National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month, a natural time to reflect on the importance of service and volunteerism.
Research shows that volunteering not only impacts those being served, but also the individuals who give their time. It has been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Service has long been part of the Lambda Chi Alpha experience. It is one of the ways Brothers learn to lead, support others, and live out the values of the Fraternity during and beyond their college years.
But what happens when research tells us that volunteer rates among men are declining? And what role can organizations like Lambda Chi Alpha play in addressing that gap?
Why Service Matters
New research from the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) offers an important reminder of why this work matters. In its analysis of men and volunteering, AIBM found that men are less likely to volunteer than women. At the same time, those who do often describe it as one of the most meaningful uses of their time.
At a time when many men report increasing levels of isolation, volunteering can provide a pathway to connection and belonging. It creates opportunities to work alongside others, contribute to something larger than oneself, and build a sense of shared purpose.
AIBM’s findings point to a practical conclusion. Men are more likely to engage in service when it is: clearly defined, connected to tangible outcomes, rooted in community and belonging, and reinforced through peer invitation. One common barrier is that no one asked them to volunteer in the first place.
What It Takes to Engage Men in Service
If those conditions are required, then the question becomes: who is responsible for creating them? Within Lambda Chi Alpha, that work is shared across both the Fraternity and the Lambda Chi Foundation.
The Fraternity creates environments where service is expected and visible at the Chapter level through partnerships with local and national philanthropies and leadership conferences like High Zeta Summit.
The Foundation supports the leadership development that prepares men to step into those roles and provides opportunities for Alumni to stay involved as volunteers and mentors.
Together, that structure makes participation more likely and more sustainable.
Proof in Practice
That approach is already producing measurable outcomes.
- 147 Certified High Pis currently serve as Alumni Advisors to Chapters
- 160 Alumni raised their hand to serve as scholarship judges
- 80 Chapters have at least one defined Advisory Board role in place
- 765 Alumni are actively engaged as Advisory Board members
- 275 Alumni and friends of Lambda Chi served as Ambassadors for the Founders’ Day Challenge
- 73 general volunteers support the organization in additional roles
Lambda Chi Alpha volunteers provide direct mentorship, accountability, and continuity for Chapters. They create consistent points of connection between Alumni and Active Members.
That consistency matters.
As one Collegiate Brother shared about his Chapter’s High Pi:
“Before Dom, the previous Alumni Advisors would last one to two years at most. Dom has stayed with our Chapter for many years, giving advice and support whenever needed. He truly is an inspiration to all of the Brothers of Epsilon-Epsilon Zeta.”
This is the kind of structured, relational volunteer model that research suggests is most effective for engaging men.
Making Service Possible
Through the support of Alumni and donors, the Lambda Chi Foundation plays an important role in sustaining and expanding this work.
Through grants and programmatic support, the Foundation invests in leadership development experiences such as the Stead Leadership College. These programs equip Brothers with the skills needed to lead effectively within their Chapters and communities.
As one Brother reflected after completing the program:
“These programs focus on meaningful leadership growth and personal development that push members to improve. They highlight dedication to ongoing growth, responsibility, and professional development.”
The Foundation also actively recruits Alumni volunteers, creating clear pathways for engagement after graduation. For Alumni, these opportunities are tangible ways to stay connected and make an impact. As one scholarship judge shared:
“Reviewing these applications was a reminder of why this work matters… The stories reflect Brothers who are giving more than what is asked of them… Showing up for them is how we honor what the Fraternity gave us.”
Whether serving as scholarship judges, advisors, ambassadors, or mentors, Alumni continue to invest their time and experience in the next generation of Brothers.
Looking Ahead
National Volunteer Month is a reminder that service does more than meet immediate needs. It helps shape how individuals lead, connect, and contribute throughout their lives.
The research is clear. When men are given structured, meaningful opportunities to serve, they are more likely to engage and more likely to benefit from that experience.
Lambda Chi’s model reflects that reality. By combining Chapter-level engagement with Foundation-supported leadership development and Alumni involvement, it creates an environment where service is not occasional. It is expected.
And when that happens, the impact extends beyond any single event. It shapes how men lead, how they connect, and how they continue to give back over time.
Get Involved
“Naught Without Labor”
Lambda Chi could not accomplish its mission and provide a premiere fraternity experience without the support of Alumni Brothers and friends who volunteer their time to share in our work.
Ready to get involved? Complete this online form to share your interest.
If you have questions about volunteering, please reach out to our staff.
- For volunteering with the Fraternity, email volunteering@lambdachi.org
- For volunteering with the Foundation, email foundation@lambdachi.org
