PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY
PUSH AMERICA
MANUAL
L E A D E R S B Y CH O IC E
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Push America and Pi Kappa Phi ............................................................................................................................. 3
History of Push America ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Values of Push America ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Mission and Vision Statements ............................................................................................................................... 4
Core Values of Push America ................................................................................................................................. 4
Abilities ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Teamwork ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Empathy ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Integrity ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Push America Focus Areas ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Disability Awareness .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Fundraising........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Volunteerism ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Push America Programs ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Journey of Hope ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Gear Up Florida ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Build America ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
AccessABILITY ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Give-A-Push Weekends ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Push Camps .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Push America Challenge ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Duties of the Push America Chairman .................................................................................................................. 8
Gold Book – Law VI, Subdivision 2, Section 11 ........................................................................................................ 8
The Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence ....................................................................................................... 8
What Does this Mean for You? ............................................................................................................................... 8
Has your Chapter Participated in One Revenue-Generating Event for Push America? ................................................. 9
How to Get Started ............................................................................................................................................... 9
What is your Push America fundraising total for this year? ....................................................................................... 9
Model Chapter Program Guidelines ....................................................................................................................... 10
Does your chapter have a functioning local volunteer relationship? ........................................................................ 11
How many members are active within the volunteer relationship? .......................................................................... 11
How often does your chapter participate with your volunteer relationship? ............................................................. 12
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Have chapter members participated in a national Push America event this year? .................................................... 12
Does your chapter have a philanthropy chairman? ................................................................................................ 12
Does your chapter have a Push America committee that meets at least monthly? ................................................... 12
Does your chapter have a written Push America program? ................................................................................... 13
Receiving Recognition for Your Chapter ............................................................................................................... 14
Taking a Closer Look ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Disability Awareness........................................................................................................................................... 15
Hosting an Empathy Dinner ................................................................................................................................ 15
Fundraising........................................................................................................................................................ 17
How to Approach Potential Sponsors .................................................................................................................... 17
What to do with Donations .................................................................................................................................. 19
Who to Ask for Donations .................................................................................................................................... 19
Volunteerism ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Starting a Volunteer Relationship ......................................................................................................................... 21
The Impact You Make ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Getting Media Coverage at Events ....................................................................................................................... 23
Talking Points for Interviews................................................................................................................................ 24
A Year in the Life of Push America at Your Chapter .......................................................................................... 25
Sample Volunteer Program Planning Worksheet ............................................................................................... 26
Sample Fundraising Program Planning Worksheet ........................................................................................... 27
Sample Disability Awareness Program Planning Worksheet ............................................................................ 28
Sample Push America Events .............................................................................................................................. 29
Push America Contact Information..................................................................................................................... 30
Push America Staff Directory.......................................................................................................................... 30
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PUSH AMERICA AND PI KAPPA PHI
Push America is one of the defining factors of what it means to be a Pi Kappa Phi. This manual is designed to lay the
foundation of a well-balanced Push America program for your chapter. This resource will provide basic information about
Push America and its programs. Additionally, it will explore the metrics on which chapters are measured and outline what
an ideal chapter of Pi Kappa Phi does with Push America yearly. Finally, this resource will provide help planning Push
America events by asking and answering the right questions.
To acquire additional information regarding Push America please contact the Director of Chapter Services at Push America
at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
PUSH AMERICA
HISTORY OF PUSH AMERICA
In 1976, the executive director of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, Durward Owen, rallied leaders within his fraternity to create
a movement that would unite a brotherhood while reaching out to those with disabilities. To realize their vision, they
enlisted help and ideas from Thomas Sayre, who had designed therapeutic play units for children with disabilities.
In 1977, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity established Push America as a non-profit organization. The men wanted to ignite a
greater support and understanding for people with disabilities by expanding their projects from the construction of play
units to a number of exceptional programs. These programs raise funds to aid the construction and remodeling of various
summer camps that offer opportunities for physically or mentally challenged.
In 1987, one of the Pi Kappa Phi brothers, Bruce Rogers, made a commitment to attract more attention to the mission of
Push America. Rogers’ efforts prompted his personal expedition to cycle across America. His experience inspired the
fundraising event called Journey of Hope in 1988. Jim Karlovec led the first 21-person team of cyclists from coast to
coast. The dedication and hard work of Karlovec and his team spread awareness of the true abilities of people with
disabilities while raising funds to contribute to the continuation of beneficial projects.
Today, Push America activities like Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida, Give-a-Push Weekends, Push Camps and
AccessABILITY projects continue to make a difference in the lives of Pi Kappa Phi brothers and those with disabilities.
To extend the efforts of Rogers and Karlovec, the cycling venture has made a distinct impact. Since 1988, Journey of
Hope has grown into three distinct routes across America that is traveled every summer by the cycling bikes of more than
90 Pi Kappa Phi fraternity men.
One year later in 1989, construction efforts of Push America were built upon when Holy Angels of Charlotte, N.C. hosted
the first Give-A-Push Weekend. These weekends are two-day programs that allow undergraduate fraternity men to work
on building accessible environments for camps or other organizations. These organizations may be involved in supporting
and providing activities and programs that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.
After two years, Clemson Outdoor Lab in Clemson, S.C. hosted the first Push Camp. To further the construction efforts of
Push America, a weeklong Push Camp program was created to provide fraternity brothers an opportunity to trade their
traditional college Spring Break for a much different experience. AccessABILITY was introduced in 1994. This program is
designed to provide undergraduates and alumni members of Pi Kappa Phi with a chance to participate in local service
programs by constructing wheelchair ramps at the homes of those who need it.
In 1997, a third cycling event was created that would combine a schedule of intense interactions with people with
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disabilities while stopping to participate in various special events. Gear Up Florida is a condensed two-week cycling event
that involves cycling 800 miles between Miami and Tallahassee.
In 2003, an additional construction program called Build America was launched to create accessible environments at six
different summer camps over six weeks during the summer. The fraternity men also form friendships as they visit and
travel from camp to camp. Build America has had a huge impact on campers and is called a “life-changing experience” for
the fraternity brothers who participate.
The members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity have raised millions in funds for these programs. Push America has also received
many generous donations throughout the years from companies such as Clif Bar, KRG Capital, NYC Velo and Chipotle.
Additional programs are in development to increase fundraising and build upon the underlying mission of Push America.
Numerous awards have recognized its efforts since 1991. From 2003-2005, Push America was awarded the Charity
Navigator’s Four Star Organizational Excellence Award each year. In 2005, the United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh
Humanitarian Award was presented to Push America. Several other awards have been presented to Push America each
year.
VALUES OF PUSH AMERICA
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Mission: Building leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today.
Vision: Push America will redefine the way society views people with disabilities and fraternities.
Push America’s integrity to its mission is exemplified in every program. Push America programs were created to educate
and provide a quality hands-on service experience for members of Pi Kappa Phi while enhancing the lives of people with
disabilities.
Push America has the future in mind as many members of Pi Kappa Phi go on to be leaders in their communities, states
and country. Pi Kappa Phi members are serving on disability committees and task forces within their companies and
communities, volunteering for local organizations that serve people with disabilities and some have even created their
own non-profit organization to create their own special impact on the community.
THE CORE VALUES OF PUSH AMERICA
At the heart of the mission and vision are the core values of Push America. Push America strives to exemplify these
values on a daily basis through its mission and the programs provided. The core values serve as the guiding principles of
the organization and are present in all of the different programs provided.
Abilities
People with disabilities are often stereotyped as lacking abilities. All people have abilities, but in some cases those abilities
are at first unseen. You should always believe in and seek out the different abilities of all people.
Teamwork
Teamwork is required to accomplish the impossible and through teamwork all things are possible. Through teamwork,
Push America and Pi Kappa Phi achieves more. All projects and programs of Push America are team-oriented and the
impact can be seen, not only in the people that we serve, but in the leaders that we continue to develop as well. We as Pi
Kappa Phis are called to help one another everyday and become active citizens within the community.
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Empathy
Understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses are vital in promoting individual and group well-being. The
weaknesses aren’t used against one another or felt sorry for. Each also understands each other’s role and purpose in the
challenge. Likewise, you should always display empathy for people with disabilities rather than sympathy. Seek to
understand their strengths and challenges, but never feel sorry for them. Individuals should engage in conversation with
people with disabilities just as they would with a friend or any other person.
Integrity
