Zeta Phi Beta is an organization that strives for change. We, a group of college educated women organized as a sister organization
to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., understood that at the historical moment of our birth, it was time for a change--to move beyond
the pale legacies set forth by other women's greek lettered societies.
We, the women of Zeta Phi Beta, knew that in order for true change to occur, it must take place with the cooperation of both
genders. That is why we walk hand in hand with our Sigma brothers. Zeta women best understand the words of Julia A. J. Foote:
"So close are the bonds between man and woman that you can not lift one without lifting the other."
We, the Sisters of the Dove, were not complacent with the status quo. For that reason, Zeta women claim a stellar legacy of
political, civic, and social change.
We, those who exemplify Finer Womanhood know the power of sisterhood. As sisters we unite, combining our energies into a
healing blue and white light to soothe our troubled world.
We, the bearers of the Zeta light, know that with change comes challenges. Yet we shall always meet each challenge with a brave
heart, a clear conscience, and an unshakable committment to service. It is through World Class Service that a higher self, a better
self, is actualized.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a community conscious, action oriented organization
provides programs which effectively address the needs of local communities. Having been
founded on the principles of finer womanhood, sisterly love, scholarship and service, it has
become increasingly more important that programs are developed which can provide meaningful
services that have emanated from attainable goals.
The Zeta Seven Point Plan for Action is being introduced as the capstone of programmatic
operation. "While we build on the past, it is critical that we plan a future for Zeta - one which we
will be recognized for the quality of work performed and the demonstration of a sincere
commitment to a turbulent, struggling world. This can only be done if we prepare for the 21st
century - The New Millennium ... through service, technology, education and leadership.
Seven Point Plan For Action
1. Economy
Economic Development
Women as Entrepreneurs
Sponsor informative programs and activities that will encourage women in your
chapter and in your communities in becoming entrepreneurs, provide resources and
mentoring to those who aspire to become business owners.
Corporate Development
Cultivate relationships with businesses in communities that will enable support of your
programs; support African American and female owned businesses when possible.
Career Opportunities
Prepare women in your chapter and in your communities in taking advantage of
opportunities in the current job market; help prepare women by obtaining the necessary
skills and education to remain competitive in today's job market.
Non-traditional Jobs
Encourage women and young girls to become interested in and pursue positions, such as
space exploration, plumbers, electricians, architecture, and contracting, not traditionally held
by African American women.
2. Education
Education
Zeta Phi Beta Education Foundation
National Geography Institute A Benchmark Program
Tutor children in geography and computer science by setting up modules in existing
Zeta houses or ask for donation of space for use - for example, make every Saturday
morning a "Zeta Academy"; provide informational seminars on different parts of the
world - invite a native of that country to present. This would be an excellent way to
share first-hand experiences of the culture; have someone share travel experiences to
share what they felt was unique and what they learned from a different culture;
sponsor a geography bee.
Illiteracy Programs
Institute family oriented programs on illiteracy. Coordinate and sponsor a "Family Night Out
to the Library", or "Family Book Clubs".
Promote Creative Arts A Benchmark Program
Sponsor and coordinate Current Issues Oratorical Contests and writing contests, art shows,
talents shows. Provide scholarships or cash awards for winners; support those who are
competing in contests sponsored by other organizations.
Conflict Resolution & Anger Management A Benchmark Program
Provide workshops and role playing activities to redirect negative energies; group activities
or outings that promote trust and encourage unity. An example of this program would be to
sponsor an outing similar to Outward Bound; "Go Into The Battleground"- help stamp out
violence in the schools; sponsor a Saturday Academy on Conflict Resolution.
Career & Leadership Development "Getting! Back to the Basics"
Sponsor sessions on dressing for success - "looking the part'. Provide help and suggestions
on personal hygiene and grooming. Promote the use of proper English when speaking,
interviewing, and in general conversation. Provide assistance in improving writing skills;
provide seminars and assist with career planning; provide career mentoring - "Adopt a
Future CEO".
3. Government
Governmental Affairs
Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization
Coordinate activities on local, county, state and national levels register people in your
family and community, coordinate and provide opportunities to meet face-to-face
with candidates for town hall meetings and forums; organize mobilization efforts (ask
for donations from schools, bus companies, etc. for transportation and drivers to the
polls); celebrate by having "I VOTED" parties to reward voters, volunteers, and
organizers for their efforts.
