Alpha Pi Omega facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpha Pi Omega |
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| ΑΠΩ | |
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| Founded | September 1, 1994 University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill |
| Type | Social |
| Emphasis | Native American |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | My Sister As Myself |
| Colors | Fire red, New Grass green and Maize yellow |
| Flower | Dogwood |
| Tree | Cedar |
| Jewel | Amethyst |
| Mascot | Queen Bee |
| Headquarters | 1441 E. 104th Street Kansas City, MO 64131 U.S. |
Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc. (ΑΠΩ) is a special group for Native American women in the United States. It is the oldest and largest sorority of its kind. A sorority is like a club for women, often found at colleges. Alpha Pi Omega has many chapters, which are like local branches, across different states and the District of Columbia.
Contents
History
Alpha Pi Omega Sorority began on September 1, 1994. It was founded at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Four Native women started the sorority. They are known as the Four Winds. Their names are Shannon Brayboy, Jamie Goins, Amy Locklear, and Christie Strickland. Before starting, they asked for advice and approval from elder women. These elders were from different Native tribes in North Carolina.
Guiding Principles
The sorority has four main ideas that guide them. These are traditionalism, spirituality, education, and current issues. Their very first group of new members was called the Fifteen Warrior Women. The sorority officially became a recognized organization in North Carolina in 1995. After that, it grew to include more college campuses.
Today, the sorority has over 900 members. These members represent more than 130 different Native tribes from all over the country. A group of thirteen members leads the sorority nationally. This group is called the Grand Keepers of the Circle. They are chosen for two-year terms and meet regularly.
Symbols and Meanings
The sorority has special colors and symbols.
- Its colors are fire red, new grass green, and maize yellow.
- The mascot is the Queen Bee.
- The jewel is the amethyst.
- The tree is the cedar.
- The flower is the dogwood.
- The motto is "My Sister As Myself." This motto shows how much they care for each other.
Activities
Alpha Pi Omega works to keep Native American traditions alive. They celebrate and practice their cultural and spiritual heritage. For example, they might host traditional stickball games. At the same time, they help college students and professionals connect. They create a strong network for their members in today's world.
The sorority has a big national meeting every year. It is called the Grand Gathering. This event brings members together from all chapters.
Community Support
Since 2010, the sorority has supported the National Indian Education Association. This organization helps improve education for Native American students. Individual chapters also hold local events to raise money. For example, some chapters have participated in events like "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes." Others have done "Remember the 10 Run." The chapter at Washington State University offered training to be an ally for LGBTQ+ people. The Oregon State University chapter raised money for the Humane Society.
Membership
Women who are interested can join Alpha Pi Omega. They can join while in college or after they have finished college.
- For college students: You must have completed at least one full term of college. You also need a GPA of 2.8 or higher. You cannot have been part of another social sorority before.
- For women after college: You must have a bachelor's degree or a higher degree. You also cannot have been part of another social sorority before.
Chapters
Alpha Pi Omega has different types of chapters. These are like local groups or branches of the sorority.
- New groups start as "expansion chapters" or "honey pots."
- After about a year, an expansion chapter can become a "provisional chapter."
- Chapters officially become chartered at the sorority's annual Grand Gathering.
- There are also "graduate chapters" for women who have finished their college degrees.
The sorority has many active chapters across nine states and Washington, D.C. These chapters are at various universities and in different communities.
See also
- Cultural interest fraternities and sororities
- List of social fraternities and sororities
- Phi Sigma Nu fraternity