Push America has a mission and realizes it is through honesty and responsibility of our work that we will continue to
advance that mission. It is our prerogative to ensure our events align with the values of Push America and Pi Kappa Phi;
we will do what we say we will do. Push America’s integrity and passion to its mission is what continually supports the
development of leadership in the members of Pi Kappa Phi and improvements in the lives of people with disabilities.
PUSH AMERICA FOCUS AREAS
Disability Awareness
Push America strives to educate the men of Pi Kappa Phi and the American public on the abilities of people with
disabilities. People with disabilities should be recognized as a person first and not by their disability. This is the main
message Push America wants to convey to campuses and communities across the country.
Disability awareness can be accomplished through numerous empathy training events. Empathy means understanding
another person’s situation, feelings, thoughts and attitudes. Push America’s empathy training exercises simulate what it
MIGHT be like to have a disability. Individuals will gain firsthand experience and a better perspective on some of the
challenges that people with disabilities face in their everyday life. As an example, one exercise asks a person to button up
an oversized shirt while wearing socks over both hands. This simulates the loss of fine motor movement in the hands, a
common characteristic of people with cerebral palsy. Other disabilities can be simulated with blindfolds, taping fingers
together and operating a wheelchair in an everyday routine, to name a few.
Fundraising
The second of Push America’s areas of focus is fundraising. Through chapter fundraising events, summer team events
and other fundraising event, Pi Kappa Phis raise nearly a million dollars annually for Push America and people with
disabilities. As proof of using brotherhood to benefit others, Pi Kappa Phis hold events such as car washes, raffles, sports
tournaments and toll roads to benefit the projects and programs of Push America. These funds are distributed across the
country to benefit people with disabilities and provide more service opportunities for Pi Kappa Phis across the nation.
The sense of accomplishment, pride and satisfaction that brothers receive knowing they are improving the quality of life
for people with disabilities makes all the hard work worthwhile. Pi Kappa Phis across the nation have collectively raised
over $13 million in support of the various programs Push America offers. The undergraduate chapters continue to proudly
support Push America and are excellent advocates in spreading a message of acceptance and understanding for people
with disabilities.
Volunteerism
The third and most integral aspect of Push America is volunteerism. Most chapters across the country volunteer at a local
facility that supports people with disabilities, as well as numerous other types of organizations. Chapters volunteer for
other national organizations like Special Olympics, local chapters of The Arc, UCP and many others. They help with swim
classes, bowling events, track and field events, community dances, etc. Some chapters volunteer one day a month to help
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a facility with various work projects, while some chapters spend time every week special needs classes and school in their
community. Your university also has a Disability Resource Center where you can get involved right there on your campus.
Volunteer relationships are a great way for Pi Kappa Phis to really have an impact in the life of a person with a disability
as well as their own. It is also a great way to make new friends and learn valuable lessons about people with disabilities
and one’s self.
Push America awards partnership grants to facilities, on behalf of chapters that have a steady and ongoing volunteer
relationship with a local chapter. These Circle of Giving grant checks equal 25 percent of the chapter’s fundraising total
from the previous academic year. The Circle of Giving grant checks are typically sent out by the first week of October.
This is a great opportunity for the chapter to see the impact being made by their hard work through out the year and an
opportunity for the chapter to promote their volunteer relationship to the university, community and local media. This is
another way for Pi Kappa Phis to see how their fund raising is directly impacting the lives of people with disabilities in
their community.
Push America Programs
As members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, we are committed to serving our community and people with disabilities. Push
America provides opportunities to fraternity members through its programs that bring together Pi Kappa Phis from across
the country to work side by side to build a better tomorrow while building the bonds of brotherhood. The benefits of
these programs go beyond enhancing the lives of people with disabilities to building character and leadership skills in all
who are involved.
All of Push America’s events are open to any pre-initiated member of Pi Kappa Phi; you do not have to be initiated to
participate in the events. The only exception is Push America Challenge, which is open to non-members of Pi Kappa Phi
as well.
Journey of Hope
This cycling event is composed of 100 undergraduate and alumni members from across the United States who cycle
4,000 miles from San Francisco, CA, and Seattle, WA to Washington, D.C. participating in activities and events to promote
a greater understanding of people with disabilities. Through team member fund raising and corporate sponsorships, the
event raises more than $500,000. Registration for this event is open all year, with the option of signing up for an event
up to two years in advance.
Gear Up Florida
Every summer 35 undergraduates and alumni of Pi Kappa Phi meet in Miami, FL to cycle 800 miles through 13 cities
before ending in Tallahassee. This cycling event raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. Every year Gear
Up Florida raises more than $80,000, through team member fund raising and corporate sponsorships. Registration for this
event is open all year, with the option of signing up for an event up to two years in advance.
Build America
Developed in 2003, Build America is a six-week summer program where members of Pi Kappa Phi will construct accessible
environments at six camps that support people with disabilities across the country. Team members are incorporated to
the summer camp atmosphere and have the opportunity for extended personal interaction with the campers who will
benefit from their hard work, making this a very unique and life enriching experience for all involved. Registration for this
event is open all year, with the option of signing up for an event up to two years in advance.
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AccessABILITY
This construction program provides opportunities for Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country to get involved in their
local community. Through the construction of wheelchair ramps, Push America and Pi Kappa Phi are making homes more
accessible for families year after year. This program is designed to benefit low-income families who have a family
member with a disability. It is a chapter-initiated program that can be completed at any point during the year.
Give-A-Push Weekends
This national service program has been a part of Pi Kappa Phi’s service experience since 1989. It provides funding and
manpower to build and renovate structures such as accessible fishing piers, boardwalks, pavilions, playgrounds, etc. for
facilities that support people with disabilities. The work that you can do over a weekend will help enhance the lives of
people with disabilities for many years to come as well as save camps thousands of dollars on labor and materials.
Registration for fall GAP Weekends open towards the end of August and are held during the months of October and
November. Spring GAP Weekends are typically held in March and April, with registration beginning towards the end of
January.
Push Camps
Push Camp has been a part of Pi Kappa Phi’s service experience since 1991. Similar to GAP Weekends, Push Camp has
been utilized by many Pi Kappa Phis as an alternative Spring Break. Giving up a portion of your Spring Break is nothing
compared to the rewards you will receive from experiencing a Push Camp. The work that is completed during a Push
Camp will impact the lives of campers and their camp experience for many years and saves the camp thousands of dollars
on labor and materials. Registration for Push Camp typically begins towards the end of January, with the event taking
place in conjunction with many universities’ Spring Break.
Push America Challenge
The Push America Challenge is an opportunity for individuals to challenge themselves in endurance events while raising
funds and awareness for Push America and people with disabilities. Past participants have taken part in many events
including marathons, Ironman Triathlons, 5K, and even backpacking across Europe. The Push America Challenge is open
to members of Pi Kappa Phi as well as non-members and allows participants to select their own event and fundraising
minimum. It is through these events that participants develop a better appreciation for true human ability. Any one can
sign up for a Push America Challenge event at any point during the year.
For additional information on all of Push America’s programs or how to register/apply for an event, please refer to
www.pushamerica.org/events or contact the Director of Chapter Services at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
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DUTIES OF THE PUSH AMERICA CHAIRMAN
The position of Push America chairman covers a variety of different areas; from fundraising, to volunteerism/community
service to raising awareness. It can be overwhelming trying to take on the position all alone, therefore it is highly
encouraged that a Push America committee be created in your chapter to assist you in your programming of various
events throughout the year. Having a strong committee supporting you will allow you to share some of your duties as
chairman with others and spread the workload to get more brothers actively involved. This will also help in making sure
your chapter has balanced Push America programming throughout the year.
Gold Book – Law XIII, Subdivision 1, Section 8
“Each chapter shall have a Philanthropy Chairman who shall be responsible for directing and supervising all philanthropic
and service oriented activities of the chapter. These activities shall include, but are not limited to, those directly aligned
with the sprit and mission of Push America.
Each student chapter shall participate in at least one (1) revenue generating event per year for Push America. All funds
raised must be submitted within two weeks after the chapter collects the funds.”
THE SEVEN OBJECTIVES OF CHAPTER EXCELLENCE
The Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence is a resource to assist the development of your chapter. The items identified
are considered “best practices” that leading chapters across the country utilize.
Commitment to Service is a vital component of the Seven Objectives. To excel in this area, the following items are
necessary:
 Perform at least one (1) revenue generating event for Push America each year
 Have an active local volunteer relationship
 Have members participate in a national Push America program each year
 Have a Push America chairman
 Conduct Push America committee meetings monthly
 Have a written Push America program
Each of the above items are addressed throughout this manual.
What Does this Mean for You?
The national organization measures success through The Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence. The Seven Objectives
of Chapter Excellence have been developed as a resource to assist you in the development of your chapter. In each of
the seven objectives you will find two different types of questions: quantitative and programmatic.
The first type of evaluation is done through the quantitative questions. Here we ask you to honestly compare your
chapter to the rest of the Greek community and campus. In order to be the leading chapter on your campus, you must be
able to prove your claim with statistical data. In addition, it is unfair of the National Office to compare chapters to one
another. A chapter at a small, commuter school is going to have to achieve different levels to be the leading chapter than
a chapter at a large, state school with a prominent Greek community. Since the quantitative data is campus specific, it
gives everyone a clear picture of where you stand amongst your peers.
The second type of evaluation is done through programmatic questioning. Although we are very proud of our chapters
when they topple the competition in the quantitative section, it is our intent to have leading chapters on every campus
where Pi Kappa Phi is present for the duration of our existence. The continuation of success is contingent on the
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programs a chapter regularly conducts. It is one thing to achieve success, it is another to know how you have done it and
lay the groundwork for its continuation!
Each semester your chapter will complete this Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence Report and work with your
leadership consultant and Regional Governor to identify the needs of your members and leaders. Your annual leadership
consultant visit will be based on meeting the needs of the areas that challenge your chapter the most. This will enable
you to maximize your relationship with your leadership consultant and use the best ideas from across the country to
succeed on your home campus.
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity is the only national fraternity to create, own and operate its own National outreach program, Push
America. Because of this distinction it is imperative that every member embraces the mission of Push America; it is your
chapter’s key to becoming the leading chapter on your campus.
Commitment to Service is found in section six of the report and is measured as stated on the following pages.
Has your chapter participated in one revenue-generating event for Push America?
Per Supreme Law XIII, Subdivision 1, Section 8 each student chapter shall participate in at least one (1) revenuegenerating event per year for Push America. All funds raised should be submitted to Push America within two weeks after
the chapter collects the funds.
Fundraising is an important component of a successful chapter’s use of Push America. Fundraising is an area in which Pi
Kappa Phi truly excels beyond all other fraternities. Since Push America’s inception in 1977, members have raised over
