Alpha CHi omega’s keys to service program
BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES
Have you ever felt the pull to make a difference but weren’t sure where to start? Maybe you have a longstanding relationship with community service and are ready to take your work to the next level? Participating in Alpha Chi Omega’s Keys to Service Program might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Designed to inspire and empower Alpha Chi Omega collegians and alumnae, the Keys to Service Program connects members’ passion with purpose, equipping them with the tools needed to unlock their passion for service. Dive into the details to learn more about what makes this program so impactful and why you’ll want to be a part of it!
A new name, A renewed focus
As a part of Alpha Chi Omega’s inclusion and belonging work, Alpha Chi Omega created the Keys to Service program, started in 2023 under the original program name of Social Justice Institute. This new program name, Keys to Service, more accurately describes the intended outcomes of the program and reflects Alpha Chi Omega’s longstanding history rooted in generosity, compassion and commitment to creating lasting impact in our local communities. Throughout the program, members will explore our key values – wisdom, devotion, achievement and commitment –and equip themselves to transform their passion for domestic violence awareness into meaningful action while promoting inclusivity and belonging.
Program experience
Over the course of four weeks, Keys to Service participants will dive into topics to develop a greater awareness of social issues pertaining to the widespread impact of domestic violence. Through 75-minute virtual sessions, participants will engage in small-group discussions and large-group conversations led by Alpha Chi Omega alumnae and subject matter experts. Members will gain insights into supporting domestic violence prevention organizations and nonprofits, grow alongside sisters and learn how to amplify their voice for survivors.
As they reflected on their journeys, leadership strengths and strategies to prevent burnout, past participants shared:
“I feel like I have experienced so much self-growth over the years in my work as a clinical therapist and social justice advocate. This has shown me the importance of self-reflection and fostered my ability to do so when working with others, regardless of the role I was serving.” - Alyson Baxter (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
“After hearing others’ stories and even sharing my own, it has allowed me the ability to connect with others and grasp an understanding at a wider level.” - Cass Cray (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
“I have to allow myself to rest and balance volunteer duties and my passion for the causes with the rest of my life so I don’t burn out.” - Kimberly Dyan Moore (Iota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates)
Confident Change Makers
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the network of support and meaningful connections participants build week to week. Members come together from diverse backgrounds, sharing lived experiences and unique passions. These connections inspire confidence, foster collaboration and encourage participants to engage in powerful conversations about social change.
“I see myself making a difference on my college campus by continuing to create spaces for positive discussions! Whether it’s through Alpha Chi Omega or another org, I think fostering spaces of creative thinking and deliberative dialogue is so important.” - Selma Maric (Iota Psi, Elon University)
“I envision making a difference by honoring my commitments and being authentically myself while being able to break stereotypes and be a version of myself that a young me would be inspired by.” - Lilly Martinz Ross (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona)
Through these relationships, members not only grow their personal network but also see how collective efforts can create lasting impact.
YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED
Ready to unlock your full potential? The Keys to Service program is the perfect starting point. Whether you’re passionate about domestic violence awareness and education or simply want to make an impact, this program provides the foundation to turn your passion into action.
Applications open soon! Visit the Alpha Chi Omega website to learn more about Keys to Service, and stay up-to-date via social media @AlphaChiOmegaHQ and email for updates on how to join this transformative program.