Additional message from the Region III Director - Dawn Gourganis
Brothers,
Thank you for all of your thoughts and well wishes for the safety of the
members of the Zeta Beta Chapter at Virginia Tech, I know they appreciate
your support. Hopefully you have heard that all APO members are safe,
but as with any tragedy, our Zeta Beta Brothers will need time and space to
deal with the tragedy and grieve with their community. I know many of you
have friends and loved ones who attend Virginia Tech. Please take care of
yourselves and each other. Lean on each other and be sure to take advantage
of your campus counseling center.
Many chapters across the country have been asking how they can help. At
this time, the best thing we can do is to show support in a way that will
give the Chapter the time and space they need. Some suggestions to show your
concern are:
-Have a moment of silence at a Chapter event.
-Hold a candle light vigil, moment of silence or other appropriate event on
your campus.
-Organize a blood drive.
-Send a card/note to Zeta Beta (via US mail) letting them know you are
thinking of them and how you will be remembering the victims of the tragedy
on your campus.
-Along with a written greeting, your Chapter may want to include a
photograph of Chapter members holding a "we're thinking of you" sign and/or
the flags on your campus at half staff.
Please do not deluge the Chapter with email, phone calls, etc. and stick to
standard looking envelopes, etc. for notes sent via US mail. Greeting cards
and the like can be opened and shared when/how is best for the Chapter. US
mail should be sent to this address:
Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity
PO Box 1011
Blacksburg VA, 24061
Although well intentioned, other types of projects may not be appropriate at
this point--we are all grieving but want to make sure not to complicate
things on the campus. In the months to come I am sure there will be
opportunities for the fraternity to assist the Zeta Beta chapter in
remembering their fallen classmates and serve the Virginia Tech community.
I have spoken with the Service and Communication Program Director, Carla
Moran
service.director@apo.org, and she and members of the National Service
& Communication Committee, are more than happy to help you brainstorm ways
to remember the victims of this horrible tragedy on your campus.
In the meantime, please 1) know that your concern is much appreciated, 2)
prepare for your own finals, and 3) continue to serve locally where you, as
always, are greatly needed.
In LFS,
Dawn Gurganious
Region III Director
Alpha Phi Omega National CoEd Service Fraternity
region.3.director@apo.org
--KnightShadow
Linear Mode
