Kid Power helps IFC double Philanthropy Hours

EPSILON GAMMA (Maryland) — Members of the Interfraternity Council have reportedly doubled their philanthropy hours from three years ago, and members said the increase reflects a cultural shift in the way chapters give back to the community.

“Chapters are wanting to do more and actually taking philanthropy and community service more seriously than they have in the past,” said Alex Marsh, IFC executive board vice president of internal affairs.

Last year, members recorded serving more than 19,200 hours of community service, soaring 106 percent over the 2008 total, according to IFC advisor Amie Jackson. Additionally, chapters reportedly donated $185,661 to charitable causes last year, nearly $68,000 more than in 2008, according to Jackson. One of the fastest growing service ventures for fraternities has been their partnership with Kid Power, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for underserved Washington youth.

Alpha Tau Omega began sponsoring the organization last year after members realized their annual Virgin Party — a non-alcoholic social that fundraises money for cystic fibrosis research and the HERO campaign, a program that promotes harsher drunk-driving laws — had high attendance but wasn’t inspiring people to donate as much money as in previous years. Members of three fraternities decided to refocus their efforts on community service and began tutoring children twice a month at the university.

The project expanded this semester, and now members of more than 10 fraternities take daily trips to Washington schools to tutor school children. Additionally, Kappa Alpha Order hosted a carnival field day event for the kids last May. “I think they’re really starting to realize, &;Wow, if we feel connected to these things and make it meaningful, other people will feel that passion too,'” Jackson said.

Full article via DiamondbackOnline.com