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THE ZETE KIDS CONCEPT
Philanthropy for a New Millenium
Philanthropy has always been a cornerstone of Zeta Psi fraternity. It is embedded in our rich history and has been practiced by our active and elder members. At the international level, our focus to date has been on scholarship programs targeted largely at active Zeta Psi members. From the chartering of the Zeta Psi Educational Foundation in 1944 and The Canadian Foundation of Zeta Psi in 1969, these organizations have provided much needed financial assistance to the leaders of tomorrow. Our endeavors in this respect will continue and will remain worthy of our continued support.
It has become apparent, however, that an immense opportunity within Zeta Psi has been largely overlooked. In 2002, our 47 chapters counted among their numbers almost 1100 energetic and enthusiastic young men, geographically dispersed throughout the United States and Canada. As college students they share common traits. As brothers in Zeta Psi they share common ideals. Imagine if this collective force were organized and motivated to achieve a common goal.
Our interest in community service continues after graduation; our 30,000 living alumni contribute their time, talent and treasure to organizations that span the range of philanthropic causes.
In order to make the concept work we needed to establish a common theme and a facilitating structure. At first we thought that picking a common goal would be difficult. As we know, the problems of society are many and varied. Each chapter and brother has no doubt been touched by some unfortunate or tragic event.
It didn’t take us long to land on kids as our common theme. In society, kids can be exceedingly vulnerable. Whether it is to the consequences of the failings of adults or the random afflictions of serious childhood illnesses, kids can be unfairly affected by things which can change their lives for the worse. In the context of their life-spans, our active members are not really that far away from childhood, and the concept of helping as a “big brother” was appealing. Our alumni continue to be involved in the active chapters because of their belief that helping young men achieve their potential reaps rich rewards. The fit was undeniable.
With our coordinated efforts, we think that many young lives can be changed for the better. This is the simple idea behind Zete Kids. What could happen if we coordinated all of the many resources available to us as members of Zeta Psi and dedicated them to helping American and Canadian kids in need?
Many of our chapters participate wholeheartedly in local or national philanthropic activities now outside of the Zete Kids effort, and the Zete Kids initiative does not supplant those worthwhile endeavors. It provides all of our chapters an additional unified, charitable cause to support and endow, through organized fund-raising events or the contribution of time and talents.
Zete Kids Canada and Zete Kids USA will be administered by separate Boards of Trustees, with some common ties to the Board of Directors of Zeta Psi Fraternity. Their mandate will be to facilitate the coordination of events among Zetes and Zete chapters and to accumulate funds for donation to worthy charities and causes that focus on the welfare of kids. Donations will largely be to national and international organizations, supplemented by focused efforts, in times of need, to local communities in which there are Zete chapters. In these days of continuing negative publicity surrounding fraternities, it would be nice to generate some good news stories involving Zetes helping kids.
We have five years of work behind us, yet we are still just starting to become what all that we can be. The Silent Auction in conjunction the Grand Chapter Banquet at each Zeta Psi Convention is our largest single fundraiser. Your support is encouraged and highly appreciated. A service project has become a part of every convention, and we encourage every active and alumnus to join our fun.
Several of our chapters’ events have proven successful over these years. Qdoba relays, golf tournaments, and support of local Boy Scout troops are integral parts of several chapters’ fraternal lives. We have provided a place on this website for chapters to advertise their events and results, along with resources to encourage more chapters to try them. We hope that over time, each and every Zete chapter will join in. There will be a shared goal and an exciting opportunity to compete among chapters in fund-raising.
Imagine what a difference we can make. One kid at a time, over the course of time, we can change the world!