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. Members of the Eastern Region perform community service not for props but for pride in their fraternity and in the investment they make for the future of their communities.

"A fraternity with the capacity to restrain the
over-aggressive, encourage the faint hearted, sustain the timid, refute the disagreeable. We teach the ignorant, goad the lazy, aid the less fortunate and fight for the oppressed! "
- John Slade (founder)

As Iota has grown, it has endeavored to maintain a standard of excellence and leadership on campus and in the community. Individual chapters and members involve themselves in activities that allow IOTA the opportunity to give and enrich the lives of others

A partial listing of involvements undertaken by Iota Phi Theta chapters includes:

- The NAACP

- The United Negro College Fund

- SCLC

- Project IMAGE

-The National Federation of the Blind

- The National Sickle Cell Foundation

- The Afya Njema Program

- Developing Better Fatherhood Project

- IOTA Political Mobilization Campaign

- Community Reclamation Initiative

- Cultural Education Movement

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

The Centaur Challenge

As Iota Phi Theta continues its growth and development, commitment to the African-American community shall remain the priority of its activity. IOTA understands that its primary mission is the empowerment of the African-American community. Get involved today.