Someone once said, “There are three kinds of people in the world: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened.”

It has repeatedly been mentioned that not enough is being done on campus to benefit the UTM students. Many questions arise as to whether certain organizations are truly beneficial – greek organizations in particular. Inquisitive students often ask, “What exactly is it that these organizations do?” Because many are in the dark about greek efforts, it is understandable that some in the student population think this way. Because most of the greeks’ accomplishments are poorly publicized, non-greek students are often left uninformed about their many good deeds and ultimately believe that greeks serve no purpose.

However, these organizations do contribute to the community. Besides hosting an occasional party, these organizations also put their heads together and come up with ideas to serve the public. The purpose of this article is to note some contributions and to give students a better understanding of how some organizations operate.

Members of the Devastating Delta Iota Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. are taking it upon themselves to enlighten students on their principles and make them aware of both past and future endeavours. The organization’s ideals are primarily grounded in community service. These women have concentrations in fields such as Music, Education, Political Science, Communications, English, Nursing, Biology and Physical Therapy. Each member is dedicated to enriching the students by introducing them to community as well as social programs.

On campus, the group has hosted numerous programs with educational speakers on such important topics as AIDS and teenage pregnancy. Annually, they participate in youth and elderly programs like Roundhouse and Adopt-A-Grandparent. One member of Zeta Phi Beta says, “We feel that it is up to us [greeks] to follow our principles and aid people in any way we can.”

The Zetas of the Delta Iota Chapter are also active in the SGA, SAC and the BSA, and because it is Febuary, the women are making small contributions to Black History Month. Clothing and canned food drives are also held to help the less fortunate. In addition to these efforts, some members of the DI chapter are also heavily involved in local churches and helped to develop the Gospel Extravaganza, one of UTM’s largest events. Nationally, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is also recognized for several community service involvements – the partnership of Zeta Phi Beta with the March of Dimes, for example.

The list of Zeta Phi Beta’s local and national programs could continue, and chapter members believe that Zeta Phi Beta is a prime example of the greeks’ good deeds. Students should also know that they don’t have to be in an organization to make contributions. There are lots of ways in which an individual could help out on and off campus. In other words, don’t leave it up to these organizations.

Ask yourself: Are you one who makes things happen?