Pennsylvania Perspective Winter 2013 Volume 1, Issue 2
In This Issue: State Director’s Updates Commonwealth Participation in National Initiatives Undergraduate Highlights
Youth Auxiliaries PA Chapter Accomplishments
As we usher in a new year, let’s take a few moments to reflect upon the many blessings that we received during 2012. Even though 2012 had its ups and downs, Hurricane Sandy, etc., we still have much to be grateful and thankful for because we are still here to share and tell our stories. Last year demonstrated the importance and relevancy of our sisterhood in today’s society. The opportunities for service and to assist in the advancement of the needs of those who we serve in our respective community, has continued to present itself throughout the year. The sorors, Amicae, and youth Barbara A. Cousar auxiliaries have continuously rallied to the call of action. th 10 Pennsylvania State Director The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania immersed itself in service projects, leadership roles within Zeta and various organizations, and seized opportunities to do our part in assisting with the improvement of humanity and our great sisterhood. In addition, we have also made sure to find time to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate our organization by focusing on the bonds that tie us to each other. I am extremely proud of the energy and effort that the sorors have displayed as we continue to build upon the rich leadership that provided blueprints for us to follow. Please allow me to thank the chapters and auxiliaries that supported and implemented the following National Initiatives: • Text4Babies (Extended until April 30, 2013) • Prematurity Awareness • Anti-Hazing Town Hall Meetings • Voter Registration and Education • Let’s Do More – Membership Campaign (Ongoing Campaign) Sorors, the quality, innovative, and effective work that you and your Zeta Auxiliaries continue to do is what sets Zeta apart from other community service organizations. I know that we all wear many hats and at times get weary, but we always demonstrate that Zeta Zeal of “Never Tiring in Your Efforts”! Here’s to a healthy and prosperous New Year!
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State Appointed Officers Thank you to all those who answered the Zeta call and accepted a State Position. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania could not function without your leadership for you are truly PA’s MVPs! Webinar We have hosted two webinars – one for leaders (Elected & Appointed) and the other one for the Undergraduates with National Third Anti-Basileus, Anjylla Foster and Undergraduate Member-At-Large, Alexis Masionet. Thank you to Soror Jamina Dingle for doing an outstanding job in organizing and arranging the webinars. Amicae Soror/Friend Wanda Comartie-Jones, Pennsylvania’s Amicae Coordinator, is diligently working on plans for the Amicae Leadership Conference. Additional information is forth coming. Youth Auxiliaries Soror Shawnte Olde, Pennsylvania’s Youth Director is diligently working on plans for the Youth Leadership Conference. Additional information is forthcoming. Membership Sorors and Amicae, continue to increase your membership numbers through recruitment and retention. Girl Scouts Let’s support our youth as they build upon their entrepreneurial skills! Please purchase your Girl Scouts Cookies from the Soror/Friend in your area: Philadelphia Area – Imani Sanders is a member of Junior Troop #715. Imani’s mother is Soror/Friend Karen Wright Sanders. Please email cookie orders to Soror/Friend Wright Sanders at kwsdes@gmail.com. Jorden Taylor is a member of Junior Troop #71840. Jorden’s mother is Soror/Friend Katherine Taylor. Please email cookie orders to Soror/Friend Taylor at kattaylor_2000@yahoo.com Pittsburgh Area – Naijah Simon and N’ziyableu Boddy are members of Troop # 50597. Naijah Simon and N’ziyableu Boddy mother is Soror/Friend Sharron Boddy. Please email cookie orders to Soror/Friend Sharron Boddy at boddyzphib@yahoo.com.
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Registration information for the Executive Board Meeting was sent electronically to every Basilei for distribution. The Executive Board is open to the entire sisterhood, however, only Elected Officers, Basilei and Past State Directors have voting privileges. Due to having the Board Meeting on a college campus, we were able to avoid absorbent registration fees. Below is the registration breakdown: I.
Executive Board Meeting & Reception Registration Only
Friday, April 12, 2013 Executive Board Meeting Friday Night Reception II.
(no cost) $10.00
Complete Registration – Executive Board & Professional Development
Friday, April 12 & Saturday, April 13, 2013 Saturday Breakfast Professional Development Dining Etiquette Luncheon MIP Training
$30.00
Basilei, Elected and Appointed Officers Professional Development The Registration Brochure was disseminated to each Officer electronically. Registration for the Professional Development is for Basilei, Elected and Appointed Officers only. Below is the registration breakdown: I.
