Alpha Sigma Pledge Class

Strive for Success

Call to Action

To inspire the pledge class and chapter to strive to succeed not only in APO but in life.

Objectives

To inspire the class and chapter to communicate their ideas and preferences to the chapter

To help the class and chapter understand their personal ethos

Help the class and chapter take personal accountability and have understanding to achieve personal and team success

Introduction

The Alpha Sigma pledge class of the Lambda Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Omega at California State University has been carefully designed to prepare the pledge class and chapter to strive for success in three main fields; the chapter and its activities, school, and personal endeavors. Different programs through the process will highlight each aspect of the three fields however, some weeks will focus on some aspects more than others. The way in which pledges will be taught success is through the three principles of Alpha Phi Omega, Leadership, Friendship and Service. Pledges will be given multiple opportunities to exemplify each principle of the fraternity through various programs offered through the pledging process.

Leadership

Pledges will be given multiple opportunities in order to portray their leadership capabilities through the guidance of the pledge educator team as well as the active body. Leadership opportunities include but are not limited to chairing an event ( making sure that rides are made as well as the event runs smoothly), taking up a leadership position in order to complete class requirements. The active body will be expected to portray the characteristics of true leadership. Pledges will be taught the 5 stages of leadership and how the level of leadership will affect their success and ability to become a true leader. The qualities of leadership will be based of the 12 points of the scout law. The leadership qualities in which we seek for this pledge class are not only by title but by the qualities in which you portray. Leaders are expected to take everything into consideration and respect others points of view before making a decision.

Friendship

Pledges will be taught the true meaning of friendship. Friendship in this pledging program will be defined as being willing to help other individuals not because of your personal liking to their personality, hobbies etc. but to have a willingness to help them because of the common decency of humanity. Pledges will be given many opportunities in order to explore their personal bonds with their pledge class as well as with the active body. The purpose of events will be to create long lasting friendships to Alpha Phi Omega and it’s members. Friendship is a key aspect because it makes things enjoyable. One can have a desire to lead and a joy for service but if there is no friendship then all motivation is lost.

Sevice

Service is a quality which we hold dear to us in Alpha Phi Omega and is the founding principle of this fraternity. The qualities of leadership and friendship stem from this. In order to be effective in the other principles one must understand how to show true service. Service shows the caring and understanding essential to being a true friend and shows the empathy in order to lead effectively. Alpha Phi Omega believes that servant leadership is the most effective form of leadership because it is selfless and puts the goal of the team in front of the goal of the individual.

Week 1 ( Common Law)

This weeks focus will be on common law or the laws created by society and judicial laws. Civilization is the laws which people have made from experience and to keep order in society. The way in which the pledge class will be taught to follow common law is through the three points of the scout law of trustworthy, loyal and helpful. In order to have a civilized society we must exemplify these three points. The first point is trustworthy, In order for society to function there must be a basic trust of others. This basic trust is what keeps society running. Trusting the process and rules which are set are essential for success. Without trust there is nothing because one will be looking over their shoulder constantly instead of looking ahead and striving for success in the future. Loyalty is the next point of common law. Believing in a process is not simply blindly following but knowing the core beliefs and when an individual and the organization is becoming astray from that. The final point is helpful. In order for success to arise people must be helpful. The goal has been established but now it must be executed and continue to grow. Being helpful to the goal and improving it will be the most crucial part. If there is no one helping a goal succeed then it will never succeed. Pledges will be taught that being helpful is a duty we owe to our fellow humans because in order to succeed there needs to be a support system.

Week 2 ( Law of Equity)

Equity is the quality of being fair and impartial. The three points of the scout law which exemplify this are friendly, courteous and kind. Alpha Phi Omega believes that in order to create a more accepting world we must look at the facts for what they are and be fair and impartial when making decisions. In a world segregated by so many things ( race religion etc.) Alpha Phi Omega looks to ease these tensions by being equitable. The first point is friendly, Friendliness can be extended to any human being and are the little things to make someone's day. SImply opening a door for someone is one way to be friendly. However, true friendliness is shown by what’s in the heart and the true intention opposed to the hope of recognition. The next point is courteous, this point is tied into the fabric of civilization. Being courteous is what stops the world from being chaotic. Everybody deserves to be treated with “basic respect”, which is treating others in a civil manner. The final point is kind in order to be fair to everyone we must show a sense of selflessness. Being kind is the best way to do that. Simple kindness to others is the basic way we can make the world a better and more tolerable place. If we all show a sliver of kindness and understanding of others we are a step closer to a better society.

Week 3 ( Civil Law)

Civil law is the laws between people or the unspoken law. The way in which we will highlight the unspoken laws is through the three points of the scout law of obedient, cheerful and thrifty.