WASHINGTON August, 2003 — Noting its longstanding commitment to service and lending voice to the voiceless, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated announced its legislative priorities for the 108th Congress on August 1 during the organization’s Zeta Day on Capitol Hill. Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District, South Carolina) sponsored the sorority’s visit on Capitol Hill.

“It is only fitting that Zeta Phi Beta, with its 83-year legacy of public service, reaffirm its commitment to social action in the shadows of the nation’s capitol,” said Barbara C.

Moore, International President.

“Black and Latino communities face significant challenges related to disease prevention, health care access, and educational opportunities. With this new legislative agenda, I am challenging our members to work with our elected officials at every level to effect change in these critical areas,” Moore added.

Zeta Phi Beta’s legislative priorities for the 108th Congress include: addressing healthcare disparities, increased vigilance in monitoring HIV/AIDS in the US, support for diabetes research and treatment, stronger domestic violence laws, full funding for Head Start programs, and increased prenatal care funding.

Armed with position papers outlining each of the legislative priorities and wearing the sorority’s signature royal blue and white, Zeta women representing 25 states crisscrossed Senate and House office buildings in inclement weather to discuss issues that impacted their communities.

“We were greeted warmly, and believe that our concerns were received well,” said Dr. Rosalind P. Hale, speaking of her visit with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and her deputy legislative director. Hale and Dr.

Constance Hendricks, Co-Chair of Zeta Phi Beta’s ZHOPE International Service Initiative, met with the Louisiana legislator to address a number of educational reform measures and health care funding.

According to Krysta Jones, National Director of Social Action, the visits were an important milestone for Zeta Phi Beta. “The Zeta Day on Capitol Hill allows our members to gain some critical insight into the legislative process,” Jones said. “The decisions made on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and in city council chambers are the issues a progressive organization, such as Zeta Phi Beta, should be monitoring.

Our actions on the ‘Hill’, and what we plan to do across the country, will further position the sorority as a constituency of influence,” she added. “When candidates come looking for votes, we want them to ask about Zeta Phi Beta’s position on an issue,” said Jones.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920 in Washington, D.C., on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizationsโ€”to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day.

The international organization’s over 100,000 initiated members have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support organized charities and promote legislation for social and civic change.