The MA Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi prides itself on its literacy awareness initiatives. Each semester, our chapter holds the event “Lollipops for Literacy,” where sisters get together to hand out lollipops with interesting and fun literacy facts around campus. It’s a great way to help promote our cause, as well as brighten the days of the people in our community! An example of one of our literacy facts is that an estimated 30 million Americans over 16 years old cannot perform simple everyday literacy activities.

MA Gamma has two major philanthropic fundraising events each year. In the fall, we host Arrowspike, a charity volleyball tournament that involves other FSILGs as well as various clubs from all over campus. Everyone has fun either competing to win or just enjoying their time on the weekend. Along with playing volleyball, sisters will also staff carnival games and sell food from vendors around Boston. Last year we had corn hole, hoolahoop contests, and Chipotle for lunch!

Ransom for Reading is our spring philanthropic event. Student leaders from other FSILGs, dorms, and clubs will volunteer to be held for “ransom” in exchange for donations of cash or books. There are awards given to those who raise the most money, get released first, etc. Our volunteers always have a lot of fun at this event and it encourages the whole MIT community to get excited about our philanthropy!

The members of Pi Beta Phi at MIT are also heavily involved in community service, both through our sorority and outside of it. A favorite event is CAR (Champions are Readers). Each week, we visit a local elementary school to teach kindergartners how to read; it’s so rewarding to see their progress as the year goes on, and we love to spend time with the students! At the end of last year the students made cards for all the sisters and they were so cute!

Each year we also form a team of about 30 girls to help volunteer at the Boston Marathon and 5K, passing out water or energy drinks. Pi Beta Phi nationals also hosts a Fraternity Day of Service, where all the chapters try to involve themselves in philanthropic events. And finally, we partner with the Boston Alum club to accompany them to volunteering events in the area. All the sisters enjoy meeting Pi Phis from other chapters and pledge classes, and seeing that the bond of our sisterhood lasts through many years.