Everybody get footloose!

So, to start off, if you are not at the Region 5 Conference, you're missing out on all the cool kids. Just sayin'.

Ok, back to healthy living. I hate exercising. I am pretty much the opposite of the gym rat. That being said, you don't have to spend hours a day in a hot sweaty gym to keep healthy. My exercise of choice is dancing. Specifically, latin dancing is awesome. I love to cha cha and salsa. Both of these dances get your heart rate up, encourage muscle tone, and are just plain fun. Try going to a local dance studio for lessons, or just pump up the music in your room and dance away!

Until next time,
YiLFS,
Mika

Region 5 Conference TOMORROW!

Hey, all!  The Region 5 Conference starts tomorrow evening!  Pretty much the entire Section 67 staff team will be in attendance this weekend, so please take advantage and stop us to chat.  We'd love to hear about how things are going in your chapters and individually!  I do not believe we are having formal office hours, as the awesome Region 5 staff will be in attendance this weekend, and they will be the main sounding boards for various issues within your chapters.  However, the Section 67 staff would still love for you all to at least say hello and give us a quick update on how things are going, and we can certainly do our best to help you with any chapter things you may want to talk about, as well.

For those of you making it to the conference, have a great weekend!  Learn lots, meet new brothers, and have fun!  Anyone not able to make it should bug the heck out of those who are going to make sure they bring back relevant information to the rest of the chapter!

See you guys soon!

Jessica Szweda
Section 67 Communication Chair

Leadership at Regionals!

Hey Brothers!

Just wanted to remind everyone that the regionals planning committee is working really hard to provide LEADS courses during the conference.  Make sure you take advantage of these.

I will be partaking in the training courses to get certified to teach :)

YiLFS

Laura

Getting healthy in 67!

So, some of you may have alway jumped on tree the fitness wagon, fully supporting the NSW theme of fretting fit. If so, congrats! However, I would guess that most of you as more like me. I know that I should be making healthy choices, but it's awfully hard to eat healthy when McDonald's is on my way to work, and I can eat my chicken nuggets while driving down the road. It's hard to exercise when so much of our lives revolves around typing reports and reading books. Trust me, I feel your pain. What I'd like to do is give you an idea of healthy choices that we can make while not feeling like we're sacrificing our lives for the sale of our health.

The easiest tip that I've seen for improving diet it's to start small. Chose one thing in your diet that is unhealthy. For example, most Americans could stand to eat less meat. Now, eliminate that from your diet one day a week (Meatless Mondays, anyone?) while being mindful of how much you east of that the rest of the week. Once you've got one vice under control, look at something else that you should adjust, and work on that next.

Of course, diet alone isn't worth jack squat, unless you want to look like a skeleton. Exercise is the other half of a healthy lifestyle. My favorite way of exercising is the HIIT method. In short, after warming up, you alternate short bursts of high intensity activity with slightly longer intervals where you catch your breath but still keep your heart rate up. Not only do you get a great aerobic workout, you also boost your metabolismfor several hours after your workout. My favorite part is that a whole HIITs routine can be done in under half an hour, perfect for brothers on the go.

So, there's a start to some healthy lifestyle changes. Steal them and make them your own. One word to the wise: you know your body the best. Don't do anything I say here just because I said so. I'm not a health professional, nor do I know your exact physical condition. Exercise safely, and consult a physician if you have any apprehension about starting an exercise program or get hurt.

YiLFS,
Mika

Dreaded Apathy

Today’s article is a little different.  I usually write about communication issues, given that I am the Communication Chair.  Although I suppose almost anything can be tied to communication, I am stretching those boundaries by being candid with you about my thoughts on apathy and brotherhood.

Apathy is an issue that can plague any organization, and it can have an awful snowball effect when it starts.  The symptoms:

• Lack of passion
• Sluggishness
• Distraction
• Poor attendance
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of interest

Sound familiar?  You’ve likely been witness to such symptoms within your chapter, perhaps recently.  Take any chapter at any given time, and it is very likely you will find at least one apathetic brother.  Once you’ve found one, you’re likely to find more—apathy breeds apathy.  It can be difficult to achieve success when brothers are skipping meetings, not paying attention when they do attend, and hoping others will sign up for events so they don’t have to (and still not stepping up with no one else signs up).

You are hopefully wondering what can be done to address these issues.  Unfortunately there is no easy solution.

Many people blame the leadership, and indeed that can be the case.  If your officers don’t show an interest in the things they are leading, it is quite difficult for them to inspire passion in their fellow brothers.  Similarly, if officers are not attending fellowships and service projects, why should anyone else?

