Alpha Phi Omega

Alpha Phi Omega (ΑΦΩ) (commonly known as APO,^[3] but also A-Phi-O^[4] and A-Phi-Q^[5]) is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses, an active membership of approximately 17,000 students, and over 350,000 alumni members. There are also 250 chapters in the Philippines and one in Australia.

Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed service fraternity organized to provide community service, leadership development,^[6] and social opportunities for college students. Chapters range in size from a handful of active members to over 200 active members, independent of each college's size.

The purpose of the fraternity is "to assemble college students in a National Service Fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Scout Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop Leadership, to promote Friendship, and to provide Service to humanity; and to further the freedom that is our national, educational, and intellectual heritage."^[7] Unlike many other fraternities, APO's primary focus is to provide volunteer service within four areas: service to the community, service to the campus, service to the fraternity, and service to the nation as participating citizens.^[2] Being primarily a service organization, the fraternity restricts its chapters from maintaining fraternity houses to serve as residences for their members.^[8] This also encourages members of social fraternities and sororities that have houses to join APO as well.

1. What is APO ΑΦΩ Alpha Phi Omega?
   Alpha Phi Omega is an international service fraternity and sorority, composed of college students gathered together in an organization based on fraternalism and founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. Its aim is to further the freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage. For over fifty years, we have set the standard for college campus-based volunteerism in the Philippines. Alpha Phi Omega or APO Philippines strives to help each member develop leadership skills, secure lasting friendships and provide service to others.
   Alpha Phi Omega International (Philippines), Inc. is a not-for-profit organization. The purpose of this fraternity/sorority is to assemble college students in a national service fraternity/sorority in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts; to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity; and to further freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage.
   On 2 March 1950, Alpha Phi Omega International Service Fraternity was founded at Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall, Room 214, FEU (Far Eastern University), Manila, Philippines.
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2. How large is APO ΑΦΩ Alpha Phi Omega?
   APO is a very large organization. Nearly 300,000 members have been initiated since our founding in 1925. Our current membership exceeds 17,000 students at 350 colleges and universities. Originated in the U.S.A. it has expanded to other countries with chapters in the Phillipines, Australia, and Canada.
   Since the inception of APO in 1969 in Zamboanga City, Philippines approximately 2,000 brothers and sisters have joined the 4 chapters here in Zamboanga City, Philippines.
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3. Who can join APO Philippines ΑΦΩ Alpha Phi Omega Philippines?
   APO Zamboanga City  is open to any College student of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Universidad de Zamboanga, Southern City Colleges, and Western Mindanao State University, who would like to join.
   If you are a college student anywhere in the Philippines and would like to join an Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, follow this link to verify if there is an APO organization in your college or university.
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4. Does that mean APO Philippines is for everyone?
   Ideally, yes. However, that is something that you alone will decide. You do this by pledging for a period of time that each chapter requires. By pledging, you are not automatically committing to becoming a member. During this period, you learn about APO and decide whether or not you want to make this commitment and become initiated.
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5. How do I join APO Philippines ΑΦΩ Alpha Phil Omega Philippines?
   To join a Chapter, you take a series of steps. Each chapter usually  have a  "Rush" period at the beginning of each semester. During this time, there are informational meetings and several opportunities to meet the members of the Chapter. The next step is to proceed through the Induction ceremony. This is when you officially become a "pledge" of APO. This period lasts 45 days. although, each chapter may change this length of time to meet the chapter's needs and demands. During this time, you learn about the history of APO and the standards that are expected of members, as well as participating in various service projects. At the end of this period, your completion of requirements will be reviewed by the Executive board, made up of the President, VP of Service, VP of Membership, VP of Communications, and VP of Finance, in coordination with the Pledge Trainers. You will then decide whether or not you wish to proceed and become initiated into APO. This is when you become an official member and brother/sister of Alpha Phi Omega.
   List of Alpha Phi Omega Chapters in the Philippines
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6. What can I expect of the pledge period?
   During this time, you are expected to attend weekly Alpha Phi Omega pledge meetings, as well as a few active meetings. Since service is the core of the alpha phi omega fraternity, participation in service projects is mandatory of both active members and pledges. There will also be numerous social events and opportunities to meet the active brothers and sisters and perhaps some visiting alumni/alumnae. The period culminates in a service project designed and implemented by the pledge class.
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7. What is the policy of APO Philippines on hazing?
   From the Alpha Phi Omega National Pledge Standards: "Absolutely no Hazing during pledging. An appropriate period of pledging has no place for hazing practices. These include the degradation of individuals, personal service demands, and any other practices inconsistent with the spirit and principles of Alpha Phi Omega.
   
   Rationale: Alpha Phi Omega Members respect the worth of human dignity and, in firm support of our heritage of intellectual freedom, and we do not tolerate unequal or abusive treatment of any person."
   Note: If you know there is HAZING going on, get your proof together: Names, dates, time, place, and detailed description of event. You can take this report to to a trusted APO "lord"/member or straight to the police.
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8. I just pledged this semester, can I run for an office next semester?
   The answer to this question is a very emphatic YES! You can run for any appointed or elected officer position you desire. In fact, it is encouraged that you do so. Remember, Leadership is one of our Cardinal Principles.
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9. Does APO Philippines ΑΦΩ Alpha Phi Omega Philippines have anything to do with the Boy Scouts?
   Scouting was the foundation of APO or Alpha Phi Omega. To quote Frank Reed Horton, Founder of APO "Through these experiences, I found that the Scout Oath and Law were what I had been seeking - a standard of manhood that would withstand the test of time and a code of ideals created and accepted by some of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. My purpose was to make Alpha Phi Omega an organization for college men who cooperated with all youth movements, especially Scouting."

   The 12 Jewels (Diamonds) of APO represent The 12 values of Scouting	At the 1st Joint EXECOM and BOD Meeting Development Year 2007 - 2009 Boso-Boso Highlands Resort and Convention Center Antipolo City 24 – 25 August 2007 The BOD unanimously adopted Resolution No. 13, “A Resolution Adopting the Alpha Phi Omega International Philippines Code of Conduct”
   1.    Trustworthy	A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him and he is punctual in terms of both regularity and timeliness.
   2.    Loyal	A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. He is faithful, steadfast, and honest.
   3.    Helpful	A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
   4.    Friendly	A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
   5.    Courteous	A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
   6.    Kind	A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated.
   7.    Obedient	A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
   8.    Cheerful	A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
   9.    Thrifty	A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
   10.   Brave	A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
   11.   Clean	A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
   12.   Reverent	A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.