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!