The Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity has a long-standing history of supporting many honorable causes, but our commitment to supporting blood cancer organizations and research has stood the test of time. The men of Phi Kappa Sigma are leaders within their chapters, campuses and communities; we are not shy about setting a high bar for ourselves, or blazing a new trail for others. The words community service, charity, and philanthropy are often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference between the three.
Many hours of effort have been given through active participation while working with others while facing real life problems and issues head-on. It helps members engage in their local community, making a connection between themselves and neighbors.
Whether you are learning valuable skills from the other members in your chapter or meeting new contacts, volunteering in your community to serve others will increase your social and relationship skills while giving back. Chapters are encouraged to select an organization that connects to the needs and interests of the chapter and its members. Chapters searching to support an organization are referred to our preferred community service partner, DKMS. Members are encouraged to conduct a “swabbing” event.
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Steve Gunderson, former president of the Council on Foundations, helped distinguish the difference between charity and philanthropy:
“Charity tends to be a short-term, emotional, immediate response, focused primarily on rescue and relief, whereas philanthropy is much more long-term, more strategic, focused on rebuilding. There is charity, which is good, and then there is problem-solving charity, which is called philanthropy.”
The philanthropy & service chair is responsible for the oversight and execution of charitable, philanthropic, and community service events. He is also responsible for fostering an environment in which the brothers understand and value the benefit of giving back to the community in the form of service and volunteerism. Many chapters have adopted a charitable purpose to benefit local charities or even created their own to donate time and treasure. Some examples over the years include:
Phi Kappa Sigma chapters have volunteered countless time and efforts to various causes throughout our organization’s history. Those looking for a charitable cause to support are encourage to participate in a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk. The opportunity exists to also host and set-up an event.
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A desire to help mankind through the giving of gifts, usually monetary in nature for humanitarian organizations and causes, philanthropy is how we achieve our greater missions. Delivering bottled water to a drought-stricken village in east Africa is charity, but philanthropy is building a well.
Our Fraternity’s national philanthropy partner is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest not-for-profit health agency dedicated to finding cures for people with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma—collectively known as blood cancers.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has one goal: a world without blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
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Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity and its chapters remain dedicated to helping in any way that we can.