$13 million. A successful fundraiser can be a rallying point for a chapter. It can be a source of pride that helps to recruit
new members. It can drastically improve a chapter’s image on campus and with your local community. It can even be an
exciting non-alcoholic social event.
Above all, it gives each brother involved the satisfaction of knowing that he’s doing something good and is helping to
positively impact the life of another person.
How to Get Started
 Know why you are raising money! - Educate yourself about Push America.
 Respect FIPG - No alcoholic parties for Push America are permitted.
 Open a Push America Bank Account - The account should require two signatures.
 Develop and utilize a Push America Committee.
 Watch overhead expenses - the chapter needs to agree on an allotted amount for a Push America budget.
 Try to get items and services donated for events as often as possible to limit expenses.
 Meet your chapter fundraising stretch goal.
 Be aware of other events on your school and chapter calendars.
 Send money fundraised to Push America office no later than 72 hours following the event.
 Contact the Push America office if you have any questions at all.
What is your Push America fundraising total for this year?
Push America and Pi Kappa Phi national office rank chapters on both qualitative and quantitative indicators. It is
recommended that each chapter have a stretch goal for Push America fundraising each semester. This helps the chapter
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to identify a specific fundraising goal and provide fundraising growth. The following is a tool to see where your chapter
falls in the fundraising levels:
Total Manpower: ______________
**Manpower is the number of active brothers in the chapter and should be adjusted each semester. This number can be
used is setting a per-man fundraising goal that will help the chapter achieve its fundraising goals for the year**
Last Year’s Fund-raising Stretch Goals: $___________
This Year’s Fund-raising Stretch Goals: $___________
Previous Year Fundraising Total: $___________
Level 1:
 Raise at least $35.00 per man between July 1 and June 30
 Hold a revenue generating event
 Has a Push America Chairman
Level 2:
 Raise at least $50.00 - $74.99 per man between July 1 and June 30
 Hold a revenue-generating event
 Has a Push America Chairman
 Has a volunteer relationship with an organization serving people with disabilities
 Participate* in at least one (1) national Push America program (including Push America Academy at MYLC)
* Participation is defined as at least one chapter member attending a project or program.
Level 3:
 Raise at least $75.00+ per man between July 1 and June 30
 Hold a revenue-generating event
 Has a Push America Chairman
 Has a volunteer relationship with an organization serving people with disabilities, with 1/3 of the chapter
participating
 Participate in at least one (1) national Push America program (including Push America Academy at MYLC)
Additional Opportunities:
 Have a Push America Chairman
 Submit $100.00+ per man to achieve Centennial Society status
 Submit $150.00+ per man to achieve Thomas Sayre Society status
 Submit $250.00+ per man to achieve Durward Owen Society status
Other Items to Keep in Mind:
 Produce a written plan outlining clearly established goals and objectives
 A separate Push America account and maintains strong financial accountability
 Appoint a chapter Push America advisor
 Active component in recruitment efforts
 Active component in member education program
 Active component in PR plan for the chapter through Push America
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Does your chapter have a functioning local volunteer relationship?
It is important to create the hands-on experience that brings your chapter membership face-to-face with the reason Pi
Kappa Phi promotes awareness, raises funds and helps people with disabilities. You can find local facilities for people with
disabilities by looking in your phone book under ‘Human Resources or Services’ or by doing an online search of disability
organizations in your community. If you are unable to find a facility in this manner, contact your college or university –
almost all have a program for developmental disabilities – or the local high school. The important thing is to establish a
meaningful relationship that is beneficial for both your members and the facility you are assisting.
Local volunteerism is a very important component of a successful chapter’s use of Push America. Many facilities and
organizations would simply cease to exist without the support of their volunteer network. As a volunteer, you have the
opportunity to play an important role in the work of hundreds of organizations serving people with disabilities across the
country.
Possible organizations in your community that a volunteer relationship may be set up with:
 Special Olympics (Both on the state and local levels)
 Local chapters of
o
The Arc
o
UCP (United Cerebral Palsy)
o
Easter Seals
 Local schools or special education class rooms that serve children with disabilities
If you need further assistance in finding and developing a volunteer relationship, please contact the Director of Chapter
Services at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
How many members are active within the volunteer relationship?
A successful volunteer relationship is not just a small group of guys participating but a chapter working together to
complete a common goal set by that specific chapter.
With your leadership and determination, your chapter can enhance the local volunteerism component of its work for Push
America. Volunteering is a two-way street. Not only will your chapter make a difference in the organization, but that
organization will leave a mark on those who get involved. Convincing the men in your chapter that there are critical
volunteers needed in your community is a challenge, but it’s not as difficult as you might imagine.
 Have a plan
 Set realistic goals for your chapter’s involvement
 Create a work plan to meet your goals
 Celebrate those members who actively take part in the volunteer relationship
Building an effective volunteer program requires a lot of determination. If only five members of your chapter volunteer,
you must look at this as a success. Do not get discouraged. Use the volunteers you have as pitch-people to other
members. Developing servant leaders takes time; so do not give up! Speak with members one-on-one to gain a greater
sense of what individuals want from a volunteer experience. Keep their motives in mind and be sure to start where they
are, not necessarily where you want them to be. People choose activities because of level of control, creativity, fun, peer
pressure, friendships, leadership opportunities, boredom, level of free time, experience and network potential. If all else
fails, invite some sorority girls to volunteer with you. That will be a sure way to get guys more interested!
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How often does your chapter participate with your volunteer relationship?
In order to stay actively involved the chapter must decide on weekly, monthly, semesterly and annual events in which
they participate. When developing a schedule for the chapter’s academic calendar, the Push America chairmen must take
into account how many events will fulfill a successful term. It is important to meet with someone from the organization to
set up a volunteer schedule that will best fit the needs and expectations of both the chapter and the organization. Make
sure that both the chapter and the organization are enjoying the volunteer relationship because serving others should be
fun for everyone involved.
Have chapter members participated in a national Push America event this year?
Push America offers numerous events throughout the year that your chapter can become involved in. It is participation in
these programs that can earn your chapter positive publicity for the Greek Community and Pi Kappa Phi, as well as, an
unbelievable experience for the brothers that participate. National events during the academic year include: Give-A-Push
Weekends, Push Camps, AccessABILITY and Push America Challenge. National events that occur during the summer
include: Journey of Hope, Build America, Gear Up Florida and Push America Challenge.
In order to have ample time to fundraise for team events (Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida and Build America), it is
encouraged that members sign up as soon as possible. Registration is open all year for the events, but minimum
fundraising requirements must be met to guarantee your spot on the team for the summer.
If you have any questions about any of the national programs or how to register, please contact the Director of Chapter
Services at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
Does your chapter have a Philanthropy chairman? / Does your chapter have a Push America committee that meets
at least monthly?
Per Supreme Law VI, Subdivision 4, Section 31, each chapter shall have a Philanthropy Chairman who shall be responsible
for directing or supervising all philanthropic and service oriented activities of the chapter. These activities shall include,
but are not limited to, those directly aligned with the spirit and mission of Push America.
To ensure success in the Commitment to Service area your committee should be meeting on a regular basis to effectively
plan your chapter’s success.
How to Build a Successful Committee:
 Obtain a roster of chapter members from your secretary. From the size of your chapter determine how many men
you want on your committee. An effective committee is generally composed of four to eight members.
 It is important to have a diversified committee. Keep in mind the different talents and perspectives you need on
the committee and who in the chapter offers those talents. Always accept those brothers willing to volunteer to
be part of the committee.
 Approach those you have selected. It is important that the Push America Chairman and/or Archon personally visit
a potential committee member to tell him his talents are needed and to ask him to be a committee member. This
will make him feel important and give him a sense of obligation to play an active role on the committee.
 Make sure the committee members know they are important. Individuals are more likely to give all they have if
they are reminded how much they have to offer. It is the Push America Chairman’s responsibility to keep
everyone busy and feeling appreciated.
 Have an organizational meeting. Your first committee meeting should be spent getting to know each other and
making plans for the year. Set up a regular time to meet from that point forward but make it convenient for
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everyone. Help the committee see how broad the scope of their efforts can be. Your efforts will include
fundraising, but should also entail disability awareness and local volunteerism. It is important that you and your
committee set goals for the academic year. As a committee you will need to know where you are going and what
you plan to accomplish. That is why it is important to develop a written Push America plan. The next section
outlines how to conduct a goal setting session.
Does your chapter have a written Push America program?
Just like your other written programs, this will ensure that your Philanthropy or Push America chairman has a successful
transition and can adequately plan and prepare for upcoming events.
The following is what is considered model if all Pi Kappa Phi chapters contribute/participate equally. If your chapter excels
in these areas, expand your current program.
 A chapter will annually produce a written plan outlining clear goals and objectives for Push America events
(locally and nationally)
 A Pi Kappa Phi chapter will participate in a balanced program of fundraising, disability awareness and
volunteerism
Goals may include:
 Raising at least $100 per man per school year ($50 per man per semester or just $10 per man per month)
 Starting and maintaining a regularly involved volunteer relationship with a local non-profit organization that
serves people disabilities. At least 75% of the chapter will participate once per year
 Volunteer at least 5 hours per man per month of community service
 Holding at least one disability awareness event per semester
Additionally, chapters will:
 Communicate regularly with the Push America office before and after chapter events for staff follow-up
 Operate within the risk management policies outlined by FIPG
 Maintain a Push America bank account with strong financial accountability
 Work with the director of volunteer services at Pi Kappa Phi to secure a Push America advisor for your chapter.
 A structured and involved Push America committee will help reach your chapter’s goals
 Push America could be an active and effective component of:
 Chapter recruitment efforts
 Continuing member education (associate and active membership)
 Chapter public relations (P/R) plan
 A Pi Kappa Phi chapter will be involved with at least one of the following:
 Construction Projects: AccessABILITY, Give-A-Push Weekend, Push Camp or Build America
 Cycling Events: Gear Up Florida, Journey of Hope
 Other: No Boundaries/Push Week/War of the Roses, Summer Fellowship or Push America Academy at
Midyear Leadership Conference
If you have any questions or need assistance in creating a written Push America program or developing a Push America
committee, please contact the Director of Chapter Services at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
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Push America Awards
Thomas Sayre Award
Recognizes the top Push America Chairman
Emerging Leader Award
Recognizes accomplished Push America Chairmen
Innovator’s Award
Recognizes the most creative Push America event
Leadership Through Service Award
Recognizes the chapter with the most men sent to national Push America events including: Push America Academy, GAP
Weekend, Push Camp, Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida and Build America.
Push America Week Award
Recognizes the most outstanding week of balanced Push America programming
Volunteer Relationship Award
Recognizes the best relationship with an organization that serves people with disabilities.
Star of Hope
Recognizes the chapter with the most comprehensive understanding and use of Push America programming on their
campus; a balanced focus across disability awareness, fundraising and volunteer efforts.
Volunteer Hours Award
Recognizes the chapter with the most documented community service hours
Core Values Award
