#nrcw

[ztafraternity]

International Badge Day 2019

Join us and our National Panhellenic Conference Inc. friends in celebrating #BadgeDay19 on Monday, March 4.

"As we reflect with gratitude on the privilege and honor it is to be Panhellenic women, let us remember that our friendship across badges is truly what makes us collectively stronger.

—Malaea Nelms Seleski, NPC Vice Chairman (UNA Zeta Tau Alpha alumna)

Download a PDF of all 26 NPC badges here.

[ztafraternity]

NRCW: Nine Key Values of ZTA

As Zetas, we all know nine is the magic number. To kick off National Ritual Celebration Week and the “n” of our theme of NOBLEST, we’re celebrating the nine Key Values of ZTA. ICYMI, here is the list to get us started:

Being Rather than Seeming

Humility

Leadership

Lifelong Learning

Love

Loyalty & Commitment

Responsibility

Seeking Understanding that We Might Gain True Wisdom

Service & Philanthropy

pictured: @csulbzta before the Reactivation of Chapter service

If you’re a collegian, you may have already taken the ZTA Membership Survey online. Collegiate members are completing this survey in chapter meetings now through mid-March. This survey measures the nine Key Values along with other areas of ZTA. Ever wonder where these values come from or what they have to do with you?

The nine Key Values come from The Creed, mission, purpose and programming of ZTA. We were purposeful in defining values and an assessment with the input of alumnae and collegians that is personalized to ZTA. That’s the official answer.

pictured: @sfazta‘s mothers’ pinning ceremony

The real answer is the values of ZTA come from you.

The nine Key Values were developed by listening to how Zetas live their lives, how we treat each other as sisters and what kind of women we strive to be. YOU show those values in your everyday actions and choices. It’s in the day-in, day-out decisions you make. Do you go to class or sleep through your alarm? Do you meet up with a struggling sister or watch Netflix?

This is what National Ritual Celebration Week is all about. It is meant to remind all of us what our values are and charge us to recommit to living them each day. The nine Key Values are the open, non-secret way we can share what ZTA is. These values, along with what we learn during ritual, are our compass that guide us as Zetas. Remember that this week and all the weeks that follow.

[ztafraternity]

Ritual vs. Tradition

By Kery Reinkemyer Webb, National Ritual Chairman

Every member joined Zeta Tau Alpha for different reasons and at different times. Some joined for fun, a home away from home, endless support, leadership opportunities or ZTA’s philanthropic efforts, but most women probably joined for friendship and sisterhood. Many new members probably didn’t even give any thought to ritual and tradition at the beginning of their ZTA journey.

As the National Ritual Chairman, I often get asked questions about how to distinguish the difference between ritual services and traditions. Here’s the short answer: if it is not in the College Service Book or Alumnae Service Book, then it is not a ZTA ritual service.

So what makes a ritual service a ritual service?

Services have rules and do not change. They are formal, rehearsed and symbolic, and most importantly, they bring together all ZTA chapters and members. These services are more than obligations to check off every semester. As the foundation of sisterhood, the principles behind services are values that should guide members’ day-to-day lives. 

ZTA’s ritual services bind every member together from the Pledge Service to the Alumnae Initiation Service and even beyond, to the Remembrance Service at death. Zeta Tau Alpha services are cherished throughout each stage of life as a constant thread that ties each woman to the Fraternity and every other sister. We share this bond with all those who have gone before us and all those who will follow. This connection is the very thing that makes sisterhood incredible.

What about traditions?

Like ritual services, traditions can be passed down within a group and should increase pride for ZTA, but they have more room for interpretation and can be altered and changed to meet the needs of chapter members. They should be fun and meaningful and include everyone. It’s important to distinguish that traditions cannot include activities that don’t align with Zeta Tau Alpha’s values, national policies or state and local laws.

Some traditions happen with such regularity that they might seem like services, like the Preference Ceremony typically performed during Primary Recruitment. This special ceremony is often changed to meet the needs of the recruitment event. It does not look the same for all chapters, and it is not located in the College Service Book; therefore, it is not a ZTA ritual service.

Some chapters hold a mother’s pinning ceremony where the members present their mothers with a special mother’s pin that symbolizes the respect, strength, understanding, time and love they give to their daughters. Mothers of Zeta Tau Alphas have enjoyed this tradition for years, and it gives them an opportunity to participate in part of their daughters’ sorority experience. She does not have to be a member of ZTA to wear the mother’s pin, so this service is a tradition.

How do they work together?

Joining Zeta Tau Alpha is all about building lifelong friendships through shared ritual services, traditions and values unique to this organization. It is not just about the promises new members make to their sisters locally and nationally, but it’s also about the promises initiated members make to them. 

The most important part of both ritual services and tradition is participation. Choosing to be mindful and fully present ensures every woman gains the most from her experience. Simply going through the motions distractedly dilutes the experience and weakens the connections with all of those who share it.

