Seven Point Plan of Action

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a community conscious, action oriented organization provides programs which effectively address the needs of local communities. Having been founded on the principles of finer womanhood, sisterly love, scholarship and service, it has become increasingly more important that programs are developed which can provide meaningful services that have emanated from attainable goals.

The Zeta Seven Point Plan for Action is being introduced as the capstone of programmatic operation. "While we build on the past, it is critical that we plan a future for Zeta - one which we will be recognized for the quality of work performed and the demonstration of a sincere commitment to a turbulent, struggling world. This can only be done if we prepare for the 21st century - The New Millennium ... through service, technology, education and leadership.

Community Volunteerism
Volunteerism in human service agencies; mentioning and providing services to mentally and physically challenged people; provide counseling in career placement; serve on non-profit advisory and decision boards; collect clothes, food, toys, and other goods for public pantries and other organizations; teach classes to the public in subjects such as computers and social studies; clean up streams, streets, lakes and parks to care for the environment; staff hot-lines or other public information lines; act as a "peer helper", i.e. orient new students to school; tutor those having trouble in school, help resolve conflicts; promote public awareness by conveying information about health issues, current events, public safety, social and environmental issues through the arts, lectures, written works or experimental activities; produce sources of information such as newsletters, newspapers, cable TV programs as sources of public information.

Economic Development

Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention

Programs on Self-esteem
Provide practical advice and guidance to youth on the life decisions they may face; help cultivate family, spiritual and cultural values even when none exists; help youth know that it is okay not to succumb to negative peer pressure - help them learn that there are other positive choices in life.

"Girl Power" Program - A Benchmark Program
Help pave the way for girls, ages 9-13, to build confidence, competence and pride in themselves - make them see that they have the "Power" to say no to drugs and make positive decisions about their lives

Education  

National Geography Institute A Benchmark Program
Tutor children in geography and computer science by setting up modules in existing Zeta houses or ask for donation of space for use - for example, make every Saturday morning a "Zeta Academy"; provide informational seminars on different parts of the world - invite a native of that country to present. This would be an excellent way to share first-hand experiences of the culture; have someone share travel experiences to share what they felt was unique and what they learned from a different culture; sponsor a geography bee.

Illiteracy Programs
Institute family oriented programs on illiteracy. Coordinate and sponsor a "Family Night Out to the Library", or Family Book Clubs.

Promote Creative Arts A Benchmark Program
Sponsor and coordinate Current Issues Oratorical Contests and writing contests, art shows, talents shows. Provide scholarships or cash awards for winners; support those who are competing in contests sponsored by other organizations.

Conflict Resolution & Anger Management A Benchmark Program
Provide workshops and role playing activities to redirect negative energies; group activities or outings that promote trust and encourage unity. An example of this program would be to sponsor an outing similar to Outward Bound; "Go Into The Battleground"- help stamp out violence in the schools; sponsor a Saturday Academy on Conflict Resolution.

Career & Leadership Development "Getting! Back to the Basics"
Sponsor sessions on dressing for success - "looking the part'. Provide help and suggestions on personal hygiene and grooming. Promote the use of proper English when speaking, interviewing, and in general conversation. Provide assistance in improving writing skills; provide seminars and assist with career planning; provide career mentoring - "Adopt a Future CEO".

Governmental Affairs

Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization
Coordinate activities on local, county, state and national levels register people in your family and community, coordinate and provide opportunities to meet face-to-face with candidates for town hall meetings and forums; organize mobilization efforts (ask for donations from schools, bus companies, etc. for transportation and drivers to the polls); celebrate by having "I VOTED" parties to reward voters, volunteers, and organizers for their efforts.

Legislative Actions
Become active in local, county, state and national governments and become change agents in working to ensure there are laws that protect African Americans.

Networking
Become leaders in your communities by working with other agencies, non-profit and otherwise, in promoting, coordinating and implementing community service programs

Health and Wellness Awareness

Women in Their Dynamic Years
Sponsor groups and/or meetings, with help of trained professionals, to provide counseling to women as they transition to being "dynamic " that will help them cope with the physical, mental, career, and family expectations as they grow older.

Prenatal and Infant Care Programs
Open a Stork's Nest; participate in or sponsor programs for pregnant drug abusers. Studies reveal that this is a large percentage of drug abusers. Border Babies programs in hospitals; assist foster families by donating time for a "Mother's Day/Afternoon Out".

"First Step" Programs for New Mothers
Partner with agencies that assist new mothers in raising and coping with newborns; sponsor baby showers for disadvantaged mothers.

Prevalent African American Diseases
Get the word out on diseases that have a profound affect on African-Americans, such as sickle cell anemia, heart disease, diabetes, lung diseases and breast cancer by partnering with local chapters of organizations such as the American Heart Association; provide workshops and professional speakers for local, state and regional conferences on prevalent African American diseases; have members share personal experiences to audiences to stress the importance of good health habits and regular check-ups for early detection and cure, help someone celebrate an anniversary of remission or good health.

Chapter Management 

Overall Objectives

* To charter or reactivate five new chapters in each region by the end of the year 2001

* To increase chapter media publicity by 25% in each region

* To have each chapter receive public recognition for at least one major project or activity by the end of 2001

* To increase contributions to the National Education Foundation by 25% in each region

* To increase the visibility of us as Zetas first, then as specific chapter members second, within our respective communities

* To network with the following agencies:
American Heart Association

Breast Cancer Awareness Organizations
Sickle-Cell Disease Association

* To seek grant funds for program implementation from major corporations.

Affiliation

National Pan Hellenic Council

National Council of Negro Women

Adult Education Association 

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (Life Member)

National Council of Organization for the Aging

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

United Negro College Fund

Urban League

National Council of Women of the U.S.A.