Social Action
Social Action
The Chapter has a history of encouraging change in our communities through social action. Nu Xi Zeta has integrated social action into the Chapter’s service activities and has focused on the following areas: 1) ensuring youth have the tools to succeed; 2) providing for women’s health; 3) protecting vulnerable communities; 4) engaging in voter empowerment activities that target African American communities.
Local Government Participation
As Alexandria prepared for Virginia’s 2012 General Assembly session with the adoption of their legislative agenda, Nu Xi Zeta weighed in on the cities legislative priorities. In a letter sent to all City Council members, the chapter outlines the following priorities of interest: 1) HIV/AIDs funding, 2) increased flexibility for unused Virginia Preschool initiatives (VPI) funds, 3) and supplier diversity in contracting. The Chapter also urged Council members to support efforts to restore the voting rights for citizens with felony convictions in Virginia. Click here to view the entire letter.
In conjunction with our national partnership with the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, the chapter has presented information on prematurity rates in the black community to the Alexandria City Council and proposed solutions for how local government can help decrease these rates.
We are pleased to have Nu Xi Zeta members represented on the Alexandria Human Rights Commission (Soror Monika Jones) and on the Alexandria Children, Youth and Families Collaborative Commission (Soror Andria Cook).
Voter Empowerment
In preparation for the 2010 Congressional elections, Nu Xi Zeta worked on grassroots community outreach activities to encourage voter participation in the African American community. Through the NOVA Coalition led by the Northern Virginia Urban League, the Chapter made over 1100 voter contacts! In 2011, the Chapter continued working with the NOVA Coalition to target African American voters. As a part of our national service initiative, Zetas Helping Other People Excel (ZHOPE), the Nu Xi Zeta chapter encourages our community to not only vote, but to also have knowledge of the issues and the candidates. Every year, Nu Xi Zeta co-sponsors candidate forums to educate the community.
Visiting with Legislators
Nu Xi Zeta regularly goes to Washington DC and Richmond, VA to learn more about current legislative and to educate our legislators on issues of importance to our community. In 2010, members of Nu Xi Zeta attended our sororities National Zeta Day on the Hill and met with legislative staff from Congressman Jim Moran’s office who represents the 8th Congressional District in Virginia. During the 2011 Virginia General Assembly, the Chapter and individual members sent letters of support on legislation that would have restored the voting rights of people with felony convictions in Virginia. Click here to view the entire letter.
Recognition from the 2011 Virginia General Assembly
Delegate Adam Ebbin and State Senator Yvonne Miller co-sponsored a Commending Resolution during the 2011 General Assembly session to commend the Nu Xi Zeta Chapter for our 25 years of service to the community. Click here to view a copy of the resolution.