Summer 2015
ZOL 2015: The Experience! by Candyce Holland and Chauntine J. Dorame
dures, networking across professions and finding a common ground in our love and commitment to Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
The air was filled with a spirit of anticipation as over 500 members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and Amicae arrived at the Zeta Amicae/Undergraduate Retreat/Basilei Institute/2015 ZOL Conference ready to enhance their skills and understanding in leadership and most importantly commit to the work of Zeta in efforts to move our beloved sorority forward. According to Soror Tonya Banks (IL), “The Basilei institute was some of the best leadership training that I have received in my over 25 year professional career.” The training included going through Zeta rituals, how to improve communication across all levels, how to foster and maintain community relationships and partnerships, how to use those partnerships to build upon our sorority initiatives, communication and delegation, parliamentary proce-
But the Basilei institute was just a start as the ZOL weekend kicked off Friday morning with an Opening Session, where Dr. Elmira Magnum greeted the crowd with words of encouragement and insight. A fun and interactive DiSC personality training led by our 20th International President, Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte, immediately
followed the opening session. The DiSC training session allowed all participants to gain a greater understanding on how to work with each other through communication and tolerance. We also witnessed our 24th International President, Mary Breaux Wright,
Summer Leadership Training July 8-12, 2015 Washington, D.C. sign a memorandum with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work cooperatively by engaging youth in outdoor recreation and healthful activities. The day ended with engaging break out sessions concerning conflict resolution, executive board training and team building.
for Senate in 2016 in order to help fill the gap of leadership that exists today. The announcement was met with cheers and an overall display of support from the entire crowd. Saturday evening allowed for free time, where many members went to visit Howard University, took photos at our national headquarters and simply enjoyed Saturday morning, we fell right time together as sisters. back into learning mode with an engaging session on leadership principles. The sessions included a forum on legal matters and training on the structure, function and processes behind our national organization. This training was very helpful in that it provided in depth information on the responsibilities of many of the sorority’s governing arms. At lunch, our own Soror, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, addressed the attendees. She delivered the great news that she would be running Continued on p. 2
Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths
Summer Leadership: ZOL 2015 Our final session began at
7:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The Spirit of Zeta definitely was with as Past National 1st Vice President, Scarlet Black, introduced the 14th Edition of the National Handbook of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The handbook features an updated easy to read layout and design changes that will appeal to the entire sisterhood. All in the room were excited to place their orders to be one of the first to receive this coveted handbook. Other highlights of the day
included the all-important Portfolio Training Session, where participants learned of what items should be included in our individual leadership portfolios and break-out sessions concerning using technology within the chapter, Communications, Succession Planning and 501(c) 3 Organization Training. We then came together on Sunday afternoon to receive a
charge of encouragement from our International President, Mary Breaux Wright. She encouraged the participants to take the high road in their path to leadership and to never give up on doing the work of Zeta. Her charge was heartfelt, inspiring and honest. It was awesome to hear that she believed in each
one of our talents as a leader and as a member of the Sorority.
It is an honor to be able to participate and I am looking forward to receiving my ZOL pin at Boule 2016!
Summer Leadership: ZOL 2015
Summer Leadership: ZOL
Summer Leadership: ZOL
The Black Women’s Agenda and On Saturday, August 15th at the Carter G. Woodson Library on the South Side of Chicago, an assorted mix of Chicago-land Zeta members gathered together to host and participate in The Black Women’s Agenda and AARP sponsored event,
“Because We Care...”. In an effort to provide AfricanAmerican families and caregivers with the critical support and information they need, The Black Women's Agenda, Inc. (BWA) and AARP have part-
nered to launch "Because We Care" - a series of free forums designed to provide Black women and their families with the resources and tools that will enable them to take better care of their loved ones and themselves. According to a report by The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, approximately one-third of the U.S. adult population - are providing care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged.
More than half of AfricanAmerican caregivers find themselves "sandwiched" between caring for an older person, and a person under age 18, or caring for more than one older person. Thank you to the Sorors who came out to help and a “Very Special Thank you” to the Illinois State Director, Connie V. Pugh and Nicole S. Weathersby, Chair of the Illinois State Board! A future event will be held in Detroit, more details to come.
