From the beginning of its existence, Iota Phi Theta has sought to "Make a Difference." One of the very first activities of the newly-formed Iota was participation in the protests at the segregated Northwoods Shopping Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The founders of the Fraternity considered themselves "Militant" at a time when militancy was not an entirely popular stance.

This commitment to service has been a constant thread throughout the history of Iota Phi Theta. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, Iota was a strong supporter of the "Big Brothers of America" program. In fact, in 1974, then Grand Polaris, Thomas Dean appeared in a local television commercial on behalf of Big Brothers of America.

The commitment to service has continued and is manifested in the activities of local chapters of the Fraternity. A partial listing of involvements undertaken by Iota Phi Theta chapters includes:

• The NAACP

• The United Negro College Fund

• The Southern Christian Leadership Conference

• Project IMAGE

• The National Federation of the Blind

• The National Sickle Cell Foundation

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it highlights the type of community involvement and spirit that exists within the Iota Phi Theta brotherhood.

A NATIONAL EMPHASIS:

In the initial stages of the Fraternity's existence, the Fraternity's service initiatives were local in nature as reflected by the size of the Fraternity and the scope of its resources. As the Fraternity began to take on a National dimension, it became evident that its programmatic thrust would have to be adjusted accordingly. This adjustment was complicated however, by the fact that many chapters have had historical ties to service organizations and causes in their local areas.

In order to address these concerns, In 1993, the Fraternity created 2 important National initiatives that remain the primary focus of its service thrust. These Initiatives are The National Iota Foundation and The IOTA Youth Alliance.

Additionally, in 2001, the Fraternity has undertaken a new program called, The Digital Heritage Initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Iota Phi Theta, Africana.com, and Microsoft Corporation. To learn more about the Digital Heritage Initiative, click here.

In recent years, the Fraternity has expanded its list of national programs to include:

• The Afya (aah-fee-yah) Njema (j-ma) Program
• The Developing Better Fatherhood Project
• The IOTA Political Mobilization Campaign
• Community Reclamation Initiative
• Cultural Education Movement

This expansion of the scope of our service endeavors is a testament to the ability of the Fraternity to remain aware of the needs of the communities that we serve.

AN ONGOING COMMITMENT:

As Iota Phi Theta continues its growth and development, commitment to the African-American community shall remain the priority of its activity. The Fraternity understands that its primary mission should be to serve as an enabler for the empowerment of the African-American community and as a continuing source of positive images and assistance for our youth.

• Fatherhood Program
  
• Hurricane Katrina Donation Foundation
• Boiler Blast
• Martin Luther King Day of Service
• Project Move Out
• S.A.T. Mentoring