Sororities are more than just social clubs - they also prioritize giving back to their communities through charitable work and philanthropy. This commitment is evident in their efforts to organize impactful charity events, dedicate time to volunteering at local organizations, and raise substantial funds for a variety of important causes. Through these activities, sororities not only enrich the lives of their members but also contribute significantly to creating positive change and addressing pressing social issues in their communities and beyond.
This blog post emphasizes the significance of philanthropy in sororities and its benefits for both the community and sorority members. It covers the impact of philanthropy, typical charitable initiatives, successful fundraising events, and personal and professional development opportunities related to participating in charitable work. Additionally, the post offers suggestions on how to prepare for philanthropy events and encourages readers to engage in philanthropic activities.
What is it?
In sororities, philanthropy refers to the organized activities undertaken by members to support charitable events and contribute positively back to their communities. Philanthropic activities include volunteering at local organizations, raising money for charity, and organizing events to raise awareness about important causes.
For example, The Alpha Delta Chi chapter at the University of Colorado Boulder chose to collaborate with Restore Innocence, a non-profit organization headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that provides aid to victims of human trafficking. Another example is a national sorority philanthropy, Delta Delta Delta (AKA Tri Delta) has been raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 1999, raising millions of dollars over the decades to help children access cancer treatment.
In addition, sororities frequently collaborate with national or local organizations to promote particular causes or initiatives, and they may even develop their own philanthropic endeavors to address issues that are significant to their members. Examples of philanthropic causes that sororities support include Service for Sight (Delta Gamma), Building Strong Girls (Gamma Phi Beta), Prevent Child Abuse America (Kappa Delta), and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Delta Phi Epsilon).
Charity Events and Fundraisers
Sororities are well-known for their commitment to philanthropic causes, and charity events and fundraisers are a crucial part of their efforts. These events come in various forms and are organized by sororities to raise money and awareness for their chosen charities.
One example of a successful event is Delta Gamma's Anchor Splash, which is a swimming relay race that has been held annually since 1969 to raise funds for the organization's philanthropic partner, Service for Sight. Another example is Kappa Delta's Shamrock Week, during which the sorority raises money for Prevent Child Abuse America through a series of events that include a pancake breakfast, a silent auction, and a dodgeball tournament. These events not only raise money for worthy causes but also create a sense of community among sorority members and those who participate in the events.
How to Prepare for a Philanthropy Event
Preparing for a philanthropy event requires careful planning and organization. To prepare for a philanthropy event, sorority members should:
- Creating a detailed plan of action is essential for preparing a successful philanthropy event: This plan should outline the steps needed to achieve the event's goals and include logistics such as the event location, time, parking, and accessibility for attendees. Additionally, sorority members should ensure that all necessary supplies and equipment are available, such as donation boxes, food and drinks, and custom T-shirts for volunteers. To make sure that nothing is overlooked, it's a good idea to create a checklist of all the necessary items and confirm that everything is accounted for well in advance of the event. By having a well-thought-out plan of action and preparing in advance, sorority members can maximize the impact of their philanthropy event and make a positive difference in their community. Furthermore, don't forget to communicate clearly with event volunteers and ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, remember to designate a point person or committee to oversee the event and address any issues that may arise.
- Identify the target audience for the event: Dial in on your audience. Would a gala dinner or a golf day be a better fit for the charity you’re working with? Does your charity appeal to a particular generation or interest? Is it a local fundraiser or a universal cause? Is it going to be an invite-only, black-tie affair, or will you reach out to the general public? Determine your audience and your marketing and outreach plan will follow.
- Create a marketing plan : An event is as successful as it is marketed!
- Choose the right marketing channels: Once you know your target audience, choose the marketing channels that will best reach them. Consider using a mix of channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and flyers, to ensure that your message reaches a wide audience.
- Develop a messaging strategy: Your messaging should clearly communicate the purpose and goals of the event, as well as why it is important and how participants can get involved. Use persuasive language to encourage people to participate and donate, and make sure your message is consistent across all channels.
- Create a content calendar: Plan out the content you will share leading up to the event to build excitement and keep your audience engaged. Make sure your messaging is consistent across all channels and that you are sharing content that is relevant and interesting to your target audience.
- Leverage partnerships: Partnering with other organizations and businesses can help you reach new audiences and build credibility. Consider partnering with local businesses, other student organizations, and your philanthropic partner to help promote the event.
- Establish a theme for your charity event: People are excited to support a cause, but they also want to have a great time. Millennials in particular are “the experiences generation.” They love spending money creating memories, and the theme of your event should help tease what awaits. Here are some philanthropy event themes you can refer to:
Casino Night
Things that you may need:
Signage: such as "High Rollers Only" or "Place Your Bets Here."
cocktail dress code for women, black tie dress code for men
