Transcript Document 7647759

Section II
Responsibility to Others
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Alpha Sigma Phi has always been a fraternity that encourages the principles of service
and philanthropy as just a requirement and don’t recognize the benefits and
satisfaction of serving others. Service and philanthropic events can provide men with
valuable leadership skills and give Brothers the opportunity to make a difference in
their community.
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Yet, the question, “Why is service to others important?” still persists for many. It is a
question worth some further examination. When you think of truly great people in
history, those who are well respected and loved in our world, an important factor almost
always comes into play: Charity and service. Undoubtedly, these famous people have
all achieved excellence and success in their chosen profession. But this, alone, would
only make them experts in their fields, not the men and women of character who elicit
the wide-range admiration of millions.
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Service:
“The work performed by
one that serves;
contribution to the
welfare of others.”
Philanthropy:
“Dispensing or receiving
aid from funds set aside
for humanitarian
purposes.”
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Jackie Robinson once said: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on
other lives.” Let us examine this statement. True, Jackie Robinson did impact many
fans solely by his ability to play baseball. He amazed many people and brought them
joy and excitement, but that is only a part of what he will be remembered by. More
importantly, besides being a great ball player, Jackie Robinson was a man of
character; a man dedicated to helping others. He made a difference in this world,
because he realized that he had to give himself to those less fortunate. This is how
Jackie Robinson will be remembered, as a man who cared about the world he lived in
and the people in it. That is what charity is all about.
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Alpha Sigma Phi has a responsibility to you in fulfilling its purpose to make you a
better man. The Fraternity ensures this in many ways. It gives you opportunities to be
leaders, acquire interpersonal and social skills, to network, and most importantly to
serve others. In fact, we would be letting you down if we did not stress the importance
of service to others. For without service, you will not reach the fullest development in
life. Alpha Sigma Phi seeks to make her Brothers men who are well rounded and men
who are of good character. Your experience with Alpha Sigma Phi should be one that
is eclectic and ensures that you will leave your chapter a better person who seeks to
lend a helping hand to others as you journey through life.
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Unfortunately too many Greeks respond to this challenge with: “Yeah that’s great,
but I want to have fun.” Fortunately, however, service to others really can be
great! There is no written law that community service should not and cannot be
fun. There are numerous examples of significant service and philanthropic
projects in which Alpha Sig chapters have participated that have not only been
extremely helpful and beneficial to their communities, but have also provided an
extraordinary opportunity to experience the fun and joys of brotherhood.
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Two specific examples of philanthropic projects in which chapters of Alpha
Sigma Phi have participated illustrate this point. The first is the famous Greek
sponsored dance marathon at Penn State University. Our Brothers of Upsilon
Chapter help organize the 48-hour event, in which participants raise money
for a charity, and then they participate as dancers. Not only is this a good time
for those involved, but also more importantly it significantly benefits others.
Over a period of several years, Upsilon Chapter has been credited with raising
well more than a million dollars for the Hershey Medical Center, a leading
children’s cancer hospital.
A life is not important
A Special
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except in the impact it
Partnership: Alpha
has on other lives.
Sigma Phi and
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Canine Companions
Jackie Robinson
for Independence
Another example is Delta Phi Chapter’s (Grand Valley State University) Cycling for
Independence. This event is held on behalf of Alpha Sigma Phi’s national
philanthropy, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). The Brothers solicit
donations for CCI from various sponsors and businesses for the Brotherhood’s very
long bicycle ride around Lake Michigan. Not only is this a great philanthropy event,
but is also one of the best Brotherhood events you can imagine. The challenge to
you and your chapter is to make your service and philanthropy events fun and
exciting. However, of course, the main purpose of these events is to help others not
as fortunate.
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Canine Companions for Independence (CCI)
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances
the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs
and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships between dogs and disabled
people. Alpha Sigma Phi adopted CCI as our National Philanthropy in 1993 at
the National Leadership Conference.
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Canine Companions change peoples’ lives in dramatic ways that surprise everyone
around them. Those who are blessed with a Canine Companion can now expect
help in the routine chores of life that are particularly challenging for a physically
disabled person such as picking up things that fall or alerting a hearing-impaired
person to a ringing phone.
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Besides the obvious assistance a dog can provide, there is the incredible bonding
that soon develops between an owner and his or her companion. You can imagine
how it would feel: A remarkable dog joins you on your life’s journey and there’s
no going back. You can do more for yourself than you could before. People look
at you and smile – a dog is a natural icebreaker – and you’re less alone. You don’t
have to worry about another person getting annoyed when your keys fall behind
your reach; your dog will get them, with a smile and a wagging tail, eagerly
waiting for them to fall again.
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As a strong partner in this worthy endeavor, Alpha Sigma Phi has pledged to support
and assist CCI all over the nation. Alpha Sig chapters participate in CCI’s puppyraising program, volunteer time promoting CCI throughout local communities, and
also make significant financial contributions from fundraisers held on local campuses.
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All of these activities reinforce the Fraternity’s commitment to improving peoples’
lives and communities throughout the country.