If you are an officer, try to step back and take an objective look at yourself.  Are you passionate about your area of specialization?  Are you passionate about service?  About being in this brotherhood?  Do you regularly attend chapter events?  How about events that go beyond your chapter and extend into the section, region, or even nation?

Nobody is saying you have to attend everything.  We are all busy—yes, even us alumni.  But do realize that a big part of being a brother of Alpha Phi Omega is a commitment to serve.  There are bound to be service projects that appeal to you.  If there aren’t, suggest them to your Service Vice President, and maybe even offer to lead the projects yourself!  Many people use the excuse of not having enough time.  But some things you make time for.

These thoughts apply to non-officers, too.  We all need to make sure we try to be the leaders we have committed to be through our membership in this fraternity.  Some of us lead by taking on obvious leadership roles, like officers or committee chairs.  But there are other ways to lead.  The easiest way is to demonstrate your passion by attending service projects, fellowships, leadership courses, and always putting your best foot forward.  Simply attending isn’t enough.  Be engaged.  Be engaging.  Service is not a passive activity.  Nor is fellowship obtained by sitting in a corner with your laptop while others are socializing and bonding.

It sounds simple, but chances are good that the people reading this are not the ones suffering from apathy.  So you guys holding onto your enthusiasm should work to identify your apathetic brothers and engage them.  Show them (don’t just tell them) how excited you are to be a part of this brotherhood.  Let them see you getting passionate about service.  Set a good example, and make them wonder what they’re missing.

Apathy is not easily cured, but you have a greater chance of success if you catch it early.  Best of luck to all of you.  And please let me know if there is anything I can help with!

Passionately yours,

Jessica Szweda

Section 67 Communication Chair

Recruitment and the Six Bad Bs

As of now, all the chapters in Section 67 have begun their pledge processes, which means that recruitment is over, right?

That statement couldn't be any more wrong.

When it comes to recruitment, the biggest hurdle in the path of getting new members to pledge is the way that our chapters often think about recruitment.  Often times we think, "Hey, since it's rush week, that must mean that recruitment has started," and the same can be said when rush ends.  What many people neglect to realize is that recruitment is not a solitary, time-constrained act; rather, recruitment is happening at all times.  Recruitment is a year round activity, and can come up in the most unlikely and mind-numbingly simple ways.  Inviting someone to an event.  Answering questions about your fraternity.  Just showing enthusiasm is a great way to recruit.

Think about it...you walk through campus wearing your APO t-shirt.  Someone sees you, and wonders, "I wonder what...Alpha Phi...what's that thing at the end...I think it's an Omega...let me look this up.  I have no idea what that is."  Suddenly, they've stumbled upon the national website, and they begin to seriously consider rushing.  You recruited by simply wearing a t-shirt, and you didn't even realize you were doing it.

That's my first topic, but my second is largely related to the first.  It's what I call the Six Bad Bs of recruitment.  While my first topic touched on year long recruitment, this focuses in on rush week, most of which are a long way off for most chapters.  But these are things to start thinking about right now, and it's a good time to start detoxing these topics out of your system.

The Six Bad Bs of recruitment are topics that should probably be generally avoided, or at least lightly touched on, during recruitment.  Often these topics can cause animosity, a sense of discomfort, or boring conversation to ensue between yourself and the potential new member that you are trying to recruit.  I'm not saying avoid these topics entirely; I'm just saying be mindful when you use them.  So, without further adieu, the Six Bad Bs:

1. Bureaucracy, a.k.a your political views.  Chances are that at least one person that you are recruiting doesn't agree with your political beliefs, and you don't want to make them feel uncomfortable because, at the root of it, service should be apolitical.  My grandmother has told me before that there are two topics that you don't talk about at the dinner table.  This is one of them, along with...
2. Bible, a.k.a your religious beliefs.  Again, people may not share your particular religious beliefs.  Remember that Frank Reed Horton's dream of Alpha Phi Omega was based in the ideal of brothers being able to practice on their own Sabbath, in their own way.  Respect him in his pursuit of this by refraining from extensive religious ideological banter.
3. Booze.  While the National Fraternity does not have a national alcohol policy, talking about this topic with potential new members should be avoided.  Alcohol does it have its place in collegiate life, but not in the context of recruitment.  Leave this discussion it in the liquor cabinet at home.
4. Boys and Babes.  This B serves a threefold purpose.  First, don't talk idly about someone's significant other, especially if you don't know him/her.  Secondly, don't come on to a potential new member - they are interested in becoming your brother, and this violates that relationship from the get-go.  Lastly, avoid any discussion that may come off as sexist.  We are co-ed.  Respect and appreciate all brothers.
5. Books.  This is one of the easiest things to do.  "What classes are you in?"  "What major are you interested in?" "Who is your favorite teacher?"  While these are great questions, getting bogged down in them is uncomfortable and leads the conversation toward the dangerous territory of no-man's talking land.  Use them sparingly.
6. Bucks.  While it's important to answer questions about money and dues, concentrating on money has a tendency to inevitably make someone in the conversation feel uncomfortable.  Money is often an awkward topic, and you don't know the financial situation of the potential new member that you are talking to.  Bear that in mind when you casually throw around dues amounts and act like paying it is no big deal.  It may be for them.

