ZTA NLC

Afterward, collegians and National Officers gathered for one final meal together, and National President Carolyn Hof Carpenter closed NLC (see the video of her closing remarks here). “We can’t all live in this fabulous turquoise bubble forever,” Mrs. Carpenter said, but she did offer a few final thoughts for attendees to reflect on. 

Mrs. Carpenter shared that she was a collegiate President at NLC 30 years ago. While she was “clueless” back then, she’s obviously come a long way. “I learned to listen to, lean on and trust those who came before me,” she said. 

By listening to her past and striving to lead ZTA into the future, Mrs. Carpenter came up with her own six-word statement, like the collegians did on Saturday: “Never underestimate the power of sisterhood.”

To close a fantastic week, collegians and National Officers joined hands in a sisterhood circle and sang “Today and Forever.” 

Alpha, Longwood University

Epsilon, University of Arkansas

Zeta, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Kappa, The University of Texas at Austin

Lambda, Southwestern University

Mu, Drury University

Nu, The University of Alabama

Omicron, Brenau University

Sigma, Baker University

Psi, University of Washington

Alpha Gamma, University of Michigan

Alpha Zeta, The Ohio State University

Alpha Omicron, The University of Iowa

Alpha Upsilon, Oklahoma State University

Alpha Psi, University of Missouri

Beta Gamma, Florida State University

Beta Theta, Franklin College

Beta Nu, New Mexico State University

Beta Omicron, University of South Carolina

Beta Upsilon, Kansas State University

Beta Psi, Stetson University

Gamma Alpha, University of Miami

Gamma Beta, Washington College

Gamma Epsilon, Pennsylvania State University

Gamma Zeta, Mississippi State University

Gamma Pi, The University of Georgia

Gamma Kappa, James Madison University

Gamma Mu, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Gamma Xi, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Gamma Omicron, Central Michigan University

Gamma Rho, Auburn University

Gamma Nu, University of Virginia

Gamma Chi, Indiana State University

Gamma Phi, University of North Texas

Gamma Psi, Texas Christian University

Delta Beta, Florida Southern College

Delta Gamma, High Point University

Delta Delta, Baldwin Wallace University

Delta Theta, Ohio Northern University

Delta Kappa, Louisiana State University

Delta Mu, The University of Tennessee at Martin

Delta Omicron, Lenoir-Rhyne University

Delta Chi, William Jewell College

Delta Psi, Samford University

Delta Omega, Westminster College

Zeta Alpha, University of Evansville

Zeta Beta, Thiel College

Zeta Gamma, Youngstown State University

Zeta Theta, East Central University

Zeta Nu, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Zeta Xi, Georgia Southern University

Zeta Omicron, Arkansas State University

Zeta Psi, Jacksonville State University

Zeta Upsilon, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Eta Gamma, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Zeta Omega, Ferris State University

Eta Alpha, Georgia Southwestern State University

Eta Zeta, Elon University

Eta Iota, Valdosta State University

Eta Lambda, College of Charleston

Eta Nu, Radford University

Eta Mu, Augusta University

Eta Rho, The University of North Alabama

Eta Theta, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Eta Pi, Wright State University

Eta Tau, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Eta Phi, Illinois State University

Eta Upsilon, Missouri Southern State University

Eta Chi, Francis Marion University

Theta Gamma, Texas A&M University

Theta Delta, Salisbury University

Theta Theta, Arkansas Tech University

Theta Iota, University of North Florida

Theta Eta, Stephen F. Austin State University

Theta Kappa, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Theta Omicron, Baylor University

Theta Zeta, Wofford College

Theta Xi, Rutgers University

Theta Nu, Auburn University at Montgomery

Theta Sigma, Winthrop University

Theta Tau, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Theta Phi, California State University, Fullerton

Theta Omega, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Iota Gamma, The College of New Jersey

Iota Delta, Towson University

Iota Theta, Georgia Institute of Technology

Iota Eta, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Iota Nu, Susquehanna University

Iota Omicron, Lander University

Iota Pi, University of Dayton

Iota Sigma, Old Dominion University

Iota Rho, East Carolina University

Iota Phi, North Carolina State University

Iota Omega, University of Maryland

Kappa Alpha, Colorado State University

Kappa Zeta, Clemson University

Kappa Eta, Rockhurst University

Kappa Nu, Monmouth University

Kappa Xi, Stockton University

Kappa Omicron, Merrimack College

Kappa Tau, Florida Gulf Coast University

Kappa Upsilon, Georgia College

Kappa Chi, Shorter University

Kappa Psi, Kutztown University

Kappa Omega, Saint Louis University

Lambda Alpha, Sacred Heart University

Lambda Gamma, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Lambda Delta, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Lambda Zeta, Lehigh University

Lambda Eta, Virginia Commonwealth University

Lambda Theta, New York University

Lambda Iota, Vanderbilt University

Lambda Kappa, Appalachian State University

Lambda Lambda, Kennesaw State University

Lambda Mu, University of South Carolina Beaufort

Lambda Nu, Furman University

For leaders, this message was especially important. Leaders tend to avoid talking about or seeking help for mental health concerns because they don’t want to appear weak or make the problem “real” by talking about it. While some leaders may present a happy or calm front, under the surface they may be struggling. “How many people do you know who have an external life everyone sees and an internal life that is very different?” Ross asked. “You need to match the two up as much as you can.”

To do this, Ross suggested developing healthy coping mechanisms and helping sisters do the same. The best way for Zetas to lead their chapters in practicing self-care is to model healthy behaviors for them. “If you’re telling your chapter to do something but you’re not doing it yourself, it’s not effective,” he said. “Have the confidence to tell your chapter you’re going to take care of yourself because it’s important.”

In Small Group Meeting 4, chapter Presidents reviewed their Chapter Assessment Report from the previous semester. After seeing where her chapter stands, each woman looked at the events her chapter has planned for the upcoming semester and determined how they align with ZTA’s Nine Key Values. “The Assessment can help you use your time wisely,” one facilitator said. “If it shows that your chapter is doing something that works, keep doing it. If you see there is an area you need to improve, spend time developing programs that address that value.”

At the same time, the Emerging Leaders used their Small Group Meeting to explore their personal values and how they relate to ZTA’s Nine Key Values. “I hadn’t thought about those values in term of ZTA,” one attendee told her group. “Being able to align the Nine Values with my personal values helped put them in perspective.”

At lunch, Dr. Molly Downing from The Ohio State University’s College of Pharmacy and International Office’s Senior Director of Harm Reduction & Education Kyle Pendleton shared a preview of the newest module from My Sister, My Responsibility. Generation Rx, which aims to instill safe medication practices, will be presented to chapters beginning in the fall.

Following lunch, collegians and National Officers attended breakout sessions for the Leadership Practice they scored highest in. This gave them the opportunity to meet other sisters who exhibit similar leadership behaviors and to learn how they can use their strengths in their chapters. Each group participated in different activities that utilized their unique skills and helped them develop a deeper understanding of their leadership style. Attendees also got a chance to brainstorm about common chapter challenges such as event planning and leading a team.

Model the Way

Leaders clarify values by finding their voice and affirming shared values. They set the example by aligning actions with shared values.

Inspire a Shared Vision

Leaders envision the future by imagining exciting and ennobling possibilities. They enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations.

Challenge the Process

Leaders search for opportunities by seizing the initiative and looking outward for innovative ways to improve. They experiment and take risks by constantly generating small wins and learning from experiences.

Enable Others to Act

Leaders foster collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships. They strengthen others by enhancing self-determination and developing competence.

Encourage the Heart

The first step in practicing empathy is to reflect on your own life. “Before you can ever understand a person who lives a different way than you, you have to understand the way you live,” she said. Tina challenged participants to think about the roles they play and what those really mean to them.

Next, you have to listen. Oftentimes, we make our own judgments and write someone’s story for them without listening to what they have to say for themselves. Instead, Tina said we should “make the decision that letting someone else talk while you listen is more important than telling your own story.” Empathy means letting the other person “be the author in that moment,” she said. 

While many people think reflecting and listening are the only parts of practicing empathy, there is a third and final step. You must share your own story. “Everyone has a story that matters,” Tina said. Sharing that narrative with others helps you connect with to those who may be carrying the same load. In the end, letting others know that they are not alone in their struggles is the most powerful way to practice empathy.  

After Tina’s session, Small Groups met to take a closer look at empathy in action and to discuss empathy versus accountability. Members looked at a number of case studies and determined when empathy was needed and when sisters needed to be held accountable.

At dinner, Fraternity Housing Corporation President Julia Marthaler Hill gave a presentation about the new International Office. For more information about what the new building will include, check out this article from Themis.

To start her session, Ms. Ferguson asked a question that everyone in the room could relate to: “Why are women always apologizing?”

“Sorry”—as well as words and phrases like “sometimes,” “I guess,” and “likely”—is a qualifier that changes how absolute, certain or generalized a statement is. Qualifiers muddy the message, which makes it harder to communicate to those you are trying to lead. Ms. Ferguson challenged attendees to remove qualifiers from their vocabulary to sound more confident.

Next, the collegians learned about the difference between internal or external processors and practiced active listening. By understanding how they and members of their Executive Committee and Program Council work through information and make decisions, leaders can better facilitate discussions and get more done. Attendees also shared information about how their chapters communicate effectively, such as posting announcements in the GIN System and holding office hours so members can share their thoughts with EC officers one-on-one. “You have the ability to impact future leaders,” Ms. Ferguson said. “Invest time in that future talent.”

Lastly, Ms. Ferguson spoke about the importance of giving and receiving feedback to acknowledge and validate the feelings and concerns of chapter members. “Listen to them and they’ll listen to you,” she said.

Before lunch, collegians met with their Small Groups again to discuss the things Ms. Ferguson had talked about and to share ideas about things that have worked in their own chapters, such as solutions they’ve come up with to appease both internal and external processors.

During lunch, the 2017–2018 Leadership Consultants were introduced, and the ZTA Foundation presented scholarships to the 40 recipients in attendance at NLC. This year, the Foundation is awarding $800,000 to 290 Zetas pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Vice President of Scholarship Cathy Slaughter thanked those who donate to the Foundation for contributing to this important program. “Your gifts to the Scholarship Program really do help a lot of Zetas get their education,” she said.