Recognizes the chapter who embodies the core values of Push America (Abilities, Teamwork, Empathy and Integrity)
Push America Cup
Recognizes the top fundraising chapter
The Altruist Award
Recognizes the top per-man fundraising chapter
Durward W. Owen Society
Recognizes chapters submitting > $250 per man
Thomas Sayre Society
Recognizes chapters submitting > $150 per man
Centennial Society
Recognizes chapters submitting at least $100 per man
Red Rose Club
Recognizes chapters meeting their annual fundraising Stretch Goal
Gold Star Award
Recognizes chapters meeting Objective 6 – Level 3
Silver Star Award
Recognizes chapters meeting Objective 6 – Level 2
Awards for fundraising and volunteer hours are based on what is submitted to Push America between July 1 and June 30
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TAKING A CLOSER LOOK
Disability Awareness
The following module will acquaint you with the concepts of empathy training and how to educate others. Many people
with disabilities are perfectly happy individuals. They want to be understood, and NOT pitied. Strive to empathize and not
sympathize with those who have disabilities.
SYMPATHY is feeling pity or sorrow for the distress of another.
EMPATHY is identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings and motives.
A Different Point of View
What persons with disabilities need most is a more accepting and understanding society. Your disability awareness efforts
are a large step in this direction. One of the greatest tools in your arsenal is Empathy Training: a workshop designed to
increase understanding of people with disabilities. Use Empathy Training to educate your chapter, Greek community,
campus organizations, and the general public. Empathy training should serve as a conversation starter. Disability
awareness and understanding is an ongoing process. You need to ask yourself what you know, and assess honestly what
you need to learn. It’s important that you understand, and help others to understand that empathy training can be more
than a simulation of “what it’s like” to have a particular disability. There is a social consciousness dimension that aims to
assess personal risky behaviors.
Push America has included instructions on many different exercises. With a little creativity you can devise many more.
The most effective are those which most closely simulate everyday activities. The success of an empathy training session
is not measured by how many exercises you offer or how many participate, but rather by the quality of the experience
and the discussion that follows the activities.
Consider this…
How would your life change if you:
were unable to walk?
were unable to hear?
were unable communicate your feelings?
Hosting an Empathy Dinner
Objective: To allow people to experience the challenge that often accompanies disability in completing every day tasks.
Many chapters hold Empathy Dinners to actively educate brothers and other members of their community about disability
awareness issues. The event can be highly formalized (coat and tie) with a seated dinner or a casual buffet. Use
your creativity! You can make the event as large or as intimate as you feel comfortable. The event should be fun but run
in a mature fashion.
Points to Consider:
1. Purchase food at a highly discounted rate or get it donated.
2. Invite a speaker with a disability, a parent of a child with a disability, someone who works with people with disabilities,
or a Push America staff member to facilitate.
3. Make an appeal for donations to Push America upon completion of the event.
Procedure for the event:
1. Assign each guest a “disability” upon arrival at the event. The disability is active until told otherwise.
2. Allow your participants to eat dinner (allow 25-40 minutes).
3. Upon serving dessert, or concluding the main course, allow your guests to “turn off” their disabilities.
4. Take at least 15 minutes to debrief the simulation allowing people to talk about their experiences.
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Possible disabilities to simulate:
Cognitive/Intellectual disability (Autism, Mental Retardation):
* Not allowing a participant to speak.
* Limit vocabulary to words beginning with a certain letter.
* Allow guests to speak only in three OR five letter words.
Physical disability (CP, Paralysis, Amputation):
* Taping thumb and fingers together.
* Placing a sock on each hand to limit range of motion.
* Make participant eat with only their non-dominant hand.
Sensory disability (Blindness, Deafness):
* Having a participant wear a blindfold.
* Having a participant wear earplugs/earmuffs.
* Wearing a set of severely scratched up sunglasses.
Things to watch for:
1. Who asks for assistance? Who cheats? Gives up?
2. Does the noise level change when you “turn off” disabilities?
3. How do people react? Do they joke? Who gets frustrated?
The Debrief
The most important part of any disability awareness or empathy training event is the debrief and discussion with
participants towards the end of the event. This allows for participants to discuss how they felt and what they learned by
going through the event. As a facilitator, it is your job to make sure that as many people as possible share their
experiences with the group.
It is important to let those participating that this is an exercise to show everyone what it MIGHT be like to have a
disability. We do not have true first hand knowledge of what living with a disability is like, so don’t fake it and don’t try to
make anything up. The goal of the events are for participants to walk away from the event with a better understanding of
what living with a disability may be like and some of the challenges that may be faced each day around campus and in
the community.
Questions to Ask:
1) What types of disabilities were simulated?
2) Describe your emotions when the disability was on?
3) What disability would be the most challenging for you if it were permanent?
4) What activity did you find the most challenging? Why?
5) If you were blindfolded, did you feel as though you were being watched?
6) What are some general activities that might become difficult if you had a disability?
7) What are activities on campus that may be difficult for students with disabilities?
8) Would your social life change if you used a wheelchair?
9) Did you try to develop any methods of non-verbal communication?
10) How many people cheated? Who asked for help? Who gave up?
For further assistance is setting up and facilitating an empathy training event, contact the director of chapter services at
(704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
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Fundraising
The Five P’s of a Successful Fundraiser
Planning
The key to the success of any event is early and thorough planning. Involve the chapter in the planning process. Let the
committee determine the fundraising goal and events to take on. Have your Push America committee set the date and
determine what steps will be involved. Delegate all tasks out and follow up consistently on their progress. Do not
be afraid to try new ideas. If it does not work, try a new idea. Never give up.
Publicity
In addition to brochures and materials available from Push America, discuss any local contacts the chapter has. Does a
chapter member work for the school paper? Does anyone work for a local restaurant or potential sponsor? Determine
your timetable for sending press releases. Publicity will be most effective two weeks prior to your event.
Public Relations
Image is everything. Evaluate your event and determine if the image it portrays reflects positively with the ideals of Pi
Kappa Phi and Push America. The more competent you are regarding your event and Push America knowledge, the more
powerful an image you will portray. Be sure to educate the chapter as well as yourself. Follow-up work is of incredible
importance. Be sure to thank any donor, sponsors, volunteers, or media that participated in your event.
Participation
You need to maximize participation among the chapter’s brotherhood. Many factors determine the level of participation a
brother will take. The most influential is the chapter’s knowledge of the event. Once you have the chapter’s endorsement
for an event you must take measures to ensure it will be worthwhile and fun. Consider involving a sorority, or creating an
incentive system (for selling tickets, collecting a certain amount of money, etc.).
Payoff
A fundraiser is supposed to do exactly that: raise funds. If you follow the advice of the previous ‘P’s’ the payoff will be
worth your efforts. It’s important that you send off any funds raised in a timely manner so Push America can properly log
contributions and give your chapter credit for the work it completes.
How to Approach Potential Sponsors
Many chapters enhance chapter events through obtaining sponsors. Obtaining sponsors takes a large amount of
dedication, but follow these simple rules. Be prepared to complete a lot of work.
Who to approach: Organizations that will receive a benefit for their sponsorship. Be sure they’re a good fit. A requisite for
sponsorship will be positive exposure through your advertising. Businesses generally will not donate funds without the
promise of positive benefits. View sponsors as potential customers. Would you give to the cause if you were asked to
contribute? Do not approach alcohol distributors, tobacco companies or condom companies to be sponsors for your Push
America event.
To get started:
1) You need to practice the pitch for your event.
2) Make an introductory phone call to a contact within the organization.
3) Determine whether the sponsor has interest in sponsoring your event.
4) Set up a meeting time with your contact.
5) Mail your contact a letter with specific information about your event.
The day before your scheduled meeting:
1) Call to confirm your meeting time. Know that you are likely a low priority.
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The day of your scheduled meeting:
1) Dress professionally. Wear a neatly pressed suit (not just a shirt and tie).
2) Arrive to your meeting about 10 minutes early and plan on waiting patiently.
3) Create a professional and credible information packet to present to your contact.
After your meeting:
1) Always send a thank you note to your contact.
You need to create a sponsorship proposal (be sure to include):
1) Information about Push America.
2) Your chapter’s previous involvement and experiences with Push America.
3) List benefits to sponsors: (mention in advertisements, fliers, etc.).
4) State exactly what is expected of the sponsor: (money, in kind donation or both).
You must create a summary report for your event, which will illustrate their return on investing in your project. Include:
1) A written summary of the event.
2) Demographics.
3) Proof that you fulfilled your promise of benefit (include copies of fliers, etc.).
4) Number of participants and people reached through media.
Continued Communication: Inform your sponsor of upcoming events. Invite them to special functions. Give your sponsor
business as often as possible.
To help you overcome asking anxiety, remember these truths:
 Most people like to be asked. In fact, most will consider it a compliment.
 Proper giving is a mutually rewarding transaction. The donor almost as much as the recipient and sometimes
more. The donor gets the satisfaction of knowing that he or she is helping a worthy cause; the growth that
comes from service and enhanced sense of self-worth; recognition, if desired, for a gift over $250; tax goodwill;
and spiritual rewards.
 You are not asking on behalf of yourself, but on behalf of people with disabilities.
 Believe in what you are doing and show it.
 Practice may not make perfect, but it does make it easier. The best way to diffuse fear or anxiety is to confront it.
You will learn something new from each presentation, phone call or visit and you will survive. You will be
surprised by the yeses.
 Believe in the power of positive thinking. If you think you can, or if you think you cannot, you are right.
Adapted from The 13 Most Common Fundraising Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them.
When Do I Start?
The time to start fundraising is now. Fundraising is like recruitment in that it is an ongoing process. Talk to anyone and
everyone about Push America because you never know who will donate.
Recruit Help
Share your excitement about Push America and your event with everyone you know, and you will that many will want to
help you. We encourage you to let other people help you with fundraising, but do not expect them to do all the work.
Empower your friends, parents, relatives, neighbors, classmates, and fraternity brothers, and ask if they would be willing
to help you with your events. Just make sure they return any funds they may collect on your behalf to your chapter along
with sponsor contact information.
Push America Committee
Recruit 3 to 4 people to be apart of your chapter’s Push America committee and to assist you in your fundraising. This
could include an alumnus of your chapter, a prominent businessman or woman in your area, or even a university In
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addition to moral support, this committee can be extremely helpful in identifying potential sponsors. They may even help
with your presentation.
Can my chapter accept credit cards?
If someone wants to give you a donation via credit card, they can visit your chapter’s fundraising Web page at
www.pushamerica.org. It is important to have information to leave with the donor on how to properly donate online.
When and where do I send donations?
When your sponsors write you a check, they expect it to clear their account quickly. If you collect cash, please do not
send it through the mail. Please send checks and/or money orders only. Deposit donor cash into your chapter’s Push
America bank account and then send a check for the deposited amount to Push America. Be sure to write your chapter’s
designation in the Memo line. For example, you would write, “Omicron Omicron fundraising.”
Donations should be sent to the following address:
Push America
P.O. Box 241368
Charlotte, NC 28224
What Should I Do with Donor Checks?
If someone donates via check then that check needs to be paid to the order of Push America. You can send that check to
Push America at the above address, and Push America will take care of the thank you. Just be sure to write your
chapter’s designation in the Memo line.
Matching Gifts
Many corporations have a matching gift fund. For every donation you receive from an employee of that corporation, they
will match the gift. If you discover a corporation that has this kind of fund, you must get a matching gift form from them
to obtain the sponsorship. You need to send the matching gift form along with the employee’s donation into the Push