I hope that those tidbits help you in the next rush season and throughout the year!

Until next time!

Brotherly love,

- Brandyn

To be an effective leader...

You need to understand everyone..

And by that I mean, why a person does/says or doesn't do/say what he/she does.

This book was a real eye opener.  It really helped me to understand others and how to use their strengths and weakness to work best with them.  I highly recommend it!

http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Enneagram-Psychological-Spiritual-Personality/dp/0553378201/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317751054&sr=1-1

On a side note, Brandyn and I have been working to get trained as LEADS presenters.

YiLFS,
Laura

Online Service Resources

Hi everyone,

Service programs are going well across the section and plans are underway for national service week. I have been spending some time browsing the web for resources to assist with growing and diversifying our service program here in 67 and have come across a promising website.

The website that offers a lot of information and resources related to community service opportunities on a national level. It has a great search option where you enter your interest such as kids, elderly, animals, etc. and then your zipcode and it searches for all opportunities in your area. The organization is called the Corporation for National and Community Service and the website is: http://www.nationalservice.gov/.

Please spend some time exploring this website and share with your fellow brothers what you find.

Advice from...America's Next Top Model?

Some of you may know that I am addicted to "America's Next Top Model." I get a lot of makeup ideas and love cheering on the nicer models that will probably never win, but this season, I got marketing advice: To be successful, you need to be a brand that is recognizable by anyone. On the show, the models are encouraged to embrace their personality, their strengths, and their signature looks. Tweaked a bit, this can work for marketing organizations.

To "brand" Alpha Phi Omega, make every service project visible- before, during and after the fact. Make it so people don't ask,"What's APO?" but "What service project is APO going to do next?" Before every project, especially if extra volunteers are needed, make posters and Facebook events. On the day of, be sure to wear your letters. This way, even if there are people who don't know what APO is, the first association they will make is service. This can also be done with fellowship events but service should still be the first association, of course. It's as simple as that to garner more positive attention for Alpha Phi Omega. Just make everything that is happening even more visible so when people see APO letter shirts or hear the name, they instantly get a picture in their head rather than not thinking anything of what they saw or heard. Take a cue from models (or wannabe models) and help APO make a bigger mark on the campuses, communities, and the nation.

I started this blog post over a month ago and kept stopping because I wanted this to be more than just "Make APO known all over your campus!!" Then, I went to Region V's conference and was inspired by President Mark Stratton's goal of having 500 chapters by 2025. If APO brands itself and paints a clear picture of what being a brother is all about, chartering new chapters (and rechartering dormant chapters) will bring a strength to the movement and gain interest a lot quicker than just a title and the back story- as beautiful as it is. Branding APO will bring the brotherhood that much closer to the goal of 500 chapters.

YiLFS,

Martha

Using your historian to their fullest

Hey brothers! Time for another update from the section 67 chair of fundraising! I’m going to write a little blog post on historians and how to use them to the best of your abilities! They are often under-utilized in a chapter when they can really do so many things!

1. Take pictures! This is probably the biggest thing the historian is known for. They are always at events with their cameras! Make sure that the historian comes to a lot of events, or has people taking pictures at other events they can’t go to! Also make sure you are getting a variety of pictures, you don’t want to have pictures of the historians 3 best friends over and over again!

2. Make a scrapbook! It is always fun to document the semester or year with pictures! You can even make it a fellowship event and have people all get together and make their own page! An electronic scrapbook is fun too!

3. Keep historical documents. This includes new and old! Keep the pledge programs and things hat are used because eventually they will be historic! It is really neat to look back at how things used to be run and see how much the chapter has grown!

4. Write a chapter history. A lot of chapters studied the history of AZ as a whole but its important to know the history of your chapter as well. Who were the founding members and the first president, when was your chapter chartered, who made a big impact on the chapter?

