LESSON 7:
Giving Back
DESCRIPTION:
This lesson will introduce new members to the concepts of service and philanthropy, providing
avenues for involvement in their respective communities. Service learning will be an important
component to this lesson.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1) New Members will be able to define “civic engagement”, “service”, and “philanthropy”.
2) New Members will be able to identify ways to participate in service and philanthropy.
MEETING OUTLINE:
1) Academic Success Review. 10 min.
2) Civic Engagement, Service, and Philanthropy. 20 min.
3) National and Local Partnerships. 10 min.
4) Service Requirements. 10 min.
5) Final Thoughts. 10 min.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1) Chapter bylaws
AFTER THE MEETING:
1. Complete “Men of Action – Giving Back” lesson online using The Lamp.
2. Participate, or make plans to participate, in a service project in your community.
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Academic Success Review
Meeting Outline 1 of 5
Reflection is necessary for people to build an understanding for new ideas and experiences.
Begin the lesson by reviewing conversations that took place during the previous meeting.
Educators should propose questions that encourage reflection and conversation among
participants.
Discussion Questions:
1. Who would like to describe a meeting they had with their professor last week?
2. Are there any specific ways you plan on improving your academic performance?
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Civic Engagement, Service, and Philanthropy
Meeting Outline 2 of 5
Delta Sigma Phi strives to better our society through the actions of our members, and
our goal is to help foster a sense of giving within every chapter experience. Before
discussing how to engage in acts of giving, it is important to understand basic
terminology related to the subject.
Facilitators should introduce the following ideas:
Civic Engagement – Individual or collective actions that support causes deemed as
worthwhile and for the public good. Civic Engagement includes acts such as community
service, political action, educational initiatives, and various levels of advocacy.
Service – Voluntary work that benefits individuals or the community. Examples of
service include tutoring students, volunteering at an animal shelter, or participating in a
park cleanup.
Philanthropy – Donating funds and goods in support of a cause that benefits others.
Examples of philanthropy include donating clothes to a local thrift store, food to a
shelter, or money to a non-profit organization.
In addition to knowing these terms, providing quality service also requires that a person
be:
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Well educated about social issues.
Concerned about discovering root causes to problems.
Supportive of the values and choices made by a community.
In order to learn from acts of giving, there are three interconnected ideas that need to
take place:
1) Service – the actions, behaviors, and emotions that are achieved by participating
in a service experience.
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2) Reflection – the thoughts and discussions that provide context to the service
experience.
3) Education – the knowledge and skills a person gains or shares throughout the
service experience.
Discussion Questions:
1) What acts of civic engagement, service, or philanthropy have you contributed to
in the past?
2) Why did you choose to participate in that activity?
3) What did you learn by participating in that activity?
4) What community need did you address by the service you completed?
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National and Local Partnerships
Meeting Outline 3 of 5
Delta Sigma Phi strives to better our society through the actions of our members, and our goal
is to foster a sense of giving within every chapter experience. As a national organization,
members of Delta Sigma Phi have agreed to support the American Red Cross, however, many
chapters have also established long-standing relationships with organizations in their
community.
New Member Educators should spend time discussing the service and philanthropic efforts
conducted by their chapter. It may be worthwhile for the chapter’s service / philanthropy
chairman to speak at the new member education meeting.
American Red Cross
In 2005, Delta Sigma Phi adopted the American Red Cross as its national philanthropy to better
align with its mission. Since then, chapters across the country have sponsored fundraisers,
blood drives and service projects in an effort to make Delta Sigma Phi the largest donor of pints
of blood, dollars raised and hours of service to the American Red Cross by 2025. This effort is
known as “Blood, Sweat, and Cash”.
We encourage every Delta Sigma Phi chapter to connect with their local American Red Cross
chapter to discuss ways to get involved.
New Member Educators should discuss any involvement the chapter has with the
American Red Cross.
Local Service and Philanthropy
In addition to discussing the American Red Cross, New Member Educators OR the Service and
Philanthropy chairman should discuss any local partnerships or volunteer opportunities that are
being organized by the chapter.
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Service Requirements
Meeting Outline 4 of 6
Using your chapter’s bylaws, spend time reviewing the service and philanthropic expectations
for members of Delta Sigma Phi. Encourage participants to ask questions to clarify any
expectations that are not initially understood.
EXAMPLE:
Sample Chapter Bylaws
ARTICLE III
Service and Philanthropy
1. The Chapter President will appoint a Service and Philanthropy Chairman.
2. Every member is required to complete no fewer than twenty hours of service per
academic year. This requirement may be satisfied through individual acts of service or
through chapter organized events. All completed activities must be documented and
submitted to the chapter’s Service and Philanthropy Chairman.
3. Additional service hours may be assigned to members as a result of a member’s
violation of chapter policy or the Code of Conduct.
4. Every member is required to participate in fundraising efforts, or contribute funding, in
support of the chapter’s philanthropic efforts. Minimum required hours of work cannot
exceed two hours, and minimum required financial contributions cannot exceed $20.
Minimum requirements may only be enforced if the Service and Philanthropy Chairman
has notified members of requirements no fewer than thirty days in advance of the
scheduled event or donation due date.
Discussion Question:
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1) Are there any questions related to the basic service and philanthropy expectations for
members of Delta Sigma Phi?
Final Thoughts
Meeting Outline 5 of 5
Conclude the meeting by addressing any chapter updates that should be shared with new
members. Individual membership issues can be addressed after the new member meeting.
Some talking points or activities may include:
1. Discussing upcoming chapter, campus, or community events.
2. Addressing internal and external issues affecting the chapter or the fraternity
community.
3. Confirming upcoming financial commitments.
4. Discussing schedule conflicts and personal commitments.
5. Reminding members to utilize The Lamp for additional learning opportunities.
AFTER THE MEETING:
1. Complete “Men of Action – Giving Back” lesson online using The Lamp.
2. Participate, or make plans to participate, in a service project in your community.
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