Community Service

The Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. here at University of Wisconsin Parkside & the University of Wisconsin Whitewater actively seeks involvement with cultural, educational and community outreach programs. Volunteerism, both short-term and long-term, is a cornerstone of our organization. G.A.O. focuses on, but does not limit itself to, the Latino Community. The variety of functions that we involve ourselves in are opportunities to network, gain experience in leadership skills, and work with others who are also determined to make a difference through community assistance.

On a National Level, Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc. is dedicated to supporting HIV/ AIDS prevention and raising HIV/AIDS awareness in the Latino and other communities.

On a Local Level, Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc.~Everlastin' Epsilon Chapter is dedicated to helping area organizations such as Por La Gente, Mexican Fiesta & the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the Miss Latina Racine Scholarship Fund fundraise to raise money for their College Scholarships that they award annually to surrounding area college students. The Ronald McDonald House, in honor of our Chapter Founding Mother Erica Davalos who had to utilize the Milwaukee Chapter when her first child was born. And our Gamma P.A.L.S. Mentorship Program, in which the participants will learn the importance of community involvement at a young age, and how it goes hand in hand with scholarship, leadership, and sisterhood which in turn will prepare them for their future.

We may have a small organization in numbers but still manage to make a big impact in the Kenosha and Racine communities in making the time to do service all year round, while also balancing school, work and family.

This is the third school year that our chapter has launched our Annual GAO Mitten Tree on the UWP Campus. We collected a very large amount of new gloves, mittens, winter hats and scarves for the Kenosha Shalom Center. This drive was a GREAT success with the help of many students, organizations, faculty and staff on the UWP campus.

In the 2007-2008 school year, Gamma Alpha Omega has volunteered a total of 700+ service hours with 7active members and help from inactive members and alumna. This past school year our organization has participated in the following events:

  • The Gamma P.A.L.S. Mentoring Program (Gamma Promoting Academics, Athlectics, & Leadership amongst Latinas through Service & Sisterhood), in which all participants must have a C average or better. The mentees participate in one community service event per month with our chapter and we provide 2-3 socials per semester for them. We also try to support our mentees in any extra-curricular activities that they do (go and watch any athletic games or dance recitals).

  • The Wisconsin AIDS Walk
    •  in Milwaukee, Water girls and cheering section
  • GAO 3rd Annual Mitten Tree
  • Miss Latina Racine Scholarship Nacho Fundraising Booth
  • The Racine Mexican Fiesta
  • Cristo Rey Festival
  • Lincoln Manner BINGO w/ the elderly
  • Whitewater Food Pantry
  • Diabetes Fair
  • 2006 Hispanic Youth Career Fair @ UWP
  • Safe Sex Program for a young womyn's group at CIP
  • Academic Support Service's Study Table at UWW
  • ESL Program Childcare
  • LU Food Drive at UWW
  • UWW Blood Drive
  • Whitewater High School Tutoring
  • RYS Registration
  • National Latino/Womyn AIDS Awareness Day

  • Xmas Cards for the elderly
  • Valentine Cards for the elderly

  • The Ronald McDonald House Service Table for donations and information

  • The Ronald McDonald Houses of Madison and Milwaukee Volunteers

  • Special Olympics Track & Field event

  • Special Olympic Basketball Event

  • Special Olympics Bowling Event

  • Por La Gente Basketball Tournament to raise money for the PLG Scholarship.

  • Por La Gente Softball Tournament to raise money for the PLG Scholarship.

  • Por La Gente Scotch Doubles Bowling Event

  • “Make a Difference Day” 2006
  • "Make a Difference Day" Recruitment Table
  • "Hunger Cleanup" 2007
  • "Hunger Cleanup" Publicity Chair and committee
  • The Mexican Fiesta Annual Scholarship Taco Dinner

  • The Joseph Annual Basketball Tournament

  • The Saint Joseph Annual Volleyball Tournament

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  • Xmas Gift Wrapping at the Regency Mall
  • Big Brother’s/Big Sister’s Bowl-a-thon

  • Big Brother’s/Big Sister’s Mentoring Program

  • LU High school Open House

  • LU Cinco De Mayo Celebration
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  • Alverno Blood Drive
  • Racine County Food Bank Holiday Boxes

  • Women’s Resource Center in Racine

  • San Juan Diego Middle School Mentoring, Tutoring After school Program, & Girls Volleyball & Basketball Coaches.
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  • RASA Soccer Coach
  • Girl Scouts of America
  • Washington Elementary Tutors

  • Salvation Army Summer Bell Ringers


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    It is by giving our time through Community Service, that we learn the importance of giving back to our community while emerging as role models to others around us. Members of GAO also get a sense of satisfaction back from doing service knowing that we are introducing many children in the local area to the idea of participating in community service at a very young age through our mentoring program. Our Gamma PALS can walk away knowing how important service is, and that doing community service is not always done because "you have to" but can be done because "you want to" do it.

    The Epsilon Chapter is always looking anyone who has or would like to gain leadership skills and isn’t afraid to put in work and time into the surrounding communities year round with the reminder that this is a lifetime commitment. The activities and involvement do not stop after graduation.

    If you’d like to find out more about upcoming events of the Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. at UWP or about G.A.O. in general please feel free to email FEISTY.




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