Purposes

Throughout Chi Omega's long and proud history, six great purposes have been stressed, principles that guide the direction of every chapter and bring to its members an unequaled opportunity for personal growth and development.

FRIENDSHIP The central principle, upon which all others are built. It is the spirit of love, and fun, and family; the security that comes from knowing that there will be sisters who will accept you for who you are throughout your life.

HIGH STANDARDS OF PERSONNEL The element that helps ensure the continuing success of the Fraternity. Chi Omega chapters attract the finest young women who have a strong commitment to success in college and throughout their lives.

SINCERE LEARNING AND CREDITABLE SCHOLARSHIP The ultimate reason for attending college. Chi Omega helps you obtain the finest education possible through academic incentive programs, tutoring, and scholarships from the Chi Omega Foundation.

PARTICIPATION IN CAMPUS ACTIVITIES The element which ensures that Chi Omegas are active participants in the campus community. Involvement in worthwhile campus activities broadens your perspective and gives you experience in working with people of varying backgrounds and interests.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT The preparation for life after college. The Chi Omega Career Development Portfolio, "On the Way Up," prepares our members for beginning their chosen careers. "Crossroads," Chi Omega's network, is our way of linking, assisting, and contacting members who are moving, changing careers, or just need a friend In a new city or town.

COMMUNITY SERVICE The philanthropic activities that contribute to your community's welfare. Chi Omega allows each chapter to select its own philanthropy so that members may work on behalf of organizations in their own community and see the results of their efforts.

Organizational Structure

Chi Omega Fraternity is a highly organized and well-managed national organization. An elected five-member Governing Council formulates policy and oversees growth and development on a national level. The Executive Office in Memphis, Tennessee, is responsible for implementing policies and handling the day-to-day business of the Fraternity. The National Representative program is one of the most important and successful in the Fraternity's structure. Every chapter receives at least one visit a year from a National Consultant, who provides new programming ideas, answers questions, and assists in the development of leadership skills. Four Regional Alumnae Directors serve as resources to alumnae chapters, sharing information and ideas, conducting workshops and assisting with the implementation of national alumnae programs. Chi Omega has no intermediate.

CONVENTIONS Chi Omega Conventions, held biennially in June, are attended by actives and alumnae from throughout the United States. Conventions are dedicated to conducting the business of the Fraternity including the election of members of the Governing Council, and to educating all delegates through workshops and seminars conducted by expert speakers. Each Convention provides a unique experience in fraternity life - making new friends, renewing old acquaintances, learning, growing, and participating in the decision-making of the Fraternity.

FIRESIDES Begun in June, 1935, these officer and alumnae sessions were the first fraternity efforts at leadership training. Firesides focus on training and development for members working with all facets of the Fraternity - active chapters, advisory boards, House Corporation boards, alumnae chapters. Firesides take place at Conventions, as well as in the years between Conventions when they are held in designated regions across the country.

CHI OMEGA GREEK THEATER The Chi Omega Greek Theater on the University of Arkansas campus was presented as a gift to the University "in appreciation of Chi Omega's founding and as a symbol of its devotion to the human struggle for enlightenment." Almost an exact replica of one built by Dionysus at the foot of the Acropolis some 2,400 years ago, it is the only structure of its kind in the United States. The facility is used for a wide variety of programs and activities by the University of Arkansas and was completely paid for by the National Fraternity.

CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION is the fundraising organization of Chi Omega. Its purpose is to underwrite leadership, educational, and charitable programs. Through its tax-exempt, non-profit status the Foundation is able to assist members with scholarships, grants, and leadership programs. Our Foundation provides the helping hand to sisters in need of important funds to complete their education, become vital community members, and to ultimately serve Chi Omega as role models and leaders.

CHI OMEGA CARES, a publications series initiated in1984, was written by Chi Omegas to address contemporary issues and respond to Identified needs of both actives and alumnae. Volumes in the series include Substance Awareness, Eating Disorders, Personal Growth Plan, Lasting Impressions: A Matter of Manners, and the Financial Management Hand- book. These manuals are updated and revised as necessary, and new volumes are added whenever an appropriate topic is identified.

THE ELEUSIS is the official magazine of Chi Omega. Published quarterly, it is sent free of charge to all undergraduate members as well as all alumnae with current addresses. The Eleusis was established in 1899, only four years after Chi Omega's founding, making it one of the oldest continuing publications of a Greek organization.