5. Keep a family tree. You all have bigs and littles right? Well make sure to document those! It is fun to draw them as a family tree and keep track of who is related to whom! And don’t start with the president, try to dig up some of those older bigs who have graduated and go back as far as you can!

6. Be creative! There are many things that the historian can do. Think outside the box and use this person as more than paparazzi!

Leadership Call

Good Morning!

We will be having our first 'Leadership Conference Call' Wednesday, September 21 at 9:05 pm (ET).  If you are interested in joining, send me an email and I will provide you with the information.

Agenda:

1.  What chapter's need from me.
2.  What each chapter is doing now.
3.  Information on LZ getting certified to present LEADS.
4.  Other.

Information from the National Office on Leadership Development:  http://theldpoint.wikispaces.com/
Region V Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpha-Phi-Omega-Region-V/167797766572382?sk=wall

Getting Personal

Marketing has a reputation for shameless plugging for organizations and businesses, but for Alpha Phi Omega, nothing could be further from the truth. (For the most part- there's always some shameless plugging.) The trick to not getting categorized as shallow and insincere, especially when promoting APO to potential new members, is to make it as personal as possible. People tend to have better responses when they are treated as individuals and not as a mass. People in businesses, even though they can come off as cold and unfeeling at times, appreciate personal approaches to marketing as well.

When promoting Alpha Phi Omega to potential new members that are not acquainted with anyone in the chapter, it is important to be certain they are comfortable with the active brothers. A great way to go is during recruitment events, make sure a social brother is with them and another potential/active pair to relieve any stress of being the only non-active in that situation. It's kind of like a double date without specific elements of a date. Outside of events, say hello to people that you saw and be as available as possible to answer any questions or just be there for the person. You'd be surprised how many people want to just sit with you at dinner in silence! Just knowing that you are open and willing to talk to potential new members make them feel that much more at ease with joining the fraternity. When it comes time for the formal night/pledge ceremony, a handwritten invitation is the best thing a potential new member can get. In Theta Theta, that really gave the extra push for many to join. Taking the time to really reach out says a lot, and with the number of pledges Section 67 has had thus far, it is probably really hard for the VP of Membership and their committee to do it all. If you are not on the Membership committee, and especially if you are on PR committee, help them out with invitations. It is an important step for the fraternity to bring in the amazing pledges and it shows how much the fraternity cares about them before they even decide to go to the ceremony!

For businesses, it is a bit different because we are not recruiting them to be our brother, but to be a sponsor or contributor to the fraternity in its events. In order to really stand out to the businesses, you have to make your meeting(s) personal as well. Have the fundraising representative (whether they are the treasurer or someone on the committee) and PR representative go in person to businesses to talk about Alpha Phi Omega and what events the chapter is trying to gain funding. If the person in the business expresses interest, give them a letter that summarizes the discussion and contains the contact information of the treasurer and president. This is a great tool for businesses because if they contribute money or goods, they have something to show the higher-ups in the location and the corporate office so they can get the green light for their donation whether on that day or a week or two down the road. If it's the latter scenario, they have the contact information they need to get the contribution to the chapter. It is also a good idea to do a follow-up meeting with the people in the businesses who gave money or goods with thank-you notes. This will help with any future fundraising- decorum goes a long way in APO being remembered as an organization that was professional and an organization they would like to do business with in the future.

Marketing may turn a lot of people off, but when it is applied in a more personal way, it can prove to be very beneficial to the chapter and its relationships with people and businesses.

Region V Conference is Just Around the Corner

I'm sure you're excited to hear that the Region V Conference is only two months away! Here are a few detail and links to get you started as registration has already started!

About the conference

THEME Band of Brothers

DATE 11/11/11

LOCATION University of Kentucky; Lexington, KY

WEBSITE https://sites.google.com/site/regionvconference2011/

Service programs in section 67 are off to a great start this year and planning for National Service Week is underway. We are having service conference calls every couple of weeks leading up to NSW and things are going pretty well. Please be aware of the upcoming events and please join in the fun :) And don't forget to start getting together your non-perishable foods and winter blankets/clothes for donations at the regional conference!

October 8, 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Louisville, KY
October 14, 2011 Halloween at the Zoo with Delta Theta in Louisville, KY
October 15, 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Lexington, KY

A tip for managing a healthy service program: Diversity
It is important to provide multiple opportunities in location, time and avenue to allow members of your chapters to find their niche in the service program. Offering various different types of projects with various audiences as well as multiple time and date opportunities will allow increased participation and will help to fight off the "burnt out" feeling that sometimes arises when one takes part in the same type of project over and over again. Provide opportunities that allow brothers to spread their service wings and find their heart in service. I, for instance, love kids and the elderly...that's where my heart is when it comes to not only service, but my career as well. Some love animals, others the environment/outdoor activities. Helping brothers find that special project or organization that they will form a bond with and be dedicated to for life is part of what being a great Service VP is all about!