Basilei/Officers (Elected & Appointed) Professional Development Only
Saturday, April 13, 2013 Saturday Breakfast Professional Development Dining Etiquette Luncheon MIP Training
$20.00
(no cost)
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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania would like to pause and pay tribute to our Beloved Founders: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Fannie Pettie Watts, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Pearl Anna Neal and Viola Tyler Goings. Undeniably, Zeta’s Pearls were women who dared to be different with a zeal which birthed our sisterhood which is second to none. They provided a solid and true foundation which continues to be a true legacy that is standing tall 93 years later. Sorors, as we prepare to celebrate and observe Founders’ Day and Finer Womanhood for 2013, let’s reflect upon the principles of Zeta, the oath and why we became members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Let’s make our Founders proud by always exemplifying: Service Scholarship Sisterhood Finer Womanhood
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Sorors from across the Commonwealth of PA attended “Zeta Day on the Hill” in Washington, D.C. in September 2012.
Photo Courtesy of Soror Lisa Turner
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PA Sorors Embrace the “Finer Women Don’t Haze” Campaign and
Bring the Message to the Community Beta Delta Zeta Chapter conducted an anti-hazing workshop at Birney Preparatory Charter School in Philadelphia for high school and college students. The session included a roundtable discussion with the PA Undergraduate Coordinator Karima N. Rose, Basileus Shanté C. Dash, First Anti-Basileus Dana Moore, Z-HOPE Coordinator Tanaya Teamer, Margaret Peoples Marsh, and Krista Cortes.
Omega Rho Chapter (Lock Haven University) presented their “Finer Women Don’t Haze” program on September 29, 2012. The workshop included discussion about the importance of not hazing and how no one should be placed in unsafe situations.
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Eta Chapter conducted their “Power of Family” anti-hazing program in collaboration with Phi Beta Sigma in Philadelphia. The event was facilitated by Soror Gabrielle Clark and Brother Angelo Saxon (Epsilon Chapter). Participants received information about the dangers of hazing as well as risk management materials.
Every year, Zeta Phi Beta honors the 40-year partnership we’ve had with the March of Dimes by participating in Prematurity Awareness Month. In November 2012, chapters across the Commonwealth educated community members by going into local churches to advocate for healthy mothers & healthy babies in order to reduce the number of premature births.
Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter’s educational display table at Ebenezer Methodist Church in Norristown, PA.
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Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter, Eta Sigma Chapter, the Amicae of Norristown, family and guests joined together for its Prematurity Awareness Sunday program at Ebenzer Methodist Church in Norristown. Sorors disseminated educational pamphlets before and after the service and made a monetary donation to the church’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless.
Eta Sigma Chapter held their Prematurity Awareness Week at Villanova University. Sorors gave students free hot cocoa for stopping by to get literature about premature babies. Soror Tolu Olusada, a Resident Assistant, decorated her floor’s bulletin board with prematurity awareness facts.
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Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter held a dual fundraiser on behalf of their upcoming Blue Revue event and a Prematurity Awareness educational session. Soror Bernadette Tasker spoke first hand about infant prematurity and the ongoing research to find answers. Soror Tasker talked about her own experience in having a premature son, Demetri, born at thirty-two weeks. She also spoke of the ongoing partnership that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has with March of Dimes in bringing awareness through education and research that will eventually end infant prematurity. The educational session focused on prevention in regards to healthier living while being pregnant. Soror Tasker spoke about why it is important for pregnant women to rid themselves of behaviors that may be toxic to the fetus. She stated that pregnant women should stop smoking, maintain healthy diets, have regular prenatal care, stop drinking alcohol, monitor their blood pressure, and maintain a low stress level. The overall goal for the infant prematurity educational session was to raise awareness that this does exist. Infant prematurity is a very serious health concern and Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter along with March of Dimes will continue to bring awareness to the community.
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I hope that everyone’s holiday season was a wonderful exchange of kindness and goodwill to others. My family volunteered this year by giving back to others through serving meals. It was touching to help others during this special time of year and lift their spirits. Did you know that this is a time where people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) amongst other things that may spark depression? Loss of loved ones, financial troubles, abuse, major events, illnesses, medications and genetics can all play apart in this disease. A great idea during this time would be for Life Members to promote, sponsor, and/or facilitate the Z-HOPE program “More Than the Blues” with their chapter. Remember to try to take time to reconnect with Sorors and Life Members who have been in absentia from chapter events and try to bring them back into the circle. A sisterly phone call can make a huge difference for many people. Right now, many chapters have events planned to celebrate our upcoming Founders’ Day. So, let’s start with inviting them to this event. Follow up with invites to Finer Womanhood events to try to reignite their Zeta flames in hopes that they become reclaimed. You can anticipate information regarding life membership in the very near future. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at llzetadiamondlm@gmail.com.