Traditions and ritual services tell the story of ZTA. They both shape chapters as well as members’ lives and remind us we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves, we are not alone and we are better together. They also reinforce ZTA’s strong history while helping each member to evolve into the woman she is becoming.

[This blog is an excerpt from an upcoming Themis article. Read the full story in the spring 2020 issue.]

[ztafraternity]

[ztafraternity]

Our ritual reminds us…

By Kery Reinkemyer Webb, National Ritual Chairman

Our rituals are beautiful, but what do they really mean? As sisters, we know they’re special; we know they’re unique; but as time goes on, the meaning gets bigger and better.

The more you listen to the true meaning behind our rituals, you quickly begin to understand and take them to heart.

As we celebrate National Ritual Celebration Week, let’s look at some things we need to remember when thinking about how this part of our membership really defines the true meaning of our sisterhood.

Our ritual reminds us… we have something in common with women we’ve never met.

We all have different reasons why we joined ZTA and continue to stay involved. We know our chapters are very different across the map. Some are very large; some are very small; some have been around for a very long time; others were recently added to our Chain of Chapters. That part really doesn’t matter. Our differences make us unique, but one thing remains the same—our rituals.

Regardless of where your love for ZTA began, our rituals are the one thing that binds us all together. Think about every single ZTA sister hearing and experiencing the exact same words in a beautiful ceremony in the exact same manner as you.

…ZTA membership is a gift.

Don’t ever forget that our membership is a special gift. What are you going to do with that gift?  Every single one of us has something to bring to the table. Don’t just sit there! We made a promise the day we took the carpenter square. We should constantly look for ways to give back, honor, share and celebrate our membership.

…we stand for a bigger purpose.

Our rituals are the true essence of who we are, not just as an organization but as individuals. The purpose, the meaning, the value of what our Founders started is truly remarkable.

…we are a part of ZTA’s story.

ZTA is more than just a group. It’s a story that has been told for 120 years, and it is still being written. The rituals themselves never change, which is what makes this story so powerful. It keeps getting better and stronger the more we share it. It gets deeper and more meaningful with each new sister that joins our circle. It’s a story that involves all of us—from our Founders to YOU. It’s our story. We all play a part in making it a great one by continuing to live by our Creed, sharing our bonds and respecting our rituals.

…Zeta Is Forever.

We are so fortunate to be members of such an amazing organization. For collegians, the sisters experiencing these rituals with you today are your best friends. They will be with you for life. But know that there is another whole group of sisters you have not even met yet that will be joining your circle after you graduate. You’ve heard it before, but ZTA truly does not end after college.

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National Ritual Celebration Week gives us all a chance to reflect on these things, but I hope they will stay with you throughout the year as well!

[ztafraternity]

March 3-9, 2019

[gammaphibetasorority]

Above and Beyond: Zeta Iota’s Service Story

By Marketing Manager Rachel Soberman

One of Gamma Phi Beta’s guiding principles to promote lifelong commitment, intellectual and personal growth and service to humanity. As today’s focus for National Ritual Celebration Week, we’re taking a closer look at service to humanity. What does service to humanity mean to you, and how does Gamma Phi Beta’s service impact Girls on the Run (GOTR)? Keep reading to see how Zeta Iota Chapter (Valparaiso) takes service to humanity to heart.

[gammaphibetasorority]

I Wear My Badge Because…

“Wearing Gamma Phi Beta's badge represents my commitment to the values promoted by this organization. I can wear my badge with pride because I stand behind its message.” – Katherine Tierney (Northwestern)

“To me wearing my Gamma Phi Beta badge, is a symbol of the type of woman I strive to be. It reminds me of what it means to be a Gamma Phi Beta woman.” – Alison Hamilton (Cincinnati)

“Wearing my badge is a constant reminder of the love and support this sorority has provided me!” – Nicole Pearson (George Mason)

“When I wear Gamma Phi Beta’s badge, I feel proud to be a part of such a special, meaningful sisterhood. Knowing that I am wearing the same badge as our founders, I am reminded that our sisterhood is ever growing.” – Emily Mrzlak (Valparaiso)

“When I wear my Gamma Phi Beta badge I am honoring my commitment to be a lifelong member of Gamma Phi Beta. It means to be able to show the world that sorority women are intelligent, diverse and work to make an impact on the world around us.” – Tamara Rudnicki (Jacksonville), Chicago Alumnae Chapter

“Wearing my Gamma Phi Beta badge makes me feel connected to my sisters. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who share the same values as me.” – Annie Ellis (Penn State)

“Gamma Phi Beta's badge symbolizes to me that I am never alone and have an unwavering support system that knows no bounds. It is an honor to wear my badge and show the world the pride I feel when wearing it. My badge symbolizes everlasting friendship, lifelong memories and the values that bond us together. It symbolizes a lifelong commitment to my sisters and all the women who wear the badge of Gamma Phi Beta.” – Daniela Gonzàlez-Pruitt (Toronto)