zeta tau alpha BIENNIAL REPORT 2018–2020
Zeta Tau Alpha Biennial Report
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Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
over view Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity • 275,407 initiated members • 256 chartered collegiate chapters • 173 active collegiate chapters – Second largest in the National Panhellenic Conference • 15,238 current collegiate members (including holdover members from spring 2020) • 233 active alumnae organizations • 335 National Officer volunteers
Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation • $8 million raised during the biennium • 2,149 Major Donors (donated $300 and above) – 173 collegiate chapters – 166 alumnae chapters • 4,780 individual donors • More than 150 Maud Squad members • $1,657,905 in scholarships awarded to 590 recipients
Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Housing Corporation • $34 million net worth • $10 million spent in 2018–2020 for upgrades and maintenance • Oldest and largest property ownership and management corporation in the fraternity/sorority community • 166 member associations • 113 facilities owned or managed, including International Office • Partners with 7 local house corporations
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love
We live this value by: Putting member and community needs before the Fraternity’s Loving others unconditionally, even during challenging times Making members feel welcome and appreciated
Zeta Tau Alpha embraces Nine Key Values, drawn from our Creed. This biennial report outlines our accomplishments during the 2018-2020 biennium in relation to those Values. As we finalized this report, the entire country was five months into a battle against a pandemic. While many things are still uncertain, foremost on our minds is the Key Value of Love. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we have experienced the love of our membership. When campuses closed, communities issued stay-at-home orders and many members lost jobs, we saw an outpouring of sisterly love and devotion. As decision-makers, we were encouraged by our members’ confidence in us and their concern for each other. An unexpected upside of the pandemic was a stronger sense of belonging. Rooted in the American college system, the fraternal experience will not be exempt from social and economic changes brought on by the pandemic. We have set new, realistic goals for the Fraternity and our chapters and will continue to be authentic in communicating those changes to our members. National Council, the Foundation and Fraternity Housing Corporation are committed to collaboration, partnership and exploration of new ideas as we move forward. We will continue to embrace our Nine Key Values, especially Love, in challenging times.
C A R O LY N H O F CARPENTER
President Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation
A L I C I A PAT T E N WILLIAMS
National President Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity
DINAH JACKSON LAUGHERY
President Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Housing Corporation
seeking understanding that we m i g h t g a i n t r u e w i s d o m We live this value by: Being open to new ideas and perspectives Seeking opportunities to interact with and learn from people of different backgrounds Discussing differing values and beliefs in a comfortable manner Throughout the biennium, ZTA increased our focus on inclusion, starting with creating an Inclusion Committee of alumnae, collegians and staff members with unique perspectives and understandings. Together with National Council, the Committee developed our Inclusion Philosophy. Zeta Tau Alpha is a sisterhood made of many individual women and it celebrates the uniqueness each sister brings. We respect and support each member’s personal identity, and we seek to provide an accepting environment within every chapter. We believe in creating a space of belonging for every member. We expect everyone one to treat their sisters with “Love, ‘the greatest of all things.’” In 2019-2020, the first year of a three-year action plan for inclusion efforts, ZTA celebrated our members, their backgrounds and their identities on our public platforms; improved accessibility of our website, social media channels, video production, and in-person events for members of all abilities; and created a permanent inclusion webpage on our public website to be transparent about our inclusion efforts. Each chapter has also added an Inclusion Chairman to its Program Council. Although Zeta Tau Alpha sisters represent many backgrounds, races and cultures today, we acknowledge that our history hasn’t always been inclusive and that our membership is predominantly white. We know our organization still much work to do and that now is the time to move beyond words and take action. In immediate response to the racism and injustice we have witnessed in 2020, ZTA: • Stated publicly that ZTA stands against racism and communicated that openly to members via social media and email
Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, ZTA chapters will present workshops focused on this Value. Created by experts in the field, the workshop topics include: • Genuine conversation
• Provided a form on our website to report racial inequality/derogatory behavior
• Personal and social identity
• Published a “Be an Ally” blog resource, written by a member of the Inclusion Committee
• Microaggressions
• Created social media posts for chapters to share on their own channels • Trained all collegiate Vice President I/ Coordinators of Committees, Inclusion Chairmen and Leadership Consultants on creating inclusive chapter environments
• Cultural appropriation • Unpacking power and privilege • Identity, access and experience
Please visit zetataualpha.org/about/inclusion for updates on our inclusion efforts.