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Greetings Sorors! What an exciting time we’re in right now! As we approach the celebration of Zeta’s Founders, we glance back to glean from the practices of Zeta’s Five Pearls by building on the foundation our Beloved Pearls have laid for our Great Sisterhood. Sorors, life certainly has a way of speeding by and before we know it, a week, a month even years have gone by and we have missed out on so much. Our dedication to our families, careers and other pursuits has undoubtedly caused us to prioritize our time differently. Let us consider this as we reach out to sorors who are inactive. As an example for our sisters to follow, we may show them how to actually have it all; a content family, successful careers, fulfilled creative endeavors all while serving alongside sorors as financial and active members of their chapters. With our help, encouragement and Love for Zeta and our sorors let’s strive to reignite the fire for ZETA in their hearts. Let’s Do More; in fact, let’s do all we can to focus on guiding home sorors whom have lost their way. Soror Scarlet Black, our National First Anti-Basileus, aims to increase membership across the world. The Captivating Commonwealth will do our part to comply with Soror Black’s drive by moving to increase membership by at least 25%. Just one of the ways in which we’ll accomplish this is by having a Zeta Round-Up. Anticipate this and much, much more…SOON!
Sisterly, Sharron Boddy PA 4R’s Membership Coordinator
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Omega Rho Chapter sorors have been busy this past semester! Sorors participated in the Club Fair which showcased all of the clubs and organizations offered at Lock Haven University. They held a Voter’s Registration table to encourage students to vote in the November 2012 election. Voter registration forms were also provided to students along with instructions on how to fill them out. Sorors, along with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity members, hosted a “Greek 101” event to educate the campus about all of the organizations within the Divine Nine. In October, sorors hosted a Halloween with the Zetas “Murder Mystery” where all of the attendees were given characters and had to determine the killer. Students were provided with a variety of clues and whoever solved them received a prize. Attendees dressed in costume. Omega Rho sorors ended the semester by conducting a Diabetes Awareness program which discussed how diabetes affects the African American community.
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Theta Lambda Chapter sorors have made their presence known on the campus of West Chester University by participating in the Involvement Fair and Meet the Greeks program. Sorors proudly celebrated its 31st anniversary last year.
Eta Sigma Chapter sorors participated in the 2nd Annual Multicultural Greek Stepshow at Villanova University.
Eta Sigma Chapter was invited to attend Discover Charter School to initially perform a step for their homecoming pep rally. The program turned into a Q & A about college and Greek life with the students!
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This year, Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter has had the honor of having both the Amicettes and Pearlettes active. The Advisors and committee members focused on participating in community services with the Amicettes and Pearlettes, and portraying finer womanhood. During the monthly meeting the advisors and committee members focused on teaching the following lessons; -
Building self esteem Preventing bullying Maintaining personal hygiene Maintaining a healthy diet Imparting the importance of education
The Advisors and committee members met with the young ladies monthly and broke into smaller groups to provide personal attention to each girls. We had a “no judgment� setting which allowed the girls to feel comfortable asking any question. The young ladies had the opportunity to express themselves through photo shoots, artwork and dance. The girls expressed how much they enjoyed the auxiliary meetings and how they were applying what they were learning in they daily lives. The Amicettes and Pearlettes are looking forward to this year’s agenda as some have moved on to become Archonettes. Epsilon Omega Zeta chapter looks forward to continuing to build lasting friendships, enhance cultural awareness, participating in community service events to help others with the young ladies.
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Restoration of Arizona C. Stemons House Founder of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority It was at the 2010 National Meeting of ‘Sisterly Love – Southern Style’, that Beta Delta Zeta Chapter launched a national campaign to secure the future of the home of Founder Arizona C. Stemons in Philadelphia, PA. We were truly met with sisterly love and southern hospitality as sisters from across the country helped pin ribbons, pass out flyers and spread the word about our sorority’s landmark! Originally purchased by the Atlantic Region in 1982, on October 27, 1989, Beta Delta Zeta Chapter became the owners and caretakers of the home where our beloved Founder Arizona C. Stemons resided for over 52 years. The chapter later funded the over $40,000 restoration and opened it to the sisterhood with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Past International President Dr. Barbara West Carpenter during the 2000 national meeting in Philadelphia. Since then, Beta Delta Zeta Chapter has maintained the home with an annual budget of up to $10,000 towards ensuring the maintenance and security of our sorority’s national treasure. The Trustee Board of Beta Delta Zeta Chapter has exciting plans to complete the renovations of the Arizona C. Stemons House. They include: remodeling the first and second floors to maximize space, finishing the basement for storage, (which includes waterproofing) remodeling the kitchen to accommodate small catered affairs and cosmetic upgrades throughout the home to repair damage from water, weather, and normal wear. In addition, the house will contain items and pictures that will showcase Founder Arizona C. Stemons. The monies will also ensure that funds are available to properly secure the property and pay for unexpected repairs without undue hardship on chapter members. Join us, and give to restore the house of Arizona C. Stemons, National Founder of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. SAVE THE DATES: Pancake Breakfast, Applebee’s 8601 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA February 16, 2013, 8:00 am to 10:00 am, tickets are $10.00 and Cabaret, April 27, 2013, St. Raymond’s, 9:00 pm to 1:00 am; tickets $25.00. To learn more about the campaign, go to www.PhillyZetas.org or contact StemonsHouseFund@mail.com.
