Leveraging our people: the impact of volunteers

Every great organization is built on the strength of its people—and for Pi Beta Phi, that strength shines brightest through our volunteers. At Convention 2025, we celebrated the more than 2,300 Pi Phis who currently serve in volunteer roles, supporting everything from chapter advising and housing to governance and education. These women are the lifeblood of our sisterhood—mentors, leaders and advocates who give their time, talents and hearts to help Pi Phi thrive.

Serving Pi Phi are 2,368 volunteers. Of those, 1,049 are Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) members. Others serve as Chapter House Corporation volunteers, Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) officers, Foundation Trustees, International Officers and more.

This vast network of volunteers allows Pi Phi to operate with agility, care and continuity. Their behind-the-scenes support ensures chapters are well-advised, members are empowered, and Fraternity operations run smoothly.

A Shifting Volunteer Landscape

While our volunteer network remains strong, it is also evolving. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced an increase in volunteer turnover as more International Officers resigned their roles than in previous biennia and AAC vacancies reached historic highs in 2022 and early 2023. 

In response, the Fraternity made volunteer retention, recruitment and support a top priority. Today, those efforts are showing results. As of June 2025, only 50 AAC roles remain vacant—a notable improvement from 70 in January; More alumnae are stepping into roles earlier in life—the most common AAC initiation year is now 2016, meaning many AACs are serving in their twenties; The “seasoned advisor” still exists, but today’s volunteer team includes women from all generations. For example, while you may still find an AAC named Susan or Mary, you’re now just as likely to meet a Katie, Lauren, or Emily—a reflection of how our alumnae are engaging earlier and differently.

Strengthening Support: What’s New

To better serve volunteers, Pi Beta Phi introduced two major initiatives this biennium the SOAR Program and AAC Academy. 

SOAR, standing for Success, Orientation, Advancement, and Retention, is a redesigned on-boarding and development program for International Officers. It provides clear expectations from day one, ongoing education and leadership development, and peer support and connection. SOAR aims to ensure volunteers feel prepared and supported when they step into leadership roles.

In response to AAC feedback, Pi Phi piloted in-person AAC Academies in three regions. These day-long trainings were designed to offer hands-on guidance, networking, and mentorship. While attendance was lower than anticipated—fewer than 20 AAC members attended across three events—the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. This result showed us two things: Advisors are hungry for community and training, and we haven’t yet found the right delivery model—but the Fraternity will keep trying.

Why This Matters

When Pi Phi supports its volunteers well, everyone benefits. Collegians gain access to stronger mentorship. Chapters operate more smoothly. Alumnae feel connected and empowered. Our volunteers are not simply fulfilling roles—they are shaping the Pi Phi experience for thousands of members every year. 

Whether you’ve served before or are considering saying “yes” for the first time, know this: there is a place for you in Pi Phi’s volunteer network.

Become a Pi Phi Volunteer

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Pi Phi By the Numbers

More than 150 years ago, 12 courageous young women at Monmouth College came together to form a new organization grounded in the values of Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor & Respect, Personal & Intellectual Growth, Philanthropic Service to Others and Sincere Friendship. Learn more about Pi Beta Phi with some fast facts about our sisterhood.

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