The Zeta Call

The Newsletter for the State of New Jersey

Soror Mary B. Wright,

February 2014

Volume 4, Issue 2

International President
Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq.,

Atlantic Regional Director

Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.,

New Jersey State Director

Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths!

Inside this issue:

Message from the State Director

Z-Lessons State Fundraising Committee Update Reclamation 2014 2014 National Executive Board Meeting New Jersey State Leadership Conference National C&B - Call for Amendments Parliamentary Corner 2 4

4 5

11 12

hanks to all of the Zetas, Youth and Amicae who participated in the Founders Day Observance at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Burlington, NJ. We exceeded our $1,920 scholarship goal by donating $2,300 to the church's scholarship fund!! I am so grateful to you all for supporting our signature event. Next, we will attend each other's events as we celebrate Finer Womanhood and continue our support of scholarship. Please see the listing

of events on page 12 and be sure to demonstrate sisterhood by supporting each other. The enclosed Z Lessons provides tips and ideas for implementing successful events. Finally, it's State Conference time! This issue contains all of the information that you need to know about the April leadership conference. As Grand Wright says, a good Zeta is a well informed Zeta. Please attend the conference and enhance your Zeta/Amicae knowledge.

NJ Z-HOPE Initiative - St. Jude

Upcoming Important 12 Dates

tay tuned for more information regarding our project to raise money for St. Jude. Earn Z-HOPE points while supporting our national partnership.

Z-Lessons
Monthly Embellishment & Training for the Sorors of New Jersey
Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths!

February 2014 Volume 4 Issue 6

Soror Mary B. Wright, Interna tional Presi dent Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq., Atlantic Regi onal Director Soror Gina Merritt -Epps, Esq., New Jersey State Dir ector

Tips for Hosting Events In Zeta Excellence

T
1. 2. 3. 4.

he tips provided below are based on the wonderful chapter events held during the 2012-2013 fiscal year and comments from Sorors and Amicae. All chapters did an excellent job! As we approach the 2014 events, please implement the tips and ideas that will help to ensure that your event is presented in a manner befitting

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority! Please also consult your Protocol Manual for other directives. Start on time. Get your guests to return year after year by starting your events on time. This will also help you avoid extra fees charged by the venue. Avoid having a large gap between the start time of the event and serving of the meal. Streamline the activities. Avoid having too many features and ensure that the extras, such as vendors and raffle/silent auctions, are presented in an organized fashion. Events with honorees, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, fashion show, ticket auction, etc. can be overwhelming. Sometimes less is more! Please be considerate of the amount of money youre asking your guests to spend. Contract carefully and ensure you have enough room. Make sure there is plenty of room for the vendors and that the layout ensures that guests will be comfortable. Be cognizant of the audience. When giving greetings/introductory remarks, keep in mind that not all members of the audience are member of Greek lettered organizations. A great alternative to the standard Greek roll call is a joint acknowledgment of all Greeks, with the exception of Sigmas and Zetas, of course! 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Proof journals/Consider Going Green. Errors in the journals (bios of honorees, ads, Zeta history) leave a bad impression. Assess whether the work required to produce a quality journal is a worthwhile endeavor. Use vendors wisely. Ensure that your vendors have varied items and prices. Remember Zeta Protocol. Do not use Greek terms in a public setting and remember to acknowledge Zeta and Sigma dignitaries in an organized fashion. Remember to acknowledge our Amicae! Do not read the entire bio of any honorees. Consider using a PowerPoint or video to highlight an honorees accomplishments, and with or without a journal, do not read the entire bio. Keep it moving. By doing the verbal presentations in one session, you allow your guests to dance, shop and/or eat without interruption. An alternative is to do some of the presentations before the meal and some immediately after. Consider eliminating or limiting presentations by family and/or friends. Target luncheon length = 3 hours. Be sure to select an experienced, well-spoken MC. 10. Highlight Zeta initiatives or a charitable organization. Demonstrate your chapter and the Sororitys commitment to helping the community by presenting a donation to a local charity. 11. Highlight the Zeta Sigma Relationship, Affiliates and Undergraduates. Highlight the Zeta-Sigma bond by honoring one of our brothers. The Youth can be uniformly dressed, and sitting together. Graduate chapters should consider giving awards to undergraduates. 12. Represent Zeta Well. Wear your colors and be sure that your outfit reflects Finer Womanhood.

