non-selective fraternity. The only prerequisite for joining our membership is successful completion of pledging requirements. This inclusivity fosters a diverse membership base and welcomes students from all backgrounds who share a passion for service.

No Hazing Policy

Alpha Phi Omega has a strict no-hazing policy. This commitment to a safe and respectful environment ensures that all members can participate fully in the fraternity's activities without fear of mistreatment.

Distinguishing Features of APO

Alpha Phi Omega is similar to other Greek organizations insofar as we have a pledging process, we are a national organization with rituals and traditions, and there is camaraderie and bonding among our brothers. However, we are co-ed, non-selective, and focused on community service. Additionally, we are not associated with IFC, Panhel, IGC, or National Panhel.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Service and Impact

Members of the UCLA Divine Nine have proceeded to create change in their communities. The emphasis on service within APO allows members to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. This commitment to service extends beyond the campus and into the wider community, with members volunteering their time and energy to a variety of causes.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

tags: #UCLA #Alpha #Phi #Omega #history #and