YiLFS,
Amanda

Avoiding APOverused Lingo

Those of us who have been around for awhile have likely picked up a lot of APOverused lingo.  “LEADS”, “CoE”, “PPoE”, “CAPS”, and “AAMD” are all abbreviations which may be recognizable to longstanding Alpha Phi Omega brothers.  Sure, it’s easier to tell everyone that “CAPS is next Sunday at 5pm” than to tell them that “the Chapter Assessment and Planning Conference is next Sunday at 5pm”—a whole 11 syllables saved (10 if you pronounce “Conference” as “Confrence”)!  And if you’ve already announced the occasion a few times using its full name and giving a brief explanation of what it entails, it’s okay to get a little lazy.

But be especially careful when addressing non-brothers, pledges, and new brothers.  It may be obvious that they wouldn’t understand what’s meant when you talk about your chapter applying for the CoE (that’s “Chapter of Excellence”), but did you ever consider that even terms like “Section 67” or “National Service Week” could be confusing?

Think about it.  You know nothing about Alpha Phi Omega, except that it’s some group who does service.  You show up for some recruitment week events and hear brothers talking about how awesome Section 67 is.  Maybe you’re too shy or too polite to ask about it, so you just smile and nod and later wonder what the heck was going on.  Yes, you understand the English language and know that a section is part of a whole, but what does it mean in terms of the Fraternity?  You didn’t really connect with anyone because the crazy unfamiliar lingo kept throwing you off.  And then you decide you just don’t fit in and aren’t going to pledge.

Okay, so maybe that’s an extreme example, but the general point remains the same.  It is important to be mindful of your audience and take the time to explain any potentially foreign or confusing terms.  The goal is always to depict Alpha Phi Omega in the most positive light and to educate others about the Fraternity.  Effective communication is key, and avoiding unfamiliar jargon and acronyms is an important part of effective communication.

YiLFS,

Jessica Szweda

Section 67 Communication Chair

Leadership: Workshops and Conference Call

Brothers,

I spoke with Brandyn last night.  We are on track to get 3 or so of us trained in at least Launch for you all.

Also- I am willing to do mini 'leadership retreat' type workshops.  I would be more than willing to come and do some mini workshops on; networking, how to step up into leadership roles and how to just in general be a more effective leader.  Just let me know if your chapter is interested.  I am very flexible.

There appears to be some interest in a conference call.  I have tentatively scheduled for it to be on the third Tuesday of every month (upcoming: Sept. 20th) at 9:05.  I am just waiting to hear back from all the chapters.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to listen in.  Just email me if you are interested.

Did anyone rise to my challenge from 2 weeks ago?

Laura

Alumni: How to stay involved

Hey all Section 67 alumni!

So I know what you are probably thinking: So no that I've graduated, now what? Well you're in luck! There are many ways you can stay involved with APO even after graduation.

The first thing you should do is to subscribe to the APO Section 67 Alumni Connection Newsletter. You can do so by filling out the form here:

APO Section 67 Alumni Connection Newsletter Sign-Up Form

Here are some interesting topics that you might see in an issue of the Alumni Connection:

Volunteering with the Leadership Program

There are several ways you can volunteer within the APO Leadership Program:


Becoming an APO Impact Presenter

APO Impact is a series of online webinars in which key topics are offered to all brothers of the fraternity. The APO Impact team is currently looking for volunteers for many aspects of the program including: Conducting the online presentation, operating behind the scenes as the webinar host, writing the actual presentation script, etc. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these roles please complete the interest form here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&pli=1&formkey=dHRmNTBNZnBlY3oxbXB3TzVyMHp4NlE6MQ#gid=0
Also feel free to follow the APO Impact team on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_22654378529
And on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/APOIMPACTLIVE
And their newsletter here: http://theldpoint.wikispaces.com/

Becoming an APO LEADS Presenter

The APO LEADS program consists of five individual modular components of leadership development. The APO LEADS team is always seeking new content presenters. In order to become an APO LEADS Presenter you must first acquire Presenter Certification by demonstrating proficiency in Presentation Skills (PS) & Facilitation Skills (FS). For more information about how to obtain Presenter Certification click here: http://apoimpactproject.wikispaces.com/Presenter+Certification+methods
Once you are a certified presenter you can register for any APO LEADS Content Training sessions to learn how to present each course. Click here to view register for APO LEADS Content Training Sessions: http://theldpoint.wikispaces.com/APO+LEADS+Training

