Ethan Bush of Colorado Gamma at Colorado State University was identified by his chapter as a main driver behind the chapter’s effort to raise $34,166 during the 2023-24 school year and become an Iron Phi Chapter for the fourth consecutive year and fifth time overall. Ethan’s leadership has been cultivated through attendance at the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute, McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference, Shaffer Honors College of Leadership, and General Convention, and he has been rewarded with five scholarships nearing $5,000 from the Phi Delta Theta Foundation. His leadership as philanthropy chairman and now president has also led Colorado Gamma to many campus awards, Phi Delta Theta honors, and back-to-back Triple Crown Awards from Live Like Lou.
In this feature, Brother Bush shares insights from his Iron Phi experience that helped him lead his chapter to success.
What Phi Delt chapter officer positions have you held?
Philanthropy chairman and president
Approximately what percentage of your chapter was engaged with Iron Phi this past year?
50%
What specific tactics did you use to motivate others to register for Iron Phi and begin their effort?
We gave presentations that provided our members with an in-depth explanation of what ALS is and what Iron Phi and Live Like Lou are all about. Also included in the presentation was a step-by-step explanation on how to start an Iron Phi account. We communicated weekly Iron Phi fundraising progress updates at chapter. When I was philanthropy chairman, I would schedule time with brothers to help them set up their Iron Phi account to begin sending emails. I made group chats with those who showed interest in becoming Iron Phis, and I would send fundraising opportunities and check in with them to offer any assistance. My main goal was to make it as easy as possible for members to get involved, and I did my best to simplify the fundraising process.
For the individuals who had the most Iron Phi success, what common things did you see them do?
We saw that simply getting the word out to all members on how to get involved was very helpful. Many members were capable of raising the money, but they just didn’t know how to get started. Much of our success came from members asking their family and friends for donations. I also made bingo cards and email templates for members to utilize.
What other chapter benefits did you see that may have stemmed from a number of people succeeding with Iron Phi?
Once everyone saw others succeeding, they wanted to participate as well. It is an amazing cause that I saw bring our brothers together. Many people found it very rewarding and were excited to do their athletic event once they earned the money. The brothers take pride in becoming Iron Phis, and it was very cool to see so many people rallying around a good cause.
What would you tell individuals or chapters who are worried about the fundraising component of becoming an Iron Phi or Iron Phi Chapter?
I would say to first focus on getting as many members involved as possible. It’s okay if someone isn’t able to raise the full $1,000, because any amount is helpful. It’s important for those involved to begin by asking family or friends to support them with a donation. We have also had members do small things like posting a bingo card on their social media, do Pie a Phi on campus, or go door-to-door at the sorority houses. Having a philanthropy chairman who will work with individual members is very helpful.
What has surprised you most about your chapter’s Iron Phi success?
With a few simple changes such as making a step-by-step presentation for our members, and at least getting them all registered through Iron Phi, we’ve been able to consistently raise more each year. Many members were able to complete the fundraising goal and said it was easier than they thought. It just took some encouragement to get started.
What personal lessons have you learned from your Iron Phi experience?
As philanthropy chairman, I found that being available to assist others and making things as simple as possible is valuable. Also, it is easy to get people to rally behind a cause when it means something to them. Making things more personal often times resonates with others, and it naturally motivates them to participate or donate to the cause. The amazing people I have been able to meet over the past two years that have been impacted by ALS gives me that much more motivation to fight for this cause. It is incredible to see how our collective effort can benefit so many people.
To become an Iron Phi, visit www.ironphi.org to begin your journey.
