When we hear the word service, two things often come to mind: volunteering time and giving money. It is important to realize that these do not mean the same thing. Service is hands-on interaction with organizations or individuals that benefit from your time. Philanthropy is the act of donating money to organizations or individuals. Both service and philanthropy should be important to brothers of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.
Service and philanthropy activities are important to the overall development of each of us as members of our communities. Not only does helping our communities benefit those in need, it also contributes to our personal growth.
Service as a part of our Brotherhood Circle and Social Responsibility as a part of our Credo both emphasize the importance of participation, both within our organizations and in our communities.
These opportunities provide us with valuable practical experiences with leadership, team-building, goal-setting, networking and many other skills that are important regardless of where our professional careers take us after college.
With regard to our local chapters and colonies, service and philanthropy offer us a chance to stand out and to show our respective universities and communities one aspect of what makes ZBT a Powerhouse of Excellence.
National Philanthrophy: Children's Miracle Network
At the Summer 2002 meeting of the ZBT Supreme Council in Pittsburgh, PA, Children's Miracle Network was named the official adopted philanthropy of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. While this does not mandate our chapters/colonies to participate in fundraising events for a CMN hospital, it does encourage our chapters to look into options of raising money for this charity.
Reasons why CMN was adopted as our philanthropy
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There are over 170 CMN Hospitals nationwide with one being in driving distance of all of our chapters and colonies.
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Brothers can actually see the difference they are making in their communities by visiting their local CMN Hospital.
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Adopting a national charity provides our brothers with a common cause to work for and allows them to team up regionally to perform fundraising projects.
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ZBT is the 5th Greek-letter organization to partner with CMN allowing our Brothers a chance to collaborate with other Greeks for a good cause.
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This relationship provides our undergraduates with a chance to learn valuable civic responsibilities and program planning skills.
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CMN is known nationally for its dedication and support of children across the world.
