'Greek Week' activities begin

problems during rally on Green With an impassioned speech from Leona Smith, a dedicated advocate for the homeless, approximately 200 fraternity and sorority members launched Greek Week '90 yesterday with an afternoon rally on College Green. Using the title of Phil Collins' song about homelessness "Another Day in Paradise" as a theme, Greek leaders highlighted their goal of uniting students to help solve problems within the University and West Philadelphia community. "Today may be another day in paradise, but for others it's another day in hell," said Phi Sigma Sigma sorority member Kim Brodkin at the rally, calling for all members of fraternities and sororities to actively participate in community service. Smith, who is currently the President of the National Union of the Homeless, addressed students with a heartfelt plea to help stave off the rapidly mounting homeless crisis. Smith herself was homeless on the streets of Philadelphia at the age of 15. "We are all one paycheck away from being homeless," warned Smith. "What people need is a hand up, not a hand-out." In addition, the rally included a speech by the chairpersons of the newly founded Greek Social Action Committee. Allison Abell and Jeff Furman, both College juniors, said they hope to create a greater awareness of the cultural diversity at the University and utilize already existing resources to combat problems in the surrounding community. "For years the Greek system has existed as a social outlet but the inherent and force and number of it demands much more," said Furman, a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Greek Week continues today with a clean-a-thon by fraternity and sorority members at and around the University.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.