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Z-Lessons

Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter and Their Youth Group Celebrating with Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter at Their DCPP Holiday Party.

Sigma Betas of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter with Zeta Rho Sigma chapter member David Moore at DCPP Holiday Party.

Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter members.

Gamma Nu Pearlette.

Zeta

Chapter

Archonettes

and

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter

Proudly Presents

SAVE THE DATE!

Welcome New Sorors

elcome to Omega Mu Zeta Chapter's Fall 2013 inductees,

Annual Finer Womanhood Observance Scholarship Luncheon Saturday, April 12, 2014 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Elan, 111 U.S. Route 46 West, Lodi, NJ 07644
Tickets: Adult $65.00 Children $40.00 (12 and under) Chinese Auction Raffles Vendors Live Band
Antoinette Harris, Chapter President

Earthly Treasures

Soror Kerriann Mersola (right) and Soror Pamela Felder!

hile a Finer Woman is never boastful, 94 years of existence is certainly a reason to hold our heads high. Be proud of what you have achieved, and what we will achieve together. Soror Mary Wright, 24th International President

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The Zeta Call

State Fundraising Committee Update

ere are two fundraising ideas to kick off 2014!! 1. Scratch-off for Scholarship Interested in raising funds for your next event? Try out SCRATCH! Yes, thats right a scratch card! A quick, simple, and easy way to fundraise! Visit www.stacreativegroup.com for more information! 2. The Sip & Slip Tour The Sip & Slip Tour sponsored by Farrah Witherspoon of Zoes Shoe Bar is designed for women to network and shop with friends, family and Sorors alike! This mobile shoe company specializes in womens shoes. Tours are held at various locations weekly from 6pm-10pm beginning January 2014. Interested in hosting your own party, reserve your space by calling (951) 732-7724 or email zoeshoebar@farrahsexclusivetravels.com. A portion of the proceeds will go towards your Scholarship Fund. Happy shopping! NJ State Fundraising Committee Committee Chair: Soror Angelica Russell, Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter Soror Avonda Green-Ransome, Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter Soror Spencer St. Fleur, Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter Congratulations and welcome to Soror Ruby Cockett of Omega Mu Zeta Chapter, to the State Fundraising Committee! Interested in joining the committee, please contact us at njfundrachair@gmail.com.

Reclamation Campaign The 2014 campaign was launched on January 16! Be sure that your reclamation chair is implementing the initiative.

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2014 National Executive Board Meeting

oror Mary Wright (center), International President, greets New Jersey State Director Soror Gina Merritt-Epps., Esq. (immediate left of the Grand) and other State Directors during the National Executive Board Meeting held during January in Washington, D.C.

N.J. Sorors Visit International Headquarters

n January, several New Jersey undergraduate and new graduate Sorors visited the Sororitys International Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Pictured are Sorors from Psi Pi, Psi Lambda, and Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapters.

Gamma Nu Zeta Youth and Coordinators Attend Willingboro Kwanzaa Festival

amma Nu Zeta Chapter s youth and coordinators enjoyed the Willingboro Kwanzaa Festival and the JFK Recreation Center. The group includes Camden's Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonettes along with some of the Kappa Upsilon Sigma's Sigma Beta Club.

Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes along Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter's Youth Coordinators at the with Sigma Beta Members of Kappa Upsilon Kwanzaa Festival at JFK Recreation Center in Willing- Sigma Chapter enjoying the Kwanzaa Festival in in Willingboro, NJ boro, NJ

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The Zeta Call

State Leadership Conference: April 25-26, 2014 Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center, Princeton, NJ
Registration Is Now Open!
Registration for the State Conference is now open! Each chapter/auxiliary must register two delegates. An overview of the conference was provided during the January 13 Basilei call. . Please see the registration form all fees and deadlines. Please note that personal checks will not be accepted. Please type or print all information legibly. As a reminder, reservations for the room block will close on March 1 or when all rooms have been reserved, whichever occurs first. https://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/ g_reservation.cfm? groupID=1067196&hotelID=11530.