Volunteering as a Chapter Advisor

Now that you have graduated from your local chapter you wish to pass on all that you have learned as a Chapter Advisor. This is a wonderful opportunity but it also is a risky endeavor, especially so soon after graduation. Chapter Advisors are there to help the chapter in times of need and offer advice and guidance, not to run the organization. Many newly graduated brothers have this problem differentiating between the two and it has a negative impact on their local chapters. It is recommended to hold back volunteering as a Chapter Advisor for a year or two and instead volunteer elsewhere in the fraternity, either section/region staff or begin training as a presenter. If you are confident that you hold the self-control to step back and let the chapter operate itself, only offering advice when sought, then please review the following information about becoming a Chapter Advsior.

• The APO Advisor’s Guide [PDF]: http://www.apo.org/site/site_files/advisorsguide.pdf
• Find the closest chapter near you: http://www.apo.org/show/About_Us/Organizational_Structure/Chapters

Join an Alumni Association

Connect with other alumni through APO’s Alumni Associations. Click here to find out if there is an alumni association in your area: http://www.apo.org/show/Alumni_Resources/Alumni_Associations/List_by_State
If there aren’t any then think about starting one! Click here for more information about starting an Alumni Association: [PDF] http://www.apo.org/site/site_files/alumni_association_startup.pdf

Let's Talk Marketing

I have two questions for every APO brother who comes across this post: 1) Is your chapter known of or recognized at your school? 2) When you mention recruitment to non-APO people, do you get a response such as, "What's APO?" or "I already have my calendar marked for

recruitment events!" If you answered 1) Yes and 2) the latter of the two responses, chances are, you are doing a great job in marketing your chapter at your school and you can continue to expand your advertising of APO. If you answered 1) No and 2) The former, you need to promote APO more. Marketing is the action of advertising/promoting a group, service, etc.- something that is essential to recruitment because it is hard to recruit anyone if no one knows who you are or what you do.

So how can marketing tools and strategies be improved? Very simple steps can be taken and make all the difference.

If your school has an Expo, sign up for a table.

If your school has an Expo or any opportunity for you to reach out to freshmen, take advantage of that opportunity. This is a great way to collect emails to send informative messages to potential new members. Have letter shirts, presentable symbols, and photos of you best

serviceand fellowship activities, and the amazing conferences. Anything that can draw an audience, use it. Brush up on your knowledge of APO for the questions you may receive and

if you have recruitment week planned out, give out schedules.

It also doesn't hurt to have some candy out on the table as well. You'd be surprised of the crowds a few Life Savers draw. When you collect the email addresses, create an email group so you can

send out reminders for your events.

If you use simple paper posters, upgrade to bed sheets.

This is something that has become a trend for Centre College's different programs, especially in

the Greek Community. They are more durable than paper and they are reusable, as long as you

put dates and specifics on separate pieces of cloth and pin them on.

Text-only posters? Add images!

Posters will grab more people's eyes if it has a few pictures and artsy writing. If you have artists in your chapter and they aren't on PR committee, ask them to join and put their talents to good use!

Use Youtube.

If you have the means and a good idea, make a Youtube video and share it. Make people laugh, cry, and ultimately, get them interested in APO.

Are you using every social network you can?

Facebook has the tools you need to create events, groups, everything you need to get the word out. Twitter, annoying as it is at times, is great to make announcements to a mass of people. Social networks are fast becoming the greatest tools for communication and advertising. Just be sure you do it in a non-annoying manner. Here are some Dos and Don'ts when it comes to social networking:

• On Facebook, DO make an event and invite everyone you can from your school and ask your brothers to do the same...
• ...but make sure you DON'T have to make 1001 changes to the event after inviting people because every change becomes a notification that annoys the invited.
• On Twitter and Facebook Statuses, DO write about how excited you are for the coming APO events like a week, then a couple of days, then the day before the event whether they are exclusive to APO or public. Just get the name out...
• ...but DON'T post on Twitter and your status about the APO events 10 times a day, every day, for a month or else you will get major eye-rolls and even a "Do not show messages from (brother)."
• DO announce your events on every social networking site members are a part of. Different people have different networks that they check regularly.

Recruitment is not just for one week- it goes on all year long.

