How fraternities and sororities make a difference
We have all seen Greek life philanthropies on campus. Usually, they’re at the bottom of Hello Walk or on a street corner of Greek Row, wearing their letters and asking for participation in events or money.
Every fraternity and sorority on campus does at least one a year. It is something that they take pride in and advertise to potential new members.
A passerby might wonder if the donations they receive actually benefit those organizations and the community, or whether they go straight to a beer fund. As someone who has interacted with fraternity and sorority philanthropies, I can say that the answer might surprise you.
There are houses that partner with the Girl Scouts, groups that support firefighters, mental health organizations, fight child abuse and much more. They can end up raising thousands of dollars for these causes.
There are many ways Greek houses go about raising money. Usually, it’s through a combination of on-campus events and alumni fundraising. Chapters may host sales and organize fun activities, such as “pieing” a member of their chapter.
As you walk down Greek Row, you will likely see handmade banners hanging from houses, promoting each chapter’s philanthropy and its charitable organization. These banners help raise awareness for the causes that their charities aim to support.
These efforts do produce tangible positive effects, the Delta Sigma Phi chapter raised over $3000 dollars for the Redside Foundation, an organization promoting mental health in the outdoor guiding community. Often the chapters work with local organizations and their national organization charities.
When running philanthropies, chapters often partner with local businesses to fundraise. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity while the remainder supports the businesses involved.
The Delta Delta Delta chapter partnered with Silos & Social during their philanthropy week, while Kappa Delta and many other sororities worked with the Soda Spout in the ISUB.
Greek chapters also participate in service events around campus. The Interfraternity Council organizes opportunities for houses to help clean up areas around campus and along Greek Row.
Chapters also partake in campus-wide events, such as UIdaho Bound, Envision UI and Vandal Giving Day. Greek organizations recognize their role in the Moscow community and at the University of Idaho and strive to contribute to its growth and improvement.
Participation in these events is open to everybody, not just those in Greek life. Anybody can join by volunteering with a chapter that supports a cause you care for.