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life l o n g learni ng We live this value by: Applying past learning to new challenges Continuously pursuing learning about members and our purpose Looking for new learning opportunities for our members
Crowning Achievements This assessment-based, online program supports and enhances the classroom experience. Members begin with a questionnaire that directs them to targeted workshops. The chapter’s Academic Achievement Chairman also coordinates in-person programs and partnerships with campus resources.
G PA
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3.12
3.19
3.20
3.25
3.25
2010–2012
2012–2014
2014–2016
2016–2018
2018–2020
Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
Scholarship Since 1954, the Scholarship Program has been central to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation’s mission. Thanks to generous contributions from ZTA alumnae chapters, collegiate chapters, members and friends, the Foundation awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to 590 members during this biennium.
RECIPIENTS
18 239
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Founders Grants In honor of our nine Founders, nine annual grants of $9,000 each to graduate students. Recognition Scholarships Funded by a $1,600 contribution from a sponsoring group and $400 from the Foundation (2019) or an $1,800 contribution from a sponsoring group and $450 from the Foundation (2020). Endowed Scholarships Given in memory of or in honor of special Zetas through an initial $50,000 donation and funded annually by the interest.
Additional Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Programming The ZTA Foundation’s mission calls for support of educational and leadership training efforts that are “responsive to the needs of a changing society.” During the 2018–2020 biennium, the Foundation funded the following vital programs for our collegiate women.
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Achievement Scholarships Funded by the General Scholarship Fund, primarily for students from chapters without designated scholarships. Service Scholarships Awarded to students seeking degrees in medical-related fields. Award Scholarships Funded by individual chapter donations of $1,000.
In response to financial impact of COVID-19, the ZTA Foundation partnered with the Fraternity to create Grace Grants for the 20202021 academic year. The $1,000 grants were awarded to 516 members, representing all our collegiate chapters.
ALCOHOL SKILLS TR AINING PROGR AM ASTP fosters direct, impactful discussions about safe, legal and responsible drinking. Trained volunteers lead chapters through this interactive workshop on a three-year rotation. GREEKLIFEEDU™ Every ZTA collegian must successfully complete these online workshops, usually as a new member. Students learn how protect their personal safety in the areas of alcohol, hazing and sexual assault. ALCOHOLEDU FOR SANC TIONS™ Chapters may use this online course as a judicial resource when disciplining members or new members who have violated Fraternity policies.
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b e i n g rat he r t ha n s e e m i n g We live this value by: Showing vulnerability and allowing others in Interacting in an authentic manner Showing a genuine interest in getting to know those within and without our circle
Expanding ZTA We build our sisterhood on new campuses by authentically interacting with young women and showing genuine interest in their goals and dreams. We look forward to adding and reactivating links in our Chain of Chapters through continued growth across the country. 2 0 1 8 – 2 0 2 0 I N S TA L L AT I O N S • Piedmont College Lambda Rho Chapter • The University of Texas at Tyler
2 0 1 8 – 2 0 2 0 R E A C T I V AT I O N S • University of Cincinnati Alpha Eta Chapter
Lambda Sigma Chapter
Alumnae Survey
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SOCIA
7,554 Zetas responded
E
IEN
top three motivators
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for attending an alumnae event EE
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In January 2019, we launched our first alumnae survey, inviting members to provide feedback about their post-collegiate ZTA experience.
P T N O EW PE
Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
97%
feel their decision to join ZTA was a good or great decision
We are using the key takeaways from the survey to shape and improve the alumnae experience through the creation of new alumnae programming, educational tools.
