The fall 2013 semester is underway and chapters are kicking it into high gear planning semester activities, providing service to their campuses and communities, and hitting chapter recruitment hard. As you take part in these activities, remember there's no service too small to make a difference in someone's life. Open a door. Smile at a stranger. Donate a $1. Be a Leader. Be a Friend. Be of Service.

Also, share your hard work with the Fraternity via shareyourstory@apo.org or through social media! We know you are out there taking pictures and videos and posting them on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, etc., and we want to see what you come up with and share it with brothers across the country. Who knows, maybe one of your pictures or videos will be featured on the website or the Fraternity's Official Facebook Page  (check out this week's cover photo featuring a picture from Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter's recruitment event)!

Enjoy this issue of Torch Topics!

Feel free to email the editorial team  with content suggestions, questions or comments.

2013 Fall Pledge Class Namesake Honoree: David A. Emery, Iota Phi '79

Brother David A. Emery, Iota Phi '79

Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity is proud to announce Brother David A. Emery, Iota Phi '79 at the University of California, Davis, as the 2013 Fall Pledge Class Namesake Honoree.

Brother Emery was born in Southern California and was raised in Pismo Beach and Santa Maria, California. He graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1976 and left for the University of California, Davis, to pursue his bachelor's degree in animal science, as well as a master's degree in avian nutrition. It was during his time at UC Davis that he was initiated by Iota Phi Chapter in January 1979. Brother Emery was the role model for servant leadership and friendship during his six years in Iota Phi Chapter and has maintained his passionate commitment to the Fraternity since the placing of his service pin.

Click here  to learn more about Brother Emery and his challenge to the fall 2013 pledges of Alpha Phi Omega...

Volunteering: A Pathway to Employment

Can volunteering be the difference-maker in your next interview? The Corporation for National & Community Service is saying "YES!" in their recent  report called "Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment." 

The report provided the following key findings, among other data relating volunteering and employment in the United States.

• Volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers 
• Volunteers without a high school diploma have a 511 percent higher likelihood of finding employment
• Volunteers living in rural areas have a 55 percent higher likelihood of finding employment

Click here to view a complete calendar at www.apo.org

VIDEO OF THE MONTH:
Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter



Is your chapter working hard to create fun,informational and educational videos for recruitment, etc.? Share your efforts with brothers across the nation by nominating your video for the Video of the Month. Simply post your video to YouTube, then send a link to the Torch Topics Editorial Staff at publications@apo.org .

June APO Board Meeting Recap

The Alpha Phi Omega Board of Director's met June 27-28, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  

Click here  to view a recap of the actions taken by the Board at the June meeting...