Scrapbook Competition

Each submission must: Be made by the chapter (not a vendor/ professional scrapbooker) Cover activities from April 2012 through March 2014. Include newspaper/magazine clippings, pictures (captions and dates), written reports and official programs. Reflect the implementation of Z-HOPE programs, participation in Zeta events and observances, and events which demonstrate the promotion of Zetas principles. The scrapbooks will be collected at the Conference on Friday, April 25 from 45 pm.

New Jersey State Scholarship Application Criteria for Selection

1. Applicant (graduate or undergraduate) must be a financial member of a New Jersey chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and must be financial on all levels of the Sorority. 2. Applicant must possess a 3.0 or above cumulative grade point average (GPA). 3. Applicant must submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of each of the following:
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New Jersey State Leadership Conference: April 25-26, 2014

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a. b. c. d. e. 5. 6. 7. 8.

completed Scholarship Application; Zeta Resume (sample template provided); proof of GPA via an official college/university transcript; proof of current enrollment; and a one-page document (double spaced, times new roman, 12 pt.) expressing your need for the scholarship Applicant must be registered for and must attend the 2014 New Jersey State Leadership Conference. The scholarship winners will be selected based on GPA and work in their chapter and/or state. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Late submissions will not be considered. The original and copy of your completed application with detailed attachments must be mailed via U.S. Mail, postmarked no later than March 1, 2014 to the address below. The forms were emailed to your chapter president. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. OR Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Soror Billie J. Bailey Soror Stacia Y. Davis New Jersey State Scholarship New Jersey State Scholarship Coordinator (North) Coordinator (South) 525 West 5th Avenue 135 N. New Jersey Avenue Roselle, New Jersey 07203 Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401

Life Members Scholarship - Criteria for Selection (Open to all)

Enrolled in a part- or full-time graduate program Verification from College or University via official transcript Must be financial on all levels for fiscal year during which the Soror applies Must submit a Zeta Resume (must include all current activities, community service, etc. for the current fiscal year of the application) 1 page (single spaced, 12 point font Times New Roman) essay on How will you use your advanced degree or certification to support the principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority? Registration and attendance at the April State Executive Board meeting and/or Conference. The application was emailed to your chapter president, and must be postmarked by April 1 and mailed to: Soror Jorelle Green-Smith 31 Morris Avenue Piscataway, NJ 08854

NJ State Youth Scrapbook Contest 2013-2014

The scrapbook is to be submitted for each youth group and only for the 2013-2014 program year. Scrapbooks will be judged on the following criteria:
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The Zeta Call

New Jersey State Leadership Conference: April 25-26, 2014

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GRAND TOTAL: 200 POINTS Scrapbook Cover (30 points) Organization and presentation of materials (30 points) Neatness (10 points) Typed or neatly legible script explanation of all materials and photographs. All pictures must be clearly labeled with dates and names of activities.. (20 points) Unique, original, and creativity (15 points)

Content: Z-HOPE/Community Service/ZLA Curriculum Activities (cultural awareness, social skills, educational enrichment, leadership development, and community services) 1-3 activities (10 points) 4-6 activities (20 points) 7-9 activities (30 points) 9 + above activities (50 points) Youth Projects: This includes state, regional, and national conferences; monthly meetings, Zeta Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Sisters night out, etc. 1-3 activities (15 points) 4-6 activities (20 points) 10 activities (25 points) Other Chapter Related Activities: This includes any additional activities that the chapter or individual members are involved in, have received recognition for, etc. that you would like to include. 3+ activities (20 points) Scrapbooks are to be submitted at the New Jersey State Conference in April 2014, where awards will be presented.