Communication In an ever-growing digital world, our Communication team continues to excel at engaging members on a wide range of platforms. We launched a new YouTube channel in Sept. 2019 to share stories of our sisterhood through video. Our oldest communication vehicle, Themis magazine, offered quarterly news and member profiles. An established, focused emphasis on unique audiences proved to be even more essential during the COVID-19 crisis of 2020. Alumnae and collegiate chapters could share questions and ideas on officer-specific Facebook pages. Instagram provided encouragement and inspiration. Tumblr blog posts provided practical information on online learning and working effectively from home. All of our COVID-19 messaging was an extension of award-winning and ongoing work that shows vulnerability and lets others in. The Communication team received six first-place and two-third-place awards from the Fraternity Communications Association during the biennium. F I R S T - P L A C E AWA R D S • Excellence in Digital Integrated Marketing 2020: Today & Forever Alumnae Survey
• Publications Improvement/Printed Material 2020: Alumnae Initiate Guide
• Publications Improvement/Magazine 2019: Themis
• Publication Improvement/Printed Material 2019: Outstanding Alumna Brochure
• Specific Purpose Website 2019:
ZTAConvention.com (Convention 2018)
• General Video Presentation 2019: Convention 2018 Logistics
T H I R D - P L A C E AWA R D S • Printed Materials/Educational 2020: Above: a selection of images posted to ZTA's social media accounts during the biennium.
Emerging Leaders Academy Workbook
• eNewsletter 2020:
Alumnae Quarterly Newsletter
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leadership We live this value by: Showing authenticity by remaining true to our values and our members Looking for opportunities to serve and build others up Thinking critically to find root causes and enact solutions
Emerging Leaders Academy*
Noble Leadership Assessment
ZTA held the inaugural Emerging Leaders Academy in July 2019 in Indianapolis. Collegiate National Officers selected attendees from each chapter based on leadership potential. The four-day curriculum focused on leading through a values-based approach using ZTA’s Nine Key Values as a foundation. National Officers held concurrent training academies to dive deeper into their roles in supporting collegiate and alumnae chapters.
ZTA continues to further define the leadership experience for collegiate and alumnae officers. Prior to our leadership academies in 2019-2020, each attendee took the new Noble Leadership Assessment, based on our Creed and the personalities of five of our Founders. Members learned more about their own personal leadership styles and what motivates their sisters with different leadership styles. The five Noble Leadership Styles and their personality traits are:
Officer Leadership Academy* ZTA has refined this regional officer training model through the biennium with four events each year— one for each geographic collegiate Area and one for Mega Chapters with more than 200 members. The curriculum now includes training tracks for seven officer positions and a customized model for Mighty Chapters with fewer than 50 members. In 2019-2020, each academy included a revised Advisor Academy with a full day of individualized training.
Revised Leadership Structure The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation and ZTA Foundation both committed to organizational changes during the biennium to serve our membership more effectively. The Fraternity Housing Corporation Board reorganized with a Vice President Housing for each collegiate geographic Area and Vice Presidents for Construction, Design and Operations. Each Vice President Housing now partners with Area Housing Coordinators and Collegiate National Officer counterparts to provide the best possible facility for each chapter. The Foundation added board positions for both collegiate and alumnae development to enhance fundraising efforts.
Self-Author honest vulnerable independent Humble Heart empathetic service-oriented advocate Influencer charismatic energetic visionary Harmony Seeker includer adaptable good listener Strategic Thinker detailed-oriented self-starter reliable * funded in part by the ZTA Foundation
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Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
Leadership Consultants* During the 2018-2020 biennium, 39 recent graduates served as Leadership Consultants. Their visits to collegiate chapters throughout the academic year provide guidance on chapter operations, leadership development and officer education. LCs also assist new chapters on their journey to Installation or Reactivation. These women, chosen for their leadership, enthusiasm, creativity and flexibility, lead with a commitment to our Key Values. Recruitment Workshops Primary Recruitment
Primary Recruitment Planning & Preparations
Officer Training & Transition New Member Programming Initiation Extension/Installation
11% 16%
8%
%
types of chapter visits
43%
7% 1% 2%
7%
Chapter Organization includes stationed LCs, new member programming and philanthropy planning CROWN/COB
4%
318 total hours of training 896 chapter visits
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service & philanthropy We live this value by: Giving freely of our time and resources to assist others Seeking out opportunities to educate about community needs Understanding our role in serving campus, local and global communities The ZTA Foundation’s national philanthropic efforts are three-pronged: raise awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings, recognize and celebrate survivors, and educate and encourage women to advocate for their own health. Our members and chapters participate in events organized by our three national partners and organize their own on their campuses and communities. Regardless of the activity, every event has one common goal: to share the importance of breast cancer education and awareness with the community. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY®* We are proud to be the National Survivor Ambassador for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walks. Collegiate and alumnae volunteers uplifted and made connections with survivors at 302 of these events across the country in the 2018-2020 biennium. BRIGHT PINK®* The mission of this national nonprofit organization is the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. Our collaboration with Bright Pink has educated and empowered our members to be advocates for their own health since 2015, including funding their funding their Assess your Risk® tool. ZTA has helped 2,480 women learn their personal risk for breast cancer since August 2018. N AT I O N A L F O O T B A L L L E A G U E * ZTA first teamed up with the National Football League in 1999. Since the first Think Pink® game that year, we have partnered with all 32 NFL teams and have earned the title of official fan outreach partner for the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign, handing out almost 10 million pink awareness ribbons over the years.