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In September 2012, LLZ sorors participated in the Women’s Walk for Peace - a local initiative to heighten awareness and push for peace in our community. During the walk, members passed out over 100 pamphlets about ovarian cancer and uterine fibroids to other walk participants. LLZ and the Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh donated over 40 book bags filled with school supplies to local
elementary schools. On September 22nd, LLZ and the Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh got out the vote. Sorors visited every apartment at a local senior citizen high-rise building and stood outside to talk to other motorists and pedestrians. Everyone was asked if they were
registered to vote. If they said no, or they weren’t sure, chapter sorors helped them complete a new form. Members also reminded community members about the changes to the Voter ID law (that were in effect at that time). In October, LLZ sorors participated in the African-American Heritage Day Parade alongside the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (Gamma Lambda
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Sigma Chapter). Undergraduate sorors and fraters from the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University marched as well. LLZ supported three separate events in Pittsburgh on October 18th: a prayer breakfast for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, a party on the bridge for the One Young World Summit 2012, and Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network’s annual public meeting. At the end of the month, sorors volunteered at the Fall Food Share, an annual drive for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. Members were on hand at a local Giant Eagle, asking shoppers to consider buying and donating food for the food bank. Sorors were also seen that day helping customers shop, bagging groceries, and helping out as needed. In November, sorors attended Bidwell Presbyterian Church for Prematurity Awareness Sunday. After hearing a moving and inspirational message from the pastor, LLZ members gave a brief presentation about prematurity awareness and safe sleep during the announcements. At the chapter’s annual bowling party, donations were collected from attendees for Children of the Nations International – which supports education and healthcare for children all over the world. On Thanksgiving Day, LLZ volunteered at “Get Stuffed with Love” with the Southside Rotary Club, Southside Sokol Club, and Pittsburgh Police. Sorors served/packed over a thousand turkey dinners that were delivered to local senior citizens and others in need.
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Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter has been “blazing trails” in Montgomery County! Sorors hosted a Happy Hour with a Social Action twist. “VIP Passes” were handed out to patrons with information on how to check their voter registration and details about the new Voter ID laws. The chapter also conducted a voter registration drive outside a busy grocery store and members completed the Regional Social Action Initiative in October 2012. KOZ has conducted several embellishments including a Holiday Party and held “mini” embellishments during chapter meetings. In December 2012, the chapter presented “Health for the Holidays”, an interactive program on health issues that affect women at the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center in Norristown, PA. Sorors donated more than 400 bras, makeup items, jewelry and purses for homeless women to build their self-image as they look for gainful employment. Chapter members who work professionally as nurses took blood pressure readings on the female residents.
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10th Pennsylvania State Director Barbara A. Cousar, Rho Chi Zeta P.O. Box 356, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 pennsylvaniastatedirector@gmail.com www.zphibpa.org Grammateus Tanesa R. Moten, Nu Sigma Zeta
Anti-Grammateus Aisha Sharif-Lucas, Lambda Lambda Zeta
Tamias Alberta Scott, Kappa Omega Zeta
Tamias Grammateus Diane Wilson, Beta Delta Zeta
Phylacter Kimberly Matthews, Nu Sigma Zeta
State Rep. to the Reg. Nominating Committee Dionne Watts-Williams, Kappa Omega Zeta
We are committed to producing a quality publication that truly represents our state and sorors of the Commonwealth – you make it easy! The hard work you are putting into your events and service projects are evident throughout these pages. Thank you so much for sharing your chapter accomplishments! The next deadline for PA Perspective submissions is Friday, March 22, 2013. When the newsletter submission form goes out, please adhere to the specific criteria listed in the document. This will help us maintain the standard of excellence we have in branding our state and our beloved sisterhood. Soror Denise Marie Snow Newsletter Editor-in-Chief
We certainly welcome your feedback, so feel free to send yours to paperspective10@gmail.com.
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