America office immediately. We will then fill it out and return the form to the organization within two business days. We
will receive the matching gift when the company processes the form. Many large businesses such as Wal-Mart, Microsoft,
Bell South and Bank of America give matching gifts to chapters every year.
If you are going to work on a matching gift, start early. Many matching gift programs only make donations quarterly or
semi-annually. Matching gifts are viewed as a pledge and cannot be counted toward your fundraising total.
Who else can we ask for donations?
Money is not going to come in unless you ask for it. Be proud of what you are doing. Being an advocate of Push America
and raising money and awareness for people with disabilities is incredible. Tell everyone you know what it is you are
doing. Ask them for support, and you will be surprised at the results.
Make sure you have your family and friends help you expand your list! Don’t forget to include both campus community
and hometown organizations. Start with your local Chamber of Commerce and Student Activities Center for
a listing of organizations that would be able to help you out! Remember to duplicate this list for businesses that your
family frequents in your hometown. Set parameters for what you are asking for. Do not go into a business and tell them
your fundraising goal and ask if they can help.
Here is a checklist of possible people to contact to ask for donations:
Family and Friends
___ Grandparents
___ Aunts/Uncles
___ Cousins
___ Great Aunts/Uncles
___ Brothers/Sisters
___
___
___
___
___
Friends’ Parents
Parents’ Friends
Parents’ Friend’s Businesses
Relatives’ Friends
Relatives’ Civic Organizations
___
___
___
___
___
Friends’ Businesses
In-Laws
Neighbors
Parents’ Businesses
Chapter Brothers’ Parents
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Civic Groups and Local Organizations
___ Chamber of Commerce
___ Knights of Columbus
___ Kiwanis
___ Rotary Club
___ Jaycees
___ Optimist Club
___ Lions Club
___ Church/Synagogue
___
___
___
___
Local Businesses
___ Businesses frequented
___ Past Employers
___ Businesses that serve students
Corporations
___ Parents’ business contacts ___ Local office of a large corporation
___ Other friend/relative contacts
IFC/Panhellenic
Sororities on Campus
Student Government
Student Professional Societies
___ National Headquarters
For additional assistance for fundraising events, including reaching out to possible sponsors, contact the director of
chapter services at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
Volunteerism
Local Volunteerism is a very important component of a successful chapter’s use of Push America. Many facilities and
organizations would simply cease to exist without the support of their volunteer network. As a volunteer, you have the
opportunity to play an important role in the work of hundreds of organizations serving people with disabilities across the
country. Before you begin to serve any facility, you should have an idea of how you hope to be treated and how you in
turn will deal with the facility.
Qualities of a Good Volunteer
* Commitment
* Desire to gain knowledge and understanding
* Empathy
* A willingness to communicate and listen
* Patience and flexibility
Rights of All Volunteers
* To do meaningful and satisfying work.
* To work with an agency that meets their needs and interests.
* To be supervised throughout activities.
* To be trained for their volunteer experience.
* To develop initiative and leadership.
* To be treated as an adult.
* To have an opportunity to reflect on volunteer experience.
Responsibilities of All Volunteers
* Be committed, reliable and enthusiastic.
* Be honest with the agency you are working with by clarifying expectations and abilities.
* Agree to do only what you are qualified to do.
* Request and participate in any orientation available.
* Maintain confidentiality with regard to agency information, clients and personnel.
* Seek feedback to make sure your are fulfilling your responsibilities.
Volunteer service not only enhances the lives of people with disabilities, but also fraternity brothers. As a Pi Kappa Phi
you must aid your brothers in developing stronger community service initiatives. The Push America staff is always
available to provide specific consultation to your chapter regarding volunteerism.
Though Push America recommends establishing a relationship with an organization that serves people with disabilities, we
recognize that such opportunities may not be readily available on or near your campus. In such a case you should
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suggest your chapter another local organization to work with as advocates for those with disabilities. Many chapters work
with local schools in tutoring programs and with Boys and Girls clubs as mentors.
Starting a Volunteer Relationship
Push America strives for undergraduate members to become actively involved as volunteers. All volunteer efforts you
consider should be carefully and thoughtfully thought through. As you look to start a relationship with a local organization
that serves people with disabilities consider the following issues:
Assess Your Options
Search the phone book, Internet, Chamber of Commerce, and student agencies to a match for your chapter with an
organization that serves people with disabilities. Look for organizations such as the Arc, Special Olympics, RISE school,
United Cerebral Palsy, or any other recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit that serves people with disabilities.
Ask yourself some of these questions:
1. Are the needs of your chapter compatible with the organization you want to work with?
2. How many members are interested in attending?
3. How often will you attend (weekly, monthly)?
4. Does the organization have enough work to accommodate your group?
5. What is expected of volunteers at the respective location?
Expect to Play Phone Tag
Once you have decided to look at an organization seriously, you need to contact their volunteer coordinator. Once
directed to the proper staff member be sure to:
1. Clearly introduce yourself and your affiliation with Push America.
2. Explain that you are looking to create a possible volunteer relationship.
3. Ask for any public literature available (including annual reports, goals, mission, etc.).
4. Offer to send the organization information about Push America.
5. Do not make any promises to the organization.
6. Set up an appointment to tour the facility.
While on your appointment you need to find out other information.
1. What have other groups done with the agency?
2. How many volunteers currently work on site?
3. Where do most volunteers come from?
4. What are typical volunteer activities?
5. What needs does the organization have that are currently unfilled?
6. Who should you contact to set up a work schedule?
7. What type of orientation is provided for volunteers?
8. Have other students worked with the agency before?
The meeting serves as an interview showing what your chapter has to offer, but also to assess whether or not the
organization will be suitable to your needs. If you decide an agency will work well with your chapter, set up an initial
project! Do not overstate your goals to the facility from the start. Do not put extreme pressure on your chapter brothers,
or you will make them burn out! Always be positive, enthusiastic and grateful for the efforts your chapter puts forth.
With your leadership and determination, your chapter can enhance the local volunteerism component of its work for Push
America. Volunteering is a two-way street. Convincing the men in your chapter that there are critical volunteers needed in
your community is a challenge, but it is not as difficult as you might imagine.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Have a plan.
Set goals.
Create a work plan to meet your goals.
Set goals and achieve them.
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Building an effective volunteer program requires a lot of determination. If only five members of your chapter volunteer,
you must look at this as a success. Do not get discouraged. Use the volunteers you have as pitch-people to other
members. Developing servant leaders takes time, so do not give up!
Speak with members one-on-one to gain a greater sense of what individuals want from a volunteer experience. Keep
their motives in mind and be sure to start where they are, not necessarily where you want them to be. People choose
activities because of level of control, creativity, fun, peer pressure, friendships, leadership opportunities, boredom, level of
free time, experience and network potential.
The Impact You Make
Relationships between chapter members and people with disabilities can be life altering experiences for both individuals.
These experiences can bring joy, love and happiness into an individual’s life.
For people with disabilities, an ongoing relationship promotes:
* Development of life-long functional skills.
* The ability to interact with people who do not have disabilities.
* Appropriate independent behavior.
For people with disabilities, the absence of volunteers leads to:
* Lack of social skills due to limited opportunities to interact and learn from peers.
* Low self-esteem due to lack of positive, normalizing peer interaction and modeling.
* Lower levels of physical fitness and energy due to too much sedentary living.
A relationship with a person who has a disability promotes:
* Personal growth, respect and increased social awareness for people.
* Development of skills and attitudes needed to live harmoniously in communities.
* A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment associated with serving others.
The lack of a relationship with a person who has a disability leads to:
* Lack of opportunity to develop an appreciation for people of varying abilities.
* Inability to interact successfully with people who present unusual challenges.
* Missed opportunities for growth in the area of patience, diversity and cooperation.
Most facilities will use the special skills of their volunteers to build relationships with their clients. Personal relationships
offer one of the rarest and profound experiences a volunteer can have. We all have needs for respect, laughter, use of
talents, feeling needed and wanting to help others.
Although special adaptations may be needed to accommodate a person’s disability, dignity and respect will enhance any
relationship you and your chapter wishes to develop when working with people with disabilities. Many members may feel
overly concerned about doing what is right. The best advice you can give in this situation is to tell them to approach the
situation honestly and be themselves.
A local volunteer relationship can be a pivotal experience in your time as an undergraduate. Do your part to make others
in your chapter aware of the tremendous opportunity they have available to them. Regardless of how you choose to
serve, your goal should be to create the most positive experience possible and to enrich the lives of people with
disabilities.
Remember to have fun!
If you need further assistance in setting up a volunteer relationship or finding community service opportunities in your
community, please contact the director of chapter services at (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
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Getting Media to Your Events
Nothing could intensify the excitement surrounding a Push America fundraising event better than seeing the smiling faces
of your chapter brothers on the 6 p.m. news or the front page of the newspaper’s local section.
Push America can help you with contacting local media. You must contact the Push America office a minimum of two
weeks prior to your scheduled event.
How to Contact Your Local Media before Your Event
1. Two weeks prior to your scheduled event, fax or mail a copy of the news release (personalized with your event
specifics) to the contact names provided for each media outlet in your local area.
2. Select your chapter’s spokesman. This person will be the sole contact for the media before, during and after the event.
3. A week before the event, the selected spokesman will make follow-up phone calls to all of the media contacts who
received the news release. When calling, identify yourself, ask the contact if they received the news release, if they have
any questions and if they are planning to cover the event. If the person is unavailable and you have to leave a voicemail,
leave the following type of message:
4. “Hi (name of media contact this is (your name from (your chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at (your school). I was just calling to
follow-up on a news release I sent to you last week about an event we are having to raise money for Push America, an
organization that serves people with disabilities. The event is to be held (leave event and I hope you can make it out. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (your phone #) and again my name is (your name). Thank you
for your time.”
The day before or morning of your event, the spokesperson will make another reminder call to the media contact.
Identify yourself, give the contact person the important event specifics (time, place, etc.), ask if they have any questions
(make sure they have directions to the event) and tell them that you will be their guide at the event.
The Day of the Event
1. The job of the spokesperson during the event is to seek out media in attendance, answer any questions they may have
and coordinate any necessary interviews requested by the media. When you see a media contact, go over to him or her
immediately and introduce yourself. Make sure to thank them for coming and let them know if they need anything to
come to you and you will take care of them.
2. Before they leave the event, make sure to gather the following information from them:
For television – What broadcast will the piece be on? How many people watch the broadcast?
For newspaper – What day will the story run? Do you know how many people read your newspaper?
**It is very important that you ask them for a business card, not only as documentation of their attendance, but also for
correct contact information to send a thank you note. The day after the event, make sure to send a thank you letter to
each of the media contacts who covered your event. They will be more likely to help you with media exposure for future
events.
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Talking Points for Interviews
Facts about Push America
 Push America is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the only national fraternity to maintain such
a project that provides service for and promotes a greater understanding of people with disabilities.