Because We Care...
Regional Directors’ Retreat in Chicago Chicago was the city to be in during the weekend of August 14-16, 2015. Not only was our International President in town to speak at the Black Women’s Agenda/AARP event but she and all of our Regional Directors were in town to conduct Zeta business.
According to the Southeastern Regional Director, Dr. Yvonne Jefferson-Barnes, “Whew, don’t think that we are not working this weekend!” As a special plus, the National Board of our brother Fraternity, Phi
Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. were also in town to hold their National Executive Board meeting.. Even though our leadership is working, they still got a chance to take a picture with the International President of Phi Beta Sigma, Jonathan A. Mason Sr. and take a visit to the Historical Sigma House located in Chicago’s Bronzeville area. Special thanks to the Phi Beta Sigma Regional Director, Daryl Parks and the Chicagoland Brothers for their hospitality. It was much appreciated!
Hannibal, Missouri August 7-9, 2015. What a historical weekend! Kudos to the Midwestern Region Sorors, the Regional Director, Samantha Hughes, the “Zeta Day in Hannibal” planning committee and National Officers who united on the idea of honoring our “Key Founder, Arizona L. Cleaver Stemons” in a most Magnificent way.
The Great Lakes Region helps honor Founder Stemons
Editor’s Nook Greetings Family, The Great Lakes Regional Director and members have been quite busy since our regional conference in April! This summer has been a whirlwind. Keep reading the newsletter and you’ll see what I mean. Thank you to those that submitted photos/articles. I could not have put the newsletter together without you. Photo Credits: Krissie Harris, Iris-Ellena Calder, Artishia Harris-Woody, Sheila Traylor, Charise Bennett, Janette Bishop and other Facebook posters. -
Open Regional Positions Sorors, if you are interested in serving in the following capacities, please contact Madame Regional Director, Porter Norman at Great LakesRD@zetaphibetasororityhq.org: Regional Editor (Regional Executive Board position) Regional Web-mistress Regional Social Media Coordinator Regional Social Action Coordinator
Honoring Founder Stemons in Hannibal
Honoring Founder Stemons in Hannibal
Honoring Founder Stemons in Hannibal
Zeta Day in Hannibal
Hannibal
Michigan State Organization Statewide Fellowship Picnic
Every year to honor our 8th International President, Violette N. Anderson, Esq., the Michigan State Organization holds a statewide fellowship picnic and participates in a parade around the July 4th holiday at Birch Haven in Idlewild, Michigan. This year the special guest was our International President, Mary Breaux Wright! Also in attendance was Michigan Resident Agent, Elner Taylor and National Trustee, Brenda Reed.
Amicae Sponsors Training has been cancelled
Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Page 17
State of Illinois
Soror Connie V. Pugh Illinois State Director
Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths...
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Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Indiana State Organization
Soror Susan D. Johnson, Ph.D. Indiana State Director
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Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Kentucky State Association
Soror Keisha D. Smith Kentucky State Director
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Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Michigan State Organization
Soror Tonia Jenkins Michigan State Director
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Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Minnesota State Organization
Soror Bernadette Harrell Minnesota State Director
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Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Ohio State Organization
Soror LaRita MJ Smith Ohio State Director
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Great Lakes Gazette
Volume 2, Issue 5
Wisconsin State Organization
Soror Milika Z. Miller Wisconsin State Director
Friday, October 9, 2015
nd
82 Annual Great Lakes Regional Leadership Conference April 14-17, 2016 Galt House Hotel Louisville, KY 40202 855-306-3285 Mary Breaux Wright International Grand Basileus
Michelle Porter Norman Great Lakes Regional Director
Host Chapter: Eta Zeta – Louisville, KY
Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths
In Memoriam
New York City
In a testament of love, sympathy and solidarity, Zeta members around the country held Balloon Release Memorials for Soror Pratcher.
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Heartfelt thanks to the Sorors of:
Charlotte, North Carolina
DC-Maryland-Virginia
Central Texas
Philadelphia West Texas Middle Tennessee Atlanta and