Legislative Actions
Become active in local, county, state and national governments and become change agents
in working to ensure there are laws that protect African Americans.
Networking
Become leaders in your communities by working with other agencies, non-profit and
otherwise, in promoting, coordinating and implementing community service programs.
4. Substance Abuse Prevention
Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention
Programs on Self-esteem
Provide practical advice and guidance to youth on the life decisions they may face;
help cultivate family, spiritual and cultural values even when none exists; help youth
know that it is okay not to succumb to negative peer pressure - help them learn that
there are other positive choices in life.
"Girl Power" Program - A Benchmark Program
Help pave the way for girls, ages 9-13, to build confidence, competence and pride in
themselves - make them see that they have the "Power" to say no to drugs and make
positive decisions about their lives.
5. Community
Community Volunteerism
Community Volunteerism
Volunteerism in human service agencies; mentioning and providing services to
mentally and physically challenged people; provide counseling in career placement;
serve on non-profit advisory and decision boards; collect clothes, food, toys, and
other goods for public pantries and other organizations; teach classes to the public in
subjects such as computers and social studies; clean up streams, streets, lakes and
parks to care for the environment; staff hot-lines or other public information lines; act
as a "peer helper", i.e. orient new students to school; tutor those having trouble in
school, help resolve conflicts; promote public awareness by conveying information
about health issues, current events, public safety, social and environmental issues
through the arts, lectures, written works or experimental activities; produce sources
of information such as newsletters, newspapers, cable TV programs as sources of
public information.
Mentoring
Provide mentoring to at-risk youth, teen-age mothers, and girls without female role models;
help resolve conflict.
6. Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness Awareness
Women in Their Dynamic Years
Sponsor groups and/or meetings, with help of trained professionals, to provide
counseling to women as they transition to being "dynamic " that will help them cope
with the physical, mental, career, and family expectations as they grow older.
Prenatal and Infant Care Programs
Open a Stork's Nest; participate in or sponsor programs for pregnant drug abusers. Studies
reveal that this is a large percentage of drug abusers. Border Babies programs in hospitals;
assist foster families by donating time for a "Mother's Day/Afternoon Out".
"First Step" Programs for New Mothers
Partner with agencies that assist new mothers in raising and coping with newborns; sponsor
baby showers for disadvantaged mothers.
Prevalent African American Diseases
Get the word out on diseases that have a profound affect on African-Americans, such as
sickle cell anemia, heart disease, diabetes, lung diseases and breast cancer by partnering
with local chapters of organizations such as the American Heart Association; provide
workshops and professional speakers for local, state and regional conferences on prevalent
African American diseases; have members share personal experiences to audiences to
stress the importance of good health habits and regular check-ups for early detection and
cure, help someone celebrate an anniversary of remission or good health.
7. Management
Chapter Management
1.Program Development
2.Fiscal Management
3.Resource Development
4. Networking
5.Image Improvement
6.Membership Growth
7.Economic Stability
8.Improved Sisterhood and Unity
Eighty thousand women strong, individuals all, united in one singular purpose: to live our lives such that they may be examples for
others to follow. Zeta Phi Beta, we love her so, her very name sets each soror's heart aglow. "Many daughters have done
virtuously, but thou excellest them all."--Proverbs 31:29
Renowned Sorors
Dionne Warwick - Internationally renowned recording artist
Esther Rolle - Actress from Good Times (as Florida)
Ja'Net DuBois - Another actress (and singer) from Good Times (as Wilona)
Sheryl Underwood - Renowned Comedienne
Jackie Torrence - Griot (African Storyteller)
Minnie Ripperton - Singer of "Loving You"
Zora Neale Hurston - Anthropologist,Modern writer and folklorist
Sarah Vaughn - Renowned International Jazz Singer
Yvonne Miller - Virginia State Senator
Towanda Braxton - Recording artist and sibling of singer Toni Braxton
Elizabeth Koontz - First black president of the NEA
Versia Lindsay - First woman to graduate from the School of Sciences at
Atlanta University
Anita Turpeau Anderson - First woman on the debate team at Howard U.
Clara McLaughlin - First black woman to operate and own a television
station
Algenita Scott Davis - Immediate past president of the National Bar
Association
Freddye Henderson - First black owner of a travel agency in the U.S
Dr. Deborah Wolfe - Former U.S. Education Chief, U.S. House of
Representative Committee on Education and Labor and Chairperson of the
New Jersey Board of Higher Education
Thelma Duggin - Political Activist