Leadership, Friendship, and Service in a Co-Ed Service Fraternity

College selection is important because different students have different educational needs. This also applies to a college student's extracurricular activities. Fraternities and sororities are not typically known for being openly accepting or diverse: usually each Greek group on campus selects a certain type of individual.

Greek life is not for everyone-in fact, on most small campuses, the majority of the student body remains independent, or without a membership in a fraternity or sorority. Although these students have decided against going Greek, they still find a need for extracurricular activities that may focus on social events and activities.

Alpha Phi Omega is a co-educational service fraternity open to all students. The organization has a strong scouting background and anti-hazing policy and actively discourages fraternity-related drinking.

The principles behind Alpha Phi Omega make it unique. Alpha Phi Omega (or APO as it is known by brothers) was founded in 1925 on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Since its founding, Alpha Phi Omega has embraced tolerance and diversity.

Frank Horton, founder of Alpha Phi Omega, found hardship in war and believed that such conflicts could possibly be overcome by a greater understanding. He therefore chose to focus his fraternity on service-on the good of the community. On these standing principles, APO went on to include women among their ranks (though all fraternity members are still referred to as 'brothers') and become officially dry so that the fraternity could focus on service and make all feel welcome.

Most members of Alpha Phi Omega are proud to be in such a unique organization. APO offers advanced leadership training and opportunities. Alpha Phi Omega provides students with very fulfilling service opportunities and looks great on a resume. Generally, there is less pressure in Alpha Phi Omega, particularly during the pledge period. Brothers don't expect pledges to sell themselves to the organization, instead, the pledge leaders instill faith in the organization in the pledges.