Push America was established in 1977 and since its inception, members of Pi Kappa Phi have raised over $13
million dollars.
 The projects and programs of Push America are as follows:
o
Journey of Hope – each summer, 90 undergraduate members of Pi Kappa Phi cycle across the country,
starting in San Francisco or Seattle and concluding in Washington, D.C, cover almost 4,000 miles in two
months. Along the way, team members participate in activities and events to promote a greater
understanding of people with disabilities and touch millions of people through media, special events and
facility visits. Over 1,500 members have completed the trip so far.
o
Gear Up Florida – beginning in Miami, a team of cyclists will ride 800 miles through 13 Florida cities to
raise funds and awareness on behalf of people with disabilities and will end their two week trip in
Tallahassee.
o
Build America – each summer, a team of 20 to 25 undergraduate members of Pi Kappa Phi travel the
country for six weeks visiting six camps that serve people with disabilities. At each camp, the team
constructs accessible amenities as well as provide the camp with a $5,000 grant.
o
Give-A-Push Weekends – these weekends are national service projects that provide funding and
manpower to renovate and build structures such as piers, boardwalks, pavilions and playgrounds at
facilities and organizations serving people with disabilities. Members volunteer their time to complete
these projects.
o
Push Camps – this alternative spring break provides undergraduate members the opportunity to spend a
week renovating camps and building amenities that will enhance the summer camp experience of a
person with a disability.
o
AccessABILITY – this is a community program established to facilitate the construction of wheelchair
ramps to make homes accessible for people with disabilities.
o
Push America Challenge – an event that gives everyone the opportunity to display their human ability by
competing in endurance events across the country and raising funds and awareness for people with
disabilities. This event provides an opportunity for people to take an unselfish approach to endurance
competition.
 Other statistics:
o
5,000 members have helped to build accessible equipment during Give-A-Push Weekends and Push
Camps at several sites across the country.
o
Thousands of volunteers have joined Push America in its effort to improve the lives of those with
disabilities.
 Push America is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
 Your Chapter Facts: Year the chapter was established, number of members, past funds raised for Push America,
and the number of chapter brothers who have participated in Push America projects and programs. Mention the
organization that your chapter has a volunteer relationship with as well as Push America awards your chapter
may have received.
For additional information on press releases and tips for talking with the media, contact the director of chapter services at
(704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 24
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF PUSH AMERICA AT YOUR CHAPTER
Although every chapter is different and has different needs, there are certain criteria and events that should be
performed every semester. Below is a sample outline of a model chapter’s schedule of events.
July - August
 Encourage brothers to visit a summer event team as they pass through a nearby town if possible. This can be
used as a summer recruitment tool or as a brotherhood event to cheer on your fellow brothers.
 Begin the fall planning process and start developing new goals for the upcoming semester. The plan should
include, but is not limited to, possible event ideas, committee meeting times, developing and maintaining a
volunteer relationship and campus-community involvement.
 Work with recruitment committee to incorporate Push America into the chapter’s recruitment schedule.
 Work with the Warden to incorporate Push America and service in Associate Member education.
September - November
 Hold a campus wide event that promotes volunteerism, fundraising and awareness.
 Take part in national service projects such as Give-a-Push weekends and AccessABILITY projects.
 Use Push America as a recruitment tool and a way to separate Pi Kappa Phi from other fraternities on campus.
 Maintain the local volunteer relationship with a disability organization through regular volunteering.
 Organize and implement small fundraising events throughout the semester.
 Hold a campus wide event that promotes volunteerism, fundraising and awareness.
 Encourage brothers to participate in national summer team events such as Build America, Gear up Florida, and
the Journey of Hope.
 Register for the Push America Academy at Mid Year Leadership Conference.
December - January
 Attend the Push America Academy at Mid Year Leadership Conference. This will allow time with fellow Push
America chairmen from around the country to share ideas to implement on campus and in your community.
 If not submitted previously, submit fundraising and volunteer hours before end of semester.
 The committee should revisit the goals that were developed for the year and update any plans for spring events.
 Encourage brothers to participate in national summer team events such as Build America, Gear up Florida, and
the Journey of Hope.
February - April
 Take part in national service projects such as Give-a-Push Weekends, AccessABILITY projects and Push Camp.
 Maintain the local volunteer relationship with a disability organization through regular volunteering.
 Organize and implement small fundraising events throughout the semester.
 Hold a campus wide event that promotes volunteerism, fundraising and awareness.
 Encourage brothers to participate in national summer team events such as Build America, Gear up Florida, and
the Journey of Hope.
 Work with recruitment committee to incorporate Push America into the chapter’s recruitment schedule.
 Work with the Warden to incorporate Push America and service in Associate Member education.
May – June
 If not previously submitted, submit all fundraising and volunteer hours before the June 30 deadline.
 The committee should revisit the past year to see if goals were or were not met for its Push America
programming. Make sure the chairman’s manual and other materials are updated for next year’s planning.
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 25
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
SAMPLE EFFECTIVE PUSH AMERICA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM PLANNING WORKSHEET
The Who:
The What:
The When:
The Where:
The Why:
Who are the people (or organizations)
that are being served?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Who in the chapter will be
volunteering, and for how long?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Who is the primary contact for the
organization (including contact info)?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What relationship is being started or
developed?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What supplies are needed for this
event (food, drinks, games, tools,
music, etc)?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What additional information is needed
for the brothers or organization?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
When will the event be held?
____________________________________________________
If media is desired, when will press
releases be sent out and by whom?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Where will the event be held?
____________________________________________________
Where will you promote the event?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Why is the success of this event
important to the chapter?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
A few other things to keep in mind:

