Nationally, Alpha Chi Omega is committed to preventing domestic violence and helping the women and children affected by it. The Alpha Omicron chapter at The Ohio State University has partnered with CHOICES Eliminating Domestic Violence for nearly 20 years to support these vulnerable members of our community. On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 the chapter was presented the 2016 Peacemaker Award by The Verizon Foundation at the CHOICES Peacemaker Award Luncheon for continued commitment to ending domestic violence.
Alpha Omicron collegiate members accepted the 2016 Peacemaker Award in front of an audience of nearly 1,000 community members.
Currently, members of the chapter host parties for children staying at the CHOICES shelter to bring some joy to their daily lives throughout the year . Many of the children have faced very adult challenges in their young lives, and chapter members create safe celebrations where they can act like a kid. Alpha Chis support victims of all ages: small babies, toddlers, school-age children, and teens. They find ways to connect with each age group and recognize the importance of their support whether it is playing games, showing leadership skills, or sharing their love of Ohio State. For parents, mostly mothers, the parties are also welcome break from the stresses of work, school, and fear.
As Chapter President Taylor Tolley shared at the awards luncheon, “It’s rewarding to know that through our efforts, we have uplifted families staying at the shelter.”
VP of Philanthropy Kaitlyn Dominiak (left) and President Taylor Tolley (right) display the 2016 Peacemaker Award and recognition from local city officials.
These experiences at CHOICES allow collegiate members to speak genuinely to peers on campus about the effect that domestic violence has our community. They share that victims can be family members, a friends, or another students. The Alpha Omicron chapter works with fraternities, other sororities, and the university community as a whole to put on programs that are engaging and informative to spread awareness around how to build healthy relationships.
Chapter members engage with the campus community to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Philanthropy Chair Kaitlyn Dominiak explained, “In line with CHOICES’ mission, it is our hope that our efforts are making young women feel empowered to develop healthy relationships early in life and creating a supportive environment for our peers on campus.”
Domestic violence awareness and prevention is the philanthropic focus of Alpha Chi Omega chapters nationwide.
Over the past twenty years, thousands of women in the Alpha Omicron chapter have volunteered countless hours to raise awareness and provide support for victims of domestic violence. It is a gift to have an inspiring partner like CHOICES in this ongoing battle. The legacy of service and philanthropy that the chapter has created is rooted in the ideals of our national sorority, and it is an honor to be recognized for the work that we do here in Columbus as part of the national fight to instill the principles of education, awareness, and human dignity in our communities.
Thank you to all who have contributed your time, talent, and treasure over the years, your contributions have been crucial to our continuing our progress!
Collegiate members and alumnae attended the Peacemaker Award Luncheon on October 5, 2016 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center to accept the award.