AXOs from University of North Dakota doing great things to end DVA!

http://media.www.dakotastudent.com/media/storage/paper970/news/2009/09/22/Life/Golfers.Unite.To.End.Abuse-3779369.shtml

Golfers unite to end abuse

Staff Report

Zeta Upsilon Alumna Victoria Rusnak is hoping to be one of roughly two hundred young people to bike across America next summer to benefit Bike and Build, an organization that organizes cross-country bicycle trips which supports affordable housing groups across the country.

In order to "earn her bike" she needs to raise $4000 and she would love your support!

Did we mention that it is tax deductible? Can you say philanthropy points?

To learn more about Bike and Build, please see their website: http://www.bikeandbuild.org/cms/

To donate in support of Victoria, please send cash or check (made out to Victoria Rusnak) to the Zeta Upsilon chapter house (11421 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH 44106). Victoria will then send one big check to Bike and Build!

Any questions? Feel free to reply here!

http://fsunews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110407/FSVIEW/110406020#

FSU Alpha Chi Omega's philanthropy raises awareness about domestic violence

Men in heels walk a half-mile for a cause

Renee Jacques • Contributing Writer • April 7, 2011

The Alpha Chi Omega sorority and its philanthropy, ParTee, kicked off its annual week of events benefiting the Women's Refuge House by hosting its first-ever "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event on Tuesday, April 5, at 5 p.m. Both male and female participants walked a half-mile in high heels starting at Sheesha Nights Cafe, proceeding down Jefferson Street, and ending at Park Street, where the Alpha Chi Omega house is located.

"The goal of ParTee is to raise money and awareness for domestic violence and for the Women's Refuge House," said Kate Shanahan, 22, chair of ParTee. "So we're going to walk around campus with guys dressed in girls' shoes to raise awareness for the cause."

ParTee, created in the 1980s, is FSU's philanthropy benefiting the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the Women's Refuge House.

Located in Tallahassee, the Women's Refuge House provides direct services to battered women and their children in Leon County and other neighboring counties.

ParTee dedicates a week each semester to raising awareness and money for the house and provides clothes, books, and other necessities to those in need.

"I just feel like it's something that hits home to a lot of people," said Alexa Yannes, 22, who is currently serving her fourth year as ParTee's assistant chair. "I know it affects women pretty much every day. It's just sad to see that happen."

Other than raising awareness, another main focal point of the event was to evoke sympathy and compassion for women amongst men. By walking on the FSU campus in heels and women's clothing, Yannes said she hoped participants would get a feel for a woman's everyday experience.

"[Hopefully] they see what it's like as a woman, and they will realize that [domestic violence] is something that cannot be tolerated," Yannes said.

Shanahan said she, too, hoped for the same.

"Hopefully it will put [things] in perspective for what we have to go through-how we're perceived by men and how it's important to respect women," Shanahan said.

Michael Mahramus, a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in psychology, said he was ready for the challenge.

"I'm participating in this event to support a great cause and to see what it's really like when girls have to go out at night in these atrocious heels," Mahramus said. "Domestic violence is horrible and the fact that a bunch of guys are coming out and making an effort and taking a stand is wonderful. I'm glad to be a part of it."

ParTee has a variety of related events following the walk on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they asked for people to wear purple for domestic abuse awareness and on Thursday, there is a candlelight vigil planned at the sorority house.

The main event, however, is the ParTee Charity Golf Tournament at Killearn Country Club on Saturday, April 9. Many of the sorority members' fathers will be participating in the tournament while the mothers will be treated to a teetime lunch.

"Every year we raise thousands of dollars at the golf tournament," said Shanahan. "The week ends on Sunday when we will have a brunch and an auction to raise money for the Refuge House."

By creating the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event, Shanahan said the sorority hopes to get more people involved in the cause.

"Hopefully it will let people know that it's a cause to be aware of and that it happens all the time," Shanahan said. "Because it's not as popular a cause as others, hopefully it will get people more involved in the future years."

Bryce Zimmer, an 18-year-old freshman majoring in accounting, said that the event helped him realize the plight women face.

"I understand where they're coming from," said Zimmer. "It's not just literally a 'walk in their shoes.' It kind of puts it in perspective for you as well; you kind of get to see it through their eyes."

After walking in heels, Mahramus also said that he does not understand why women wear such high heels.

"I would never, ever, go out in these," Mahramus said. "I don't care if it makes you look better; they're horrible."

Photo Captions:  1) Attendees began the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event by Sheesha Nights Cafe on Jefferson Street on April 5, 2011 (Simon Lopez/FSView)

2) Michael Mahramus walks in heels in support of domestic violence awareness at the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event on April 5, 2011 (Simon Lopez/FSView)

3) (L-R) Friends Austin Albury and Nick Vergara talk to members of Alpha Chi Omega in costume before the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event on April 5, 2011 (Simon Lopez/FSView)

 http://www.cw.ua.edu/announcements-for-10-16-09-1.2001394 

The Crimson White

Announcements for 10/16/09

Register for 5K by Monday

Stomp Out Domestic Violence will be held on Nov. 8, with check-in beginning at 1 p.m. at the RISE Center. The race will begin at 2 p.m. and will follow a course through the campus. All proceeds for this event will go to domestic violence awareness and prevention, and it is sponsored by Alpha Chi Omega and Lambda Chi Alpha. The registration fee is $20, which includes a t-shirt if you sign up before Monday. If you would like to sign up, please email Jessica Boyd at jessicakboyd@gmail.com for a registration form.

Hello Sisters! 

My name is Aly Bobulsky and I am a recent graduate from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and a proud alumna of the Theta Omega chapter.  Throughout my college years, Theta Omega became my home and comfort, as I developed into a strong and confident leader and woman.  I was initiated in March of 2007, and served my chapter as VP Education in 2008 and as Chapter President 2009. 

For the 2010-2011 year beginning this August, I have accepted a position with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.  I will serve a diverse and underserved community of Oakland, CA as the new Program Coordinator of Native American Health Center, a clinic for the poor and uninsured.  It took me a long time to discern that a year of volunteering was the right post-grad move for me. I look at my year as more than volunteering because the program is so much more than that....but rather, a year to live in solidarity with the people that I wish to serve in the future. As I thought about post-grad plans, the question consistently popped in my head "How can I possibly serve the marginalized in my career if I don't understand them and live among them?" Throughout the next year I look to bridge a gap of my understanding and to be immersed in the poor.

I feel that my experience with Alpha Chi Omega has given me the courage that I needed to take this step, and that is something that I am eternally grateful for.  Through my position with Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), I am living out our values, so proudly sung within our pillars and beautiful symphony.  JVC is based on the four principles of community, simple living, spirituality, and social justice.  I will live in a house with other volunteers and I’ll live without comforts that I am used to, such as my heels, pearls, and blackberry.  I am looking forward to living with other people who are all thinking critically about the world we live in and how we can work for justice, especially for those who are most oppressed.  The organization saves non-profit organizations and schools millions of dollars every year so that they can continue to make a difference in our communities. 

JVC asks all volunteers to fundraise in order to support its mission.  I sincerely appreciate any support my sisters can offer, whether that is your money, your prayers, or your love.  Please click this link if you are interested in donating and supporting me  https://atl.etapestry.com/fundraiser/JesuitVolunteerCorps/CelebrateLA/individual.do?participationRef=2315.0.94792775  I am incredibly grateful for your time and support!  Thank you!

LITB,

Aly Bobulsky

PS feel free to contact me with questions at alyson.bobulsky@gmail.com or read my blog at www.alybobulsky.blogspot.com

Hello all,

Cabrini Connections located in Chicago, IL is looking for volunteers and donations. If you are in the area and would like to become a volunteer for the tutor/mentor program at Cabrini Connections please go on their website at cabriniconnections.net or tutormentorconnections.org

If you are not from the Chicagoland area but would still like to help you can go on either of those websites to donate.

Thank You.

October 13th, 2009: We hope you'll take the time to learn more about teen dating violence and how to prevent it. Learn more http://axomtm.squarespace.com/journal/2009/10/12/preventing-teen-dating-violence.html and http://collegelifestyles.org/?p=4163 then please help us spread the word!

 Hi everyone,