When setting up a volunteer event, make sure you and the organization know what the chapter will be doing
at the event. Make sure you don’t make any promises you will not be able to keep; for example, saying that
the whole chapter will attend the event.

Don’t be afraid to turn a volunteer opportunity down if it just won’t work for the chapter at that specific time.
Remember, there is always a need for volunteers at some point. If you have to turn down a volunteer
opportunity for whatever reason, try to find a better time for you and the organization to come back.

Make sure to keep track of the number of volunteer hours served and submit them to the director of chapter
services. Information needed includes: date; organization served; number of brothers present; number of
hours served per brother.
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 26
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
SAMPLE EFFECTIVE PUSH AMERICA FUNDRAISING PROGRAM PLANNING WORKSHEET
The Who:
The What:
Who does this event benefit?
____________________________________________________
Who will you be targeting to
solicit donations?
____________________________________________________
Who will acquire local business
sponsors?
____________________________________________________
What message is being portrayed
by this event?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What supplies are needed for this
event (brochures, banners, donation
box, music, etc)?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What university offices need to be
contacted? Are there any forms or
permits that need to be completed?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What percentage of brotherhood
needs to be present?
____________________________________________________
What local businesses can be contacted ____________________________________________________
for possible sponsorships?
____________________________________________________
The When:
The Where:
The Why:
What is our fundraising goal?
____________________________________________________
When will the event be held?
____________________________________________________
If media is desired, when will press
releases be sent out and by whom?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Where will the event be held?
____________________________________________________
Where will you promote the event?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Why is the success of this event
important to the chapter?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 27
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
SAMPLE EFFECTIVE PUSH AMERICA AWARENESS PROGRAM PLANNING WORKSHEET
The Who:
The What:
The When:
The Where:
The Why:
Who is being served?
____________________________________________________
Who will be promoting awareness?
____________________________________________________
What awareness is being promoted?
____________________________________________________
What message is being portrayed
by this event?
____________________________________________________
What supplies are necessary for the
event (food, drinks, games, list of
disabilities, computer, etc.)?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What percentage of brotherhood
needs to be present?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
What additional info is needed?
____________________________________________________
When will the event be held?
____________________________________________________
If media is desired, when will press
releases be sent out, and by whom?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Where will the event be held?
____________________________________________________
Where, and how, will you promote
the event?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Why is the success of this event
important to the chapter?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 28
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
SAMPLE PUSH AMERICA EVENTS
Fundraising Events

