District XVII Yoplait Lid Challenge

This year, Zeta Tau Alpha's goal is to collect 300,000 pink Yoplait lids in the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign. I am happy to say that last year our district had three chapters participate, and we turned in 2,386 lids!

My goal this year is for all five of our active alumnae chapters to participate and turn in a total of 3,000 lids. This would be only 1% of ZTA's overall goal, but it would mean collecting 614 more lids than last year.

I challenge all of you to make a difference. Every lid matters! Even if you do not belong to an alumnae chapter, you can save lids and turn them in on behalf of an alumnae (or collegiate) chapter. Just mail them to ZTA's International Office (for details, go to www.zetataualpha.org).

Alumnae chapters should do just a little more this year than you did last year. For some, that might mean giving the collection boxes and posters to your members. Encourage them to put them out at their workplaces, churches, gyms, or other areas. Other chapters might host specific events and partner with grocery stores. Media loves this cause, so get a local radio station to give your event some PR!

Pink lids are in stores now and can be turned in up to December 31. Get out there, eat some yogurt and save the lids!

Founders' Day Proclamation 2008

It was a "weekend of changeable, autumnal weather" with a "faint carpet of snow", "a day of brilliant sunshine" and "the flaming colors of autumn." It was November 15, 1924, the first time in 26 years that the eight living Founders of Zeta Tau Alpha had gathered for a reunion.

Maud Jones Horner had passed away in 1920 and Grand Chapter wanted to ensure that Zeta's beginnings were properly recorded while the memories where still fresh. So, the eight Founders came together in Richmond, VA to put their memories to paper. "There is no way to know any subject except by getting to the heart of it," Historian Emerita Shirley Kreasan Stout would later write. "Around a big table, as in a board of directors' meeting, everything was quite cozy as the early days were gone over, mementos produced and many disputed points settled."

The result of that reunion was The History of Zeta Tau Alpha 1898-1928, Volume 1 first published in 1928 and Volume 2 first published in 1929.

Eighty years after the first printing of The History, on our 110th Founders' Day, nine former National Presidents, representing 40 years of ZTA leadership, will gather at our beautiful International Office in Indianapolis to sign newly reprinted copies of the new three-volume set of The History of Zeta Tau Alpha. These devoted Zetas will also meet around a conference table to study mementos and historic documents that will become part of the permanent archives. They will join National Council members for the Founders' Day Ceremony in the rotunda. By the candlelight of nine burning tapers, they will promise to further the ideals that our Founders left in our care.

As each member and chapter remembers our Founders on this day, may we all pledge to preserve our heritage to ensure that every year our beloved Zeta Tau Alpha grows stronger in love, the greatest of all things.

Given under my hand and seal, I proclaim the fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight, as our 110th Founders' Day.

Laura Ladewig Mauro, National President
Winnsboro, Texas -- October 2008

It's Great to be a Zeta in October!

I can hardly believe that October is here, but I am always happy to start this month. The air is a little cooler and holidays are right around the corner. For Zetas, collegians and alumnae are enjoying the renewed friendships and new sisters that result from kicking off a new year.

We have so much to celebrate in October, especially our founding. This Founders Day is special because we celebrate 110 years of sisterhood. Our National President and nine former presidents are gathering at International Office in Indiana to sign the newest edition of "ZTA History".

Of course, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so Zetas get busy promoting the cause so dear to our hearts. We always "Think Pink!", but we take on all sorts of activities such as collecting pink Yoplait lids, handing out pink ribbons at NFL games, and many other service projects. Zetas in Kansas and Missouri are promoting breast cancer education and awareness at Chiefs, Rams, Blues and Wizards games.

This October, show your love of ZTA by wearing your badge, handing out pink ribbons, and getting involved. Our nine founders believed that women who unite in love can make a genuine difference in the world, and we continue to make their vision a reality. That makes me proud to be a Zeta!

ZTA & Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives

Believe it or not Zetas, it’s time to start collecting those pink yogurt lids that read “SAVE LIDS TO SAVE LIVES!” Last year was nothing short of an incredible lid collection with over 212,000 lids, and this year we are confident we will reach our goal of 300,000 lids.

Each lid collected will provide $0.10 to the ZTA chapter's local Komen affiliate and $0.05 to the ZTA Foundation. Any pink lid counts, including those on Yoplait smoothies. By now each collegiate and alumnae chapter should have received a starter kit from our friends at Yoplait. Anyone (including friends and family) can mail lids directly to IO, Attn: Lid Collection at 3450 Founders Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268. Make sure that the alumnae or collegiate chapter is noted so that it can get credit for the lids. Special envelopes are not required, and 12 cleaned and flattened lids will mail with a first class stamp.

Be sure to check out all of the great resources and collection updates on ZTA's website (www.zetataualpha.org). You can also join the "Official ZTA and Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives Fan Page" on Facebook!

Save the Date: Zeta Day 2009

Kansas/Missouri Zeta Day takes place on Saturday, April 18, 2009. Mark your calendars and plan to attend now. We will gather in St. Louis to celebrate Pinkapalooza!

Alumna Certificate of Merit Award

Awarded by National Council, the COM is granted to ZTA alumnae who have made an outstanding contribution to the Fraternity over an extended period of time. Recipient reccommendations can be made by the alumnae organization's President (or another officer, if the President is recommended), the District President or a member of National Council.

• Nominations are due to the District President October 1st; they can be emailed
• The candidate must have held a significant position within the Fraternity for at least 7 years; the current year does not count.
• If a candidate has served in more than one position in a year, list each position separately.
• Multiple positions within a year do not count as more than one year of service.
• Remember, there must be a minimum of seven entries for years of service. Dates must accompany these entries.
• Only the following positions are considered by National Council as officers: President, Vice President (I & II), Secretary, Treasurer and Historian-Reporter.
• Committee Chairs do not count as significant service (although we realize that many women put a great deal of effort into this).
• After listing the nominee's service, provide a brief paragraph about the candidate's special talents or efforts.
• Nominations are SECRET; do not let the candidate know she has been nominated. It will be a fun surprise at Zeta Day!
• For more information, contact your DP (mokszetas@yahoo.com).
  

100 Years of ZTA Love

Mu chapter is celebrating 100 years of ZTA love in 2009! Save the date to join Mu sisters in Springfield on February 14. Alumnae from Drury's ZTA chapter will be receiving save the date postcards in the mail very soon. If you need more information, please contact me at mokszetas@yahoo.com.