Lesson 6: Social

What does Society mean to Delta Zeta?

Development of your social skills is only second to scholarship as you develop your strengths in Delta Zeta. Delta Zeta offers you an education beyond the classroom that is essential to your future success.

Sisterhