Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update | Spring 2021

ZTA is in the beginning stages of working with Tran Arrowsmith PLLC on an internal diversity audit to examine the membership experience at all levels. The firm will conduct a thorough review of the national organization, launch a survey focused on understanding sisters and their sense of belonging within ZTA, and provide recommendations on offering a membership experience rooted in Seeking Understanding. Stage 1 of this project is ongoing and includes reviewing documents related to policies, forms, operational items and other resources.

Increasing and advancing the education and awareness of members, volunteers and staff has been a priority throughout the execution of this plan. ZTA updated the House Director training process to provide two training opportunities related to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting members across differences within ZTA facilities.

All collegiate chapters continued the appointment of Inclusion Chairs within their leadership structure. These leaders participated in a three-part training series with members of the national Inclusion Committee and ZTA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager. Topics were covered in both live and prerecorded sessions with the goal of providing each officer knowledge of the tools available, skills to facilitate conversations within their collegiate chapters and confidence in their role as a chapter leader. Additionally, the Fraternity launched a companion guide for the My Sister, My Responsibility®: Seeking Understanding workshops to extend learning and continue conversations around navigating diversity beyond the workshops.

Later this year ZTA will release an article in Themis magazine contextualizing parts of the Fraternity’s history, leaning into the Being Rather than Seeming and Humility Key Values. Currently, this article is in the research and development stage. Other areas of significant progress include:

• Updating the Leadership Consultant hiring process and language in risk reduction policies to be more inclusive
• Expanding the social media calendar to include cultural celebrations and historic remembrance days
• Launching the Volunteer Interest Form to attract a wide range of alumnae

This year, ZTA began celebrating the founders’ days of women’s fraternal organizations through social media posts on the Fraternity’s Instagram story. ZTA posted a blog featuring more information on this topic called "Because of the letters, we're in this together."

To learn more about the Fraternity’s commitment to building a more inclusive sisterhood, check out current updates and the full Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan here.