Just because it's not the week before recruitment, it doesn't mean APO has to become invisible. If you have a fundraiser, public service or fellowship event coming up, make a poster and Facebook event. Treat all public events like you would a recruitment event. Also, stay visible with your letter shirts. In my sorority, we designated Wednesdays to wear our letters as well as any day we did a philanthropy event. It wasn't required, but highly encouraged and most wanted to participate anyway to show pride in our organization. This would make APO more recognizable at the very least.

If you have a new idea, share it!

I have presented a lot of outlets to get out the word for APO, but there are countless ways to promote the brotherhood. If you have an idea, present it to your chapter and if it works, the section. We all need to help each other promote APO in any way possible.

I hope you all found this information useful to your recruitment endeavors. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding all things marketing, feel free to email me at section.67.marketing@gmail.com.

YiLFS,

Martha

Visibility

It is my opinion that one of the most important goals of every Section Chair or Staff should be to maintain visibility throughout the section.  Already, this year, the staff of Section 67 has been making huge strides in this area, first with the development of the brand new website, and secondly through our conference calls with members of our chapter and petitioning group executive boards across the section.  Through both of these resources, I hope that our visibility has been greatly expanded.  Please also note that when you sign onto the new website, there is a box in the bottom right hand corner that is labeled "Chat with the Chair."  If I'm on-line, it will open a chat window, and I would love to talk to you!

Nonetheless, visibility can only be somewhat tangible on-line and over the phone; in order to be truly visible, a Section Chair or Staff really needs to show up and visit with chapters.  While age old minimum requirements set forth in Section 67 only stipulate that I must visit each chapter, petitioning group, or interest group once a year, I think that's just a little too little.  As such, I'm hoping to visit everyone a lot, lot more than that.

Here are my current tentative visiting dates for September and early October, with the potential that more will be added soon.  I'm looking forward to seeing all of you very very soon!

• September 9 - Progressive Dinner, Alpha Zeta
• September 10 - Hope in the City, Alpha Zeta
• September 10 - Kids Fest, Alpha Zeta Kappa
• September 10 - Pledge Ceremony, Alpha Zeta Kappa
• September 20 - Pledge Ceremony, Alpha Gamma Phi
• October 1 - Pledge Retreat, Alpha Zeta
• October 1 - Formal Night, Theta Theta
• October 2 - Pledge Ceremony, Theta Theta

In addition to my chapter visits, other ways to increase visibility are currently in development, and I'm looking forward to releasing details about those shortly.  If you have any questions, please always feel free to e-mail me as well.  I'm always here to chat and also to take suggestions and opinions.

Brotherly love,

- Brandyn

Everywhere I look I see SERVICE!!!

Things have been going well on the service side of Section 67 and the semester is only just beginning. I have gathered information on several service opportunities in our area for this semester and it is very exciting!

Coming up in September are the:

Alzheimer's Memory Walk in Louisville on September 10th and in Lexington on September 18th. Please visit http://www.alz.org/.

Arthritis Walk in Louisville on September 17th (Saturday). For this walk in particular I already have a team set up for APO Section 67. I would love some company and support from the awesome brothers of section 67 for this one! Please let me know if you are interested in joining the team. You can visit http://www.arthritis.org/ for more information also.

I am working to get some opportunities scheduled with Habitat For Humanity for the fall and spring terms as well.

As National Service Week rapidly approaches I along with your Service VP's will be hard at work ensuring that each and every project in KY will be amazing as usual. Any input you would like to give is always appreciated and information on organizations and/or service opportunities are always welcome!

Keep your eyes open for opportunities in October including Race for the Cure in Lexington and Louisville and Halloween at the Zoo thanks to our Delta Theta Chapter!

I hope all is well at the chapters and I can't wait to get into some APO service, Section 67 style!!!

Amanda

Awards?! YEAH!

So I know Regionals (in November) is much more pressing of a topic than Sectionals (in April), but doesn't mean we can't already get excited about it! ... and about the banquet... and about the awards presented at the banquet.... just saying. ;) Look for info from me later in the semester about how to apply to Section awards for the Sectional Conference!! :D

But not just the typical Section awards...

If any member of the section has any suggestions of new awards (even new "superlatives"), please let me know! Totally open to new ideas. Or even Section-wide competitions in which you might want the winner announced (this is already in the works by one of your fellow brothers, BTW)...

Lastly, I'm your brother and your friend. If you ever want to chat, need an objective/unbiased brother's (or leader) opinion, I'm totally here for YOU. Don't ever be scared to contact me, or any other Section Staff, when you need help, advice, whatever! :)

LOVE!!

