Lending help

Greek Week stresses community service

Give back to the Community" - that's the message the University Greek system is emphasizing in its annual Greek Week.

This annual week of community service, which began on Tuesday and will continue on through March 25, will see members of the University Greek System participate in various charitable events around Ann Arbor.

The Greek system should be commended for its efforts in giving back to the community. Although this is Greek Week, University students who are not involved in fraternities or sororities are nevertheless encouraged to participate in many of the various activities, which are open to the entire student body.

Three events headline Greek Week - an Education Forum, a Blood Drive and the annual Sing and Variety Show - in addition to the multitude of events occurring throughout the week. Other events include a carnival for children at the Ann Arbor Community Center on Saturday. Greek Week organizers already document 1,000 hours of community service, with a goal of doubling that figure by the week's completion.

In the wake of alcohol related problems associated with fraternities and sororities nationwide, this week allows the Greek system to reinforce its community focus. Positive actions are often overshadowed by "Animal House" reputations. The Greek system is not just about parties, but about leadership and community involvement.

Community service should not be reserved simply for Greek Week. The Greek system participates in numerous charitable activities throughout the year; this is one case in which they take a leadership role on campus. Students not affiliated with the Greek System should also make an effort to give back to the community. Besides fraternities and sororities there are many other organizations in the Ann Arbor community devoted to helping others.

Greek Week allows the entire Greek system to transcend stereotypes about fraternity and sorority life and show its dedication to the University and Ann Arbor communities. During the next several days, the University should turn out en masse to support community involvement.

Greek Week Events

March 18, 19, 22, 23: Blood drive held in the Michigan League.

March 23: Educational forum,

7 p.m. Rackham Auditorium.

March 25: Sing and Variety show at

Hill Auditorium.

03-18-99