Tennis tournament

Frisbee Golf

Foosball tournament

Dodge ball tournament

Tug of War

Volleyball tournament

Football competition

Triathlon

Softball tournament

Ping Pong tournament

Golf tournament

Obstacle course

Basketball tournament

Wheelchair basketball

Racquetball tournament

Marathons

Bike-A-Thons

Battle of the Bands

Talent Show

Phone-a-thons

Car wash

Bowling

Free throw competition

Dance-off

Miss-a-meal

Concessions

Raffle

Pizza sale

Doughnut sale

Door to door

Coupon books

Toll roads

Service auction

Tricycle race

Rose sale

Pageants

Dorm storming

Strongman

Penny Wars

Regional Rides

Newsletter to alumni

Music festival

Raking leaves

Empathy sports

Services

Valet parking

Clean houses

Cut grass

Carpentry

Trash pickup

Landscaping

Caddying

Catering

BBQ

Curb painting

Laundry service

Car wash

Stadium cleanup

Adopt-a-highway

House painting

Blood drives

Haunted house

Student tuition raffle

Bike races

Hospital bed race

Broom ball

Road rally

Scaffold sit

Chili cook-off

Cart race

Casino night
Volunteerism

Painting rooms, walls and
fences

Raking leaves and moving
limbs

Rebuilding fences, tables
and sheds

Shoveling snow

Garbage pick up

Easter egg hunts

Carnivals

Holiday parties

Pool parties

Attending sporting events

Day trips (to the park,
movies, etc)
Awareness

Empathy Dinner

Push America sub ritual

Wheel chair basketball

Guest speakers

Public Relations/Marketing
*Many events listed above can be used interchangeably as fundraising and awareness events.
*If you have any questions contact Andrew Matznick, director of chapter services for Push America at
amatznick@pushamerica.org or (704) 504-2400 ext. 117.
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 29
PUSH AMERICA MANUAL
Push America Contact Information
Phone Numbers
Voice: 704.504.2400
Fax: 704.504.0880
Shipping Address
2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd. Suite 200. Charlotte, NC 28273
Mailing Address
PO Box 241368, Charlotte, NC 28224
Push America Staff Directory
Mr. Chad Coltrane
Chief Executive Officer
ccoltrane@pushamerica.org
ext. 129
Chad is responsible for the overall operation of Push America, including the planning, organizing and execution of policy,
programs and fundraising. He is also in charge of the management and administration of Push America, including
recruiting, hiring, training and supervising qualified staff.
Mr. Kevin Kelly
Director of Development
kkelly@pushamerica.org
ext. 125
Kevin is responsible for developing and maintaining Push America’s overall fundraising strategy. His primary
responsibilities include cultivating the organization’s network of donors, securing major corporate sponsorships and
soliciting foundations and grants.
Mr. Andrew Matznick
Director of Chapter Services
amatznick@pushamerica.org
Andrew is responsible for programming support for all chapters and education in relation to Push America.
ext. 117
Mr. Nick Breaux
Program Consultant
nbreaux@pushamerica.org
ext. 161
Nick is a traveling staff member responsible for servicing chapter level Push America programming of fund-raising,
volunteerism and disability awareness efforts of Pi Kappa Phi chapters.
Mr. Alex Roth
Director of Team Services
aroth@pushamerica.org
ext. 128
Alex is responsible for recruiting, signing and servicing members for the Journey of Hope and Gear Up Florida teams.
Mr. Dave Knavel
Director of Team Events
dknavel@pushamerica.org
Dave is responsible for project manager recruiting and all aspects of team event management.
ext. 137
Mr. Kyle Thomas
Director of Special Events
kthomas@pushamerica.org
ext. 123
Kyle is responsible for recruiting, signing and servicing of Build America team. Kyle also oversees Give-A-Push Weekends,
Push Camps and AccessABILITY projects.
Mr. Tanner Bacon
Director of Push America Challenge
tbacon@pushamerica.org
Tanner is responsible for the organizing, recruiting and service for Push America Challenge events.
ext. 155
Mr. Geoff Walker
Director of Logistics
gwalker@pushamerica.org
Geoff is responsible for the logistics of the Journey of Hope TransAmerica and North teams.
ext. 121
Mr. Erick Ray
Director of Logistics
eray@pushamerica.org
Erick is responsible for the logistics of the Gear Up Florida, Build America and Journey of Hope South teams.
ext. 133
Mr. Adam Phillips
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
aphillips@pushamerica.org
Adam is responsible for all marketing materials and publications for Push America.
ext. 124
Ms. Terrie Smith
Office Manager
tsmith@pushamerica.org
ext. 122
Terrie serves as the executive assistant and is responsible for fundraising donation entry and general office management.
LEADERS BY CHOICE | 30