Leadership, friendship and service are the basic principles of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, and members of the UT chapter of the organization strive toward these goals by working with the campus and community.

APO, the largest fraternity in the nation, has more than 17,000 male and female members at 366 campuses across the country. Founded in 1925 at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, the fraternity is based on Scout Oath and Scout Law of the Boy Scouts of America. 

The UT chapter of the organization, Iota Alpha, currently has more than 60 members who joined seeking opportunities to do volunteer work, gain leadership experience and make new friends.

"The service opportunities are really great, as well as all the people you meet through the organization because they are all service-oriented and really good people," said Lauren Burgess, senior in global studies. 

Leadership

The 12 members of the APO executive board meet weekly to work together to decide on matters that affect the fraternity. 

"Everything you do is as a team. Everyone's input is valuable to achieve your goal," said Chase Jordan, APO sergeant at arms.

Other members also have the opportunity to gain leadership experience by joining committees formed by executive board members. 

Friendship

The notion of brotherhood is important to APO. Members regularly gather for socials, including a spring retreat and sectionals, which bring multiple chapters together. 

"Retreat and other socials allow us to get to know new people and form lasting friendships," said Michael Kee, junior in mechanical engineering.

"APO is the only fraternity I know of with very diverse people, which broadens people's views of culture and ethnicity," said Leslie Sadeghi, senior in animal science.

Service 

APO's primary focus is to provide service to the campus, the community, the fraternity and the nation. Members of the UT chapter participate in weekly services on campus and in the community, such as Adopt-a-Spot, Boys & Girls Club and the Love Kitchen.

"The Love Kitchen is my favorite service because all of the people there are really nice and are doing it for all the right reasons," said Burgess. 

The Love Kitchen provides meals for homeless, homebound and unemployed people throughout Knoxville. APO volunteers typically help prepare and box food to be sent out.

APO members have also begun working with the Lost Sheep Ministry, a nonprofit organization which helps homeless people. Every Wednesday, APO members and other volunteers distribute food and clothing to homeless people under the bridge on Blackstock Avenue. 

"My favorite service is Lost Sheep because I always feel like they need me, and you get to meet the people you help," said Natalie Wilson, APO treasurer.

In addition to regular weekly services, members also take part in special service events throughout the year, such as Relay for Life and Race for the Cure.

"I love APO because it is full of incredible people who truly love to give back to the community as much as they can and have fun doing it," said Sadeghi.