A Note from Brother Elijah Mercer:

 

The DC Delta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at American University has strived to focus on many areas relevant to the fraternity’s ideals: academics, athletics, programming, and involvement on campus are just some of them. Now, the chapter is focusing its efforts on community service and service learning.

As a chapter, DC Delta has agreed to complete 500 hours of community service by the end of the semester. Brother Elijah Mercer, community service chair, has been tracking the hours each brother spends on community service. Hours count toward the overall goal whether they are completed as a fraternity function or outside of the fraternity.

When the chapter completes its 500 hours in May, they will be applying for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period. Groups are awarded a bronze, silver, or gold medal depending on the amount of hours they have completed. DC Delta’s goal by the end of December 2011 is 1000 hours.

Brothers partake in numerous events. From trash clean ups on the local Anacostia River to tutoring and reading to students in the greater DC area, DC Delta is contributing not only to the campus community but the DC community as well.

Some brothers have even started their own projects. From baking Jewish Challah bread to give to homeless shelters, to managing a two-day service project as part of a DC community service event, to an educational reenactment of the Civil War in Virginia, DC Delta exhibits initiative in all the right places.