Chapter Think Pink® Events Collegiate and alumnae chapters nationwide host hundreds of Think Pink® events in their local communities to raise awareness and distribute over 2 million pink ribbons each year. They partner with men’s and women’s college athletic teams, professional sports teams and other community sports leagues to raise awareness. Other popular chapter activities include pink pancake breakfasts; 5K races; luncheons; tournaments in kickball, softball, flag football and golf; and Big Man on Campus events, featuring male students competing in talent and fundraising competitions.
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Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
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humility We live this value by: Admitting when we are wrong Doing things without regard for recognition or a need for appreciation Sharing in the success of others in our community
Annual Membership Survey Each spring, we ask our collegiate members to complete an assessment survey. In cooperation with Dyad Strategies, we provide chapter officers and advisors a Chapter Assessment Report that outlines results in the Nine Key Values, Five Areas of Sisterhood, and health and safety. During the following year, chapters facilitate programming in a Key Value where they score low to improve chapter strength and sisterhood.
Noble Workshops* In fall 2019, ZTA created a Chapter Development team to facilitate new Noble Workshops. These staff members present in-person workshops with chapters to improve membership recruitment and sisterhood through a discussion of ZTA values. Chapters report the workshops have improved conversation skills and increased confidence in their abilities. ZTA will continue grow the program with additional workshops that meet additional needs.
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Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
Historical and Educational Center* The opening of our Historical and Educational Center at International Office in July 2019 was the realization of a long-held Fraternity dream. For years, we had hoped to share the story of our sisterhood through cherished artifacts, treasured photographs and historic mementos in setting befitting of our great history. Generous donors, the ZTA Foundation, the Fraternity Housing Corporation and a dedicated committee all were instrumental in creating this showcase center for our members and visitors to enjoy for years to come. The HEC provides the public and researchers with first-hand accounts of the growth of the fraternal movement in higher education.
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loyalty & commitment We live this value by: Going above and beyond what is expected Displaying devotion to our membership Standing up for our members and community partners
Foundation Giving Members and chapters continue to show their commitment to ZTA through their donation to the ZTA Foundation.
more than
140 chapter and individual Founders Club donors
Contributions of
Contributions of
$300 or more
$10,000 or more during a biennium
in a year
779 individual and 333 chapter Major Donors Foundation Funding Donations to the ZTA Foundation support leadership training, educational programs, Think Pink® efforts and academic scholarships. During the 2018-2020 biennium, the Foundation funded the inaugural Emerging Leaders Academy and our Officer Leadership Academies, as well as harm reduction training, including My Sister, My Responsibility®, Alcohol Skills Training Program and GreekLifeEdu™. As a result of COVID-19, collegians will need our ongoing support. The Foundation will continue to fund programs to address the financial and emotional challenges our members may experience.
Alumnae Involvement ZTA alumnae volunteer their time and expertise to support our collegiate chapters and carry on friendships with other alumnae beyond their college years. They are a valuable resource for our Fraternity and their continued involvement demonstrates that Zeta really Is Forever.