Brittany (Devine) Coffey

This is Why Reporting Matters

Not for profit groups ("non-profits"), like Alpha Phi Omega, are among some of the least regulated groups in America. Think about it. Chapters, for example, must file a tax "postcard" with the IRS each year. In some states they must also register with the Attorney General's office in order to solicit donations. Otherwise, for most chapters, there is little more to do to keep right with the government. However, some states are beginning to crack down to ensure non-profits are completing what few requirements exist. The article below discusses recent developments in state enforcement of non-profit regulation with the help of the IRS. (It's also a shameless plug for my future employer, but that's beside the point.)

http://www.dinslaw.com/files/Publication/5d66e1aa-137d-47e4-b03a-0c6ef28d2f76/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/cb7bb74c-b232-42d1-9005-0d350978a878/BNA%20-%20Christopher%20%26%20Callan.pdf

One other word of caution to all the chapters out there. Be sure to file your tax "postcards." The IRS recently began eliminating tax-exempt status of non-profits that had failed to file the proper return at least three years in a row. To see if your group was eliminated, head to the following: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=239696,00.html?portlet=7

YiLFS,

Josh

Section 67 Finance Chair

Fundraising!

Hey everyone! My name is Mark Huffmyer and I am the section 67 Fundraising chair! As the fundraising chair it is my duty to assist with fundraising throughout the section. For our section fundraiser, we are going to be selling Camo-letter tee shirts at regionals this year! So that will be very exciting! Besides that I am here to assist with any of the chapters fundraising related needs. I know that fundraising can be one of the hardest tasks for a chapter to accomplish. So if any chapters have any questions about anything they are more than welcome to ask! Til next time!

Mark Huffmyer

Questions and Answers

Hi everyone! I'm the Section 67 Member at Large, which really just means that I'm around and available for whatever needs to be done. That also means that I don't have an area of expertise to write about here. For that reason, I'd like to leave my part of the blog open for question and answers. Namely, you ask me questions, and I'll answer them. It doesn't matter what the question is, I'll do my best to answer it. Either send it to section.67.at.large(at)gmail.com, or post it in the comments below!

So, until next time, stay wonderful, 67!

~Mika

Kentucky State Petitioning Group

I do not have much to say, but more will be coming in later post. I am visiting Kentucky State this Tuesday for their meeting!

The new website was just recently launched and I wanted to briefly mention and encourage everyone to use the new feature. On the Kentucky State Petitioning Page at the bottom there is a place where everyone can send encouragement to them during their chartering process! It can be anonymous.

This is a great way not only to help them stay energized along the process but also to build that brotherhood that we, as section 67, excel at. That's all for now. More updates will be coming your way soon.

YiLFS,
Danielle Lillie
Section 67 Vice Chair

"OMG GUYZ LOOOKAT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!11111 (Writing E-mails That People Actually Read)

Courtesy of Kittikun Atsawintarangkul
freedigitalphotos.net

Ah, e-mail.  We all use it, but do we use it well?  Juanita Ecker, corporate image and business etiquette consultant, makes the point that "having great e-mail etiquette means little if people aren't even reading your e-mails".  She goes on to expand upon the following tips for writing engaging e-mails:

• Subject lines should inform
• Get to the point
• Write an action summary
• Provide background information
• Create well-structured content
• Avoid spam language
• Include an e-mail signature

Okay, well, by the time you get to the signature, the e-mail has already been read, and thus you have succeeded.  But including a signature is still an important way to make sure your recipient can identify you as the sender and contact you in the appropriate manner as needed.  It also adds an additional level of professionalism, which is especially important when communicating with external parties, such as college faculty and staff and potential new members.

Also make sure to proofread your message!  If your typing or spelling skills are below average, you should consider drafting your e-mails in a word processor with automatic spell check.  But remember that won't catch all your errors.  You could mistakenly type "cats" instead of "cast", for example, and your typo would not be flagged.  So read through your message carefully before hitting send.  Nobody wants to embarrass himself or herself (or worse yet, the fraternity) just because he or she didn't take the extra two minutes to look over a message.  We're all busy, but effective communication is worth the effort.

For the full "Writing E-mails That People Actually Read" article, visit http://www.professionalimagemgt.com/business-etiquette-articles/writing-e-mails-that-people-actually-read/.

For more e-mail tips, check out the following resources:

• E-mail Charter
  http://emailcharter.org/
• Etiquette Still Matters in E-mail
  http://www.professionalimagemgt.com/business-etiquette-articles/etiquette-still-matters-in-e-mail/
• E-mail Etiquette Tips
  http://farmnet.osu.edu/resources/emailetq.pdf

--

Jessica Szweda

Section 67 Communication Chair