New Jersey State Youth Essay/Poster Contest 2013-2014

Question 1: On January 16, 1920, five trailblazers at Howard University in Washington D.C.: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings and Fannie Pettie Watts, sought to depart from established organizations and founded a new sisterhood predicated on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood. Select one of the principles and explain what you did this year to demonstrate that principle and the impact it
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New Jersey State Leadership Conference: April 25-26, 2014

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had on you. Question 2: Zeta Phi Beta Sororitys new youth program is divided into strands. Excluding Community Service select one of the remaining strands and tell what you did this year to enhance your Cultural Awareness, Social Skills, Leadership Development or Educational Enrichment. Archonette Guidelines for Essay 1. Select one of the topics and write an essay of 500-1,000 words using Microsoft Word (Windows version). 2. The essay should be in Times New Roman regular font, 12 point size and double spaced. 3. Margins: Left -.75, Right -.75, Top -.75 and Bottom -.75 4. Insert page numbers. Include the word count at the end of your essay. 5. Attribute quotes and any ideas that are not your own within the body of the essay. 6. Include a cover page that includes Archonettes name, Archonettes chapter affiliation, chapter address; advisors name, address, phone number and e-mail address. 7. Do NOT put your name, chapter affiliation or any other personal information in the body of your essay. Amicette Guidelines for Essay 1. Select one of the topics and write an essay of 300-500 words using Microsoft Word (Windows version). 2. The essay should be in times new roman regular font, 12 point size and double spaced. 3. Insert page numbers. Include the word count at the end of your essay. 4. Attribute quotes and any ideas that are not your own within the body of the essay. 5. Include a cover page that includes Amicettes name, Amicettes chapter affiliation, chapter address; advisors name, address, phone number and e-mail address. 6. Do NOT put your name, chapter affiliation or any other personal information in the body of your essay. Pearlettes (ages 7-8) Guidelines for Essay 1. Select one of the topics and write an essay using Microsoft Word (Windows version). 2. The essay should be in times new roman regular font, 14 point size and double spaced. 3. Include a cover page that includes the Pearlettes name, Pearlettes chapter affiliation, chapter address; advisors name, address, phone number and e-mail address. 4. Do NOT put your name, chapter affiliation or any other personal information in the body of your essay. Pearlettes (ages 4-6) Guidelines for Poster 1. Select one of the topics and Illustrate what you did. 2. The illustration should be 11x17 3. Include a cover page that includes the Pearlettes name, Pearlettes chapter affiliation, chapter address; advisors name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Tips for Writing the Essay:
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The Zeta Call

New Jersey State Leadership Conference: April 25-26, 2014

(Continued from page 9)

Have a clear thesis Stay on topic and have supporting details Make sure you have a clear conclusion that gives the reader something to think about Check for correct sentence structure, punctuation, grammar and spelling.

Tips for drawing the Poster: Be Creative Be Neat The deadline for submission of all essays and posters is March 21, 2014 Illustration can be mailed to: Soror Robyn White 38 B Chester Circle New Brunswick, NJ 08901 All essays can be emailed to: njyouthcoornorth@gmail.com Judging will be held in April, and awards will be presented at the NJ State Conference in April 2014

Nominations for State Elected Officers Deadline = March 17, 2014

The Election Committee is currently accepting nominations for the offices listed below. The nomination forms were emailed to your chapter president. Secretary Corresponding Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Parliamentarian State Representative to the Regional Nominating Committee State Representative to the Regional Election Committee Sorors seeking these Offices shall meet the following qualifications: Has been an active financial member for a minimum of three consecutive years preceding an election with the exception of Undergraduates who must have been a member of the sorority for at least one (1) year and may only run for the positions of Anti-Grammateus and State Representative to the Regional Election Committee. Has attended at least one State Conference or State Executive Board meeting prior to her nomination. Has attended at least one (1) Regional Conference or Regional Executive Board meeting prior to her nomination. Has experience as an officer in a Chapter.

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National Constitution and By-Laws: Call for Amendments

he National Constitution and Bylaws Committee is working diligently to ensure that the proposed amendments to our governing documents are considered at the 2014 Grand Boul. There are two methods for financial chapters to submit proposed amendments. The first, and recommended method, is to complete the online Form A. The online form saves time and postage, as well as providing instant confirmation that the proposed revision was received. Electronic submissions must be completed by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, February 28, 2014. The second method: Chapters without internet access can use Form B, which was emailed to your chapter president on January 5. Form B must be mailed to: Stacye Montez, Executive Director Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated 1734 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 Paper forms must be postmarked by Friday, February 28, 2014. Any proposed amendments should be made to the Seventh Edition of the Constitution and Bylaws. Each proposed amendment must be submitted on a separate form. The electronic packet was emailed to your chapter president on January 5 contained three attachments and a hyperlink for accessing Form A:

A cover letter which explains the process for submitting 2014 proposed amendments Form A online access hyperlink: https://docs.google.com/formsd/1O26J_htuveF9fVoPHyMVdT6uM6C8xUquyM5se6xkUIE/viewform Form B for paper submission The Seventh Edition of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Constitution & Bylaws

Please address any questions to Soror Brunhilda Williams-Curington, National Phylacter at: zphibnationalphylacter@gmail.com

State Conference: Necrology and Rededication

uring the State Conference, we will pause to remember our deceased Sorors and Amicae, and rededicate ourselves to the Sorority and Auxiliary. The required attire is uninterrupted white. The names of those who passed away from April 1, 2012 April 5, 2014 are due to Kimyatta Pitts-McCloud by April 5 njstatediraa@yahoo.com.

Z e ta P hi B e ta S o ro ri ty, I nc . St a te of New J e r s ey
Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. New Jersey State Director 325 East Jimmie Leeds Road Suite 7 PMB 144 Galloway, NJ 08205 Phone: Website: E-mail: (609) 748-1470 www.zphibnj.org NJStateDir@aol.com

Upcoming Important Dates

Sister Chapter Event (Sigma Zeta Zeta Sister Chapter Event (Rho Tau Zeta) - 2/22/14 Luncheon) - 4/12/14 Sister Chapter Event (Zeta Delta Zeta New Jersey State Conference Luncheon) - 3/1/14 4/25/144/26/14 Sister Chapter Event (Eta Omicron Zeta March for BabiesApril 2014 Luncheon) - 3/8/14 Sister Chapter Event (Rho Rho Zeta Breakfast) Sister Chapter Event (Gamma Nu Zeta 5/3/14 Luncheon) - 3/15/14 Sister Chapter Event (Omicron Omicron Zeta Sister Chapter Event (Gamma Omicron Zeta Luncheon) - 5/3/14 Luncheon) - 3/22/14 Sister Chapter Event (Omega Mu Zeta) - 6/7/14 Sister Chapter Event (Omega Mu Zeta Tricky Grand Boule7/15/147/19/14, Tray) 3/28/14 Washington, DC Sister Chapter Event (Xi Tau Zeta Event/ Reclamation Roundup and Bowling Party Atlantic Regional Executive Board Meeting October 2014 South Jersey) - 3/29/14 Reclamation Roundup and Bowling Party (North Jersey) - 4/5/14 Sister Chapter Event (Chi Rho Zeta Luncheon) 4/12/14

www.facebook.com/zphibnj

Newsletter designed by Soror Deseree McFarlane, State Publicity and Social Media Coordinator

Parliamentary Corner : Bylaws Advice*

By Soror Titessa Smith, State Parliamentarian

arliamentary Procedure is useless unless you are familiar with your organization's Bylaws. Become familiar with the Bylaws and Constitution of your organization. Knowing Parliamentary Procedure and the Bylaws will make you a successful member of your organization!

TYPICAL BASIC BYLAW ARTICLES Name - There must be no ambiguity as to the identity of the group. Object and Reason for the group's existence. - This will help combat abuse of power, and will help you keep the organization focused. Members - This explains the members' rights, limitations, and qualifications. It clarifies issues such as fees, attendance, resignations, and types of membership. Officers - Explains methods for nominations, voting, elections, and filling vacancies, as well as term of office and duties. Meetings - Details quorum, regular meetings, special meetings, and conventions. Executive Board or Board of Directors - The board's composition, power, and quorum should be clearly stated in this article. Committees - Standing committees must be described as to name, composition, manner of selection, attendance, and duties. Parliamentary Authority - The rules of order must be clearly established. Regardless of the rule book, an organization is ruled first by local, state, and federal laws; and then by its parent organization; followed by any adopted special rules of order; and finally by its adopted parliamentary authority. Amendment of Bylaws - Typically, a Bylaw can be amended with 2/3 of the collected votes, if a prior notice has been given during the prior meeting. Otherwise, it takes a majority of the entire registered membership to amend any Bylaw. *Adapted from www.roberts-rules.com Survival Tips on Roberts Rules of Order