1,097 advisors 6.34
advisors per chapter 14
Biennial Report Zeta Tau Alpha
more than 7,800 dues-paying alumnae
81 Honor Rings awarded 297 Certificates of Merit awarded
Fraternity Housing Corporation Our Fraternity Housing Corporation has gone above and beyond since 1977, when we incorporated the first national housing corporation in the fraternity/sorority community. Since its inception, the FHC has grown to be the largest housing entity in the fraternity/sorority world with $34 million in net worth and 166 member associations. The Fraternity Housing Corporation displays commitment to our members by providing safe, secure, beautiful and competitive housing and meeting facilities for our collegiate members. As a result of COVID-19, the corporation suspended all non-essential allocations for summer 2020, while continuing to fund all maintenance and essential repairs. The board and staff developed detailed plans to re-open facilities where possible, following new local, state and national guidelines and regulations. Whether a house, lodge, Panhellenic suite or chapter room, ZTA facilities are special places for our sisters to call home and make lifelong memories during their college years. OWNS
RENTS
39 3 1 1
33 1 35
Houses Lodges Chapter Room
Houses Lodges Chapter Room
International Office
Dedicated Staff At International Office, the Executive Director and a team of eight Senior Directors assist in the operations of the Fraternity and manage a staff of 36 additional employees. The IO staff includes 20 ZTA members (representing 17 different chapters) and seven members of other NPC and NIC organizations. Zeta Tau Alpha Biennial Report
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responsibility We live this value by: Following through on obligations Showing initiative Holding our Fraternity and members accountable for actions and decisions
My Sister, My ResponsibilityŽ * ZTA celebrated the 10-year anniversary of this award-winning harm-reduction program with a visual redesign and content update. The curriculum creates conversation around risk, educates members about the duty to care for themselves and others, and emphasizes the mission and purpose of Zeta Tau Alpha. A new Healthy Belonging workshop, created with Dr. Alan Berkowitz and Amy Kiger, focuses on bringing to light chapter social norms, using a sense of belonging to promote informal accountability and stepping in when we think something is wrong. This new workshop can be part of the Preventing and Confronting Hazing or Teaching Social Responsibility components. THE FIVE COMPONENTS OF MY SISTER, MY RESPONSIBILITY 1. Behind Happy Faces focuses on defining and understanding mental health, the differences between effective and ineffective coping, how to approach a sister who needs help and tips on what actions to take when someone is suicidal. 2. Generation Rx focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the potential it has to derail a student’s college career and life post-college. 3. Preventing and Confronting Hazing focuses on educating members about hazing and the negative impact it can have on individuals, chapters and the organization as a whole. 4. Sisterhood, Safety & Support focuses on sexual assault and creating a safer social culture. 5. Teaching Social Responsibility focuses on teaching members how to prevent and confront problematic drinking and hold themselves and others accountable for their actions while showing care and concern for their sisters.
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In 2019, ZTA received an EVERFI Impact Award, which recognizes an organization’s commitment to creating safe and healthy college campuses by implementing evidence-based practices. Impact Award winners consistently demonstrate a dedication to prevention efforts that exceed their peer institutions.
Sharing Resources* To encourage accountability beyond our members, the ZTA Foundation sent a My Sister, My Responsibility binder to all National Panhellenic Conference organizations as well as every campus with a fraternity/ sorority community, regardless of whether it has a ZTA chapter. An electronic version, including PowerPoints and videos, are also accessible on ZTA’s public website.
Harm Reduction Partnerships* Since 2012, ZTA has partnered with Alpha Chi Omega, Sigma Nu and Pi Kappa Phi to create and distribute posters and conversation facilitation guides about alcohol, sexual assault, drug abuse and mental health. In 2019, this partnership received the Laurel Wreath Award from the National Interfraternity Conference. The Laurel Wreath Award is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach or influence within the fraternal world.
Values-Based New Member Program Through our Zeta Is Forever New Member Experience, collegians learn the values and history of their new sisterhood. Since its launch in 2016, 15,740 new members have participated in this flipped classroom learning model. The experience includes essential new member workshops, lessons and programs and relationship-building with a Big Sister and other members. The goal is to form a sense of belonging that will inspire new members to become Zetas for life.
* funded in part by the ZTA Foundation Zeta Tau Alpha Biennial Report
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ZETA TAU ALPHA INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 1036 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032 | (317) 872–0540 | zetataualpha.org |
@ztafraternity