Domestic Violence Awareness
When I came to Stetson, I was convinced that Greek life was not going to be for me, and part of that was because I wanted to spend more of my time doing community service and following my passions. It just so happened, however, that my passion, of empowering women and bringing awareness to sexual harassment and abuse aligned with Alpha Chi Omega. It was a perfect fit for me from there. Alpha Chi Omega has many opportunities for community service and education. Our Philanthropy focuses on an issue that affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men— domestic violence. As the current Vice President of Philanthropy, I strive to bring awareness to domestic violence.
In a non-Covid year, we would be doing trips to the Beacon center, our local domestic violence shelter. Because of Alpha Chi Omega, we have the unique privilege to work closely with a shelter in our area, meeting women, men and children who have been affected by domestic or intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, because of Covid, we were unable to visit this last year, however, we've supported in other ways by selling masks to raise money, hosting awareness campaigns and tabling events, as well as hosting our annual Golden Lyre Gala. We are also planning to return to visiting the shelter in the upcoming semester and continue our support for the Beacon Center.
On campus, we collaborated with other organizations in order to bring awareness to domestic violence. Not only do we strive to bring awareness to campus by holding events or providing resources, but we also work to equip the women that are a part of Alpha Chi Omega with information and resources so they may also spread awareness and have real conversations with those around them about domestic violence. We strive to to reveal the signs, and how to advocate for prevention. One phrase that we use quite often in Alpha Chi Omega is, “empowered women empower women,” and this is a phrase that I, as well as many other Alpha Chi’s, aim to live out in our daily lives.
A lot of individuals on campus and in our sorority know someone, or are themselves a survivor of domestic violence. Domestic violence and intimate partner violence awareness is a cause that many of us are passionate about, and this hope for awareness fuels our outreach and the elevation of our voices on the issue. Being a part of Alpha Chi Omega is one of the many ways that someone can give back and support others thorough community service, and, for some, it is the perfect fit.
- VP Philanthropy
2022 Philanthropy week & Golden Lyre Gala
At the start of the 2019 spring semester, Kristine Hewitt Gamma Chi Alumna decided to plan Alpha Chi Omega’s first-ever Golden Lyre Gala. She wanted to make a larger impact on our philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness and our local shelter. Last Fall we held our 2022 Golden Lyre Gala, this being the first time since the pandemic and it was a incredible night. We had a buffet-style dinner, cash bar, silent auction, music, and speeches from the Beacon Center and gala committee. We had over 200 hundred friends, families, alumni, and Stetson faculty attend. From the Gala, and as a chapter, we raised over $17,000 for Domestic Violence Awareness and hosting this amazing philanthropic event will be something we continue for years to come.
WALK A MILE 2O22
Healthy Relationships Week
Resources & vIDEOS
Domestic violence can affect males and females of any age, race, socio-economic status, and religion. Our mission, as Alpha Chi Omegas, is to break the silence. We speak out when it is hard for others to find their voices. We hold events to spread awareness and to talk when people normally wouldn't. Each semester we have a philanthropy event to raise money for the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County. In the spring semester, we also have a Healthy Relationships Week where we reach out to the Stetson community in order to promote healthy relationships and give people resources to find help if they need it.
Domestic violence is not just physical abuse, it can be emotional, psychological, or even financial. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, reach out for help. The following videos can give a realistic idea of what domestic violence can look and sound like. If you feel any anxiety or have questions/concerns then do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233.