As one of the four pillars of Beta, service is the most visible and meaningful way clubs bring our mission—Let Us Lead by Serving Others—to life.
Because of its importance, it’s natural for Sponsors and members to seek clarity on what truly qualifies as service. This guide is designed to help you confidently navigate common questions, ensuring your club’s service efforts remain purposeful and aligned with Beta’s values.
Definition of Service
Service is a volunteer-based action performed without compensation, intended to benefit others beyond oneself, including:
- The school community (students, faculty, facility, etc.)
- The surrounding local community (neighborhood, city)
- Broader causes at the state, national, or global level
It includes both direct action (doing something hands-on) and indirect support (raising awareness or funds for a cause).
Qualifying Examples
- Volunteering at food banks, shelters, or community events
- Tutoring younger students (outside of paid duties)
- Organizing or participating in clean-up efforts (school, park, neighborhood)
- Assisting teachers, librarians, or staff outside of class time
- Creating or supporting a community garden
- Writing cards or creating care packages for hospitals, veterans, or nursing homes
- Hosting drives (coats, canned goods, books)
- Fundraising for others (e.g., a family in need, disaster relief, charities)
What Does Not Qualify?
Club Activities
Activities related to club meetings or event preparation are not considered service.
Examples:
- Club meetings
- Meetings related to the preparation of State Convention attendance (campaign skit practice, etc.)
Club-Only Benefit Projects
Activities where the primary or sole beneficiary is the club itself are not considered service.
Examples:
- Fundraising to cover Beta trip expenses (e.g., State Convention travel)
- Selling merchandise to pay for club t-shirts
Exception: If the club raises money to support a member in need (e.g., medical bills, family hardship), that does qualify as service.
Familial Responsibilities
Standard household or family obligations do not count as service. These are considered personal responsibilities, not volunteerism.
Examples:
- Babysitting siblings
- Doing chores for relatives (yard work, cleaning, errands)
- Caring for pets owned by the student’s family
Grey Areas & Club Discretion
Some projects fall into a gray zone. In these cases, Sponsor discretion is advised. Consider:
- Who benefits? If the project’s impact extends beyond the student/family/club, it likely qualifies.
- Was it required? If it’s a school-mandated duty or a job replacement, it likely does not qualify.
- Was it voluntary? Only unpaid, self-initiated acts of service should be considered.
General Rule of Thumb
If the project helps others and is done without expectation of compensation, it’s likely service. If it primarily benefits the student, their family, or the club, it likely is not.