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OUR PHILANTHROPY
Alpha Chi Omega members are dedicated to raising awareness for, educating others about, and preventing domestic violence. Together, we work to fight against unhealthy relationships and practice building healthy ones. Members serve individuals and families impacted by domestic violence through listening, learning, fundraising and volunteering within shelters and other service-providing organizations. Nationally, Alpha Chi Omega promotes Domestic Violence Awareness. At the University of Iowa, the Sigma chapter works directly with the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, DVIP, a local shelter and resources for domestic violence survivors. Alpha Chi Omega empowers its members by encouraging healthy relationships in their own lives and supporting survivors.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized nationally during the month of October. In October, and throughout the year, Alpha Chi Omega provides a number of opportunities for members to show support through service to those impacted by domestic violence and educate themselves and others about healthy relationships.
The goal of Healthy Relationships Week is to foster the development of healthy relationships and, in turn, prevent domestic violence in. Alpha Chi Omega focuses on encouraging individuals to define what love means to them through the “Love Is…” campaign hosted this week. Programming is open to the community and includes social media posts as well as an educational table with resources on campus. Healthy Relationships Week is celebrated in the month of February near Valentine’s Day.
Alpha Chi understands that sexual assault and domestic violence are oftentimes connected. To recognize April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Alpha Chi Omega provides opportunities and resources for both education and awareness initiatives focused on sexual assault prevention in partnership with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). During this month, members also support the survivors impacted by sexual assault by wearing denim on Denim Day (the last Wednesday of April) and hosting events on campus with educational information to promote awareness.
Alpha Chi Omega also participates in a wide variety of events to raise money for DVIP. In the spring and fall semesters, at least one philanthropy event, such as Alpha Chi Hop, Mini Masters, and Walk A Mile In Their Shoes, raises proceeds that go directly to DVIP. Members also volunteer and support DVIP through the “Souper Bowl,” an event that raises money for DVIP by selling soup and making tie blankets for the domestic violence survivor shelter.
During the 2022 school year, the Sigma chapter of Alpha Chi Omega raised over $4,500 for the Domestic Violence Intervention Program. We also show our commitment to service within our chapter through serving in other volunteer organizations. During the Fall 2022 semester, Sigma members had a combined total of 1059 service hours.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233