UT Tyler Alpha Chi Omega raises awareness against domestic violence

    1 in every 4 women have experienced some sort of domestic violence in their lifetime. This statistic has prompted activism to end this cycle. Alpha Chi Omega, a sorority at The University of Texas at Tyler raises domestic violence awareness as their philanthropy. They also help the East Texas Crisis Center by volunteering and donating money to them. Last week was their service week, as they held different events to raise awareness against the issue. One event was the Mr. Alpha Chi pageant that I was a contestant in!

     The pageant was held for nine contestants to compete against one another all week to get crowned Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Patriot Zone. All throughout the week there were different opportunities for contestants to gain points. The contestant with the most points at the end of the pageant was the winner. Each day of the week had different events to inform students and onlookers about the issue of domestic violence.

     Monday:

• Information table at the University Center
• Informed about the dangers and specifics of domestic violence
• Contestants and members of affiliated organization checked in at the table for points per person

Tuesday

    Tuesday:

• "Kissed by an Alpha Chi" at the University Center
• Information table on domestic violence
• Sold buttons for $2
• Contestants gained points if they bought a button and took a picture at a photo booth and set it as their profile picture.

    Wednesday:

Wednesday

• "Throw Pies with Alpha Chi" at Village at the U
• People trowed $1 pies at the contestants earning them points

 
Thursday:

• Mr. Alpha Chi Pageant
• Sold $1 raffle tickets to earn points
• Pageant consisted of four rounds
• Formal attire to introduce contestants
• Celebrity round impersonating a famous person
• Talent portion for contestants
• Question and Answer ranging from domestic violence questions to comedy questions. Contestants had to wear heels. YES heels to learn how it's like to walk in her shoes

I'm third from the left at the pageant

   Social media component:

• Contestants and their affiliated organization members could earn the contestants points by tweeting things about them to @mralphachi. Every tweet was a point for each contestant.

     Overall, it was a great pageant and a great opportunity to help a great cause. AXO, the sorority, was able to raise $1,000 benefiting the East Texas Crisis Center. The pies were delicious but my nose did not appreciate the pie. I was able to get my brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon to support me along with two other brothers in the events. During the pageant for the celebrity round, I dressed up as Farrah Fawcett from the original Charlie's Angels. I also wore black heels. It wasn't necessary but I had to go all out. For the talent portion I made an ad for AXO to use in future events:

     Last week was a service opportunity that was able to create an impact with students on campus. Domestic Violence has been a growing issue in this country and it should end. I was very glad to participate in this event. I did not end up winning the pageant but I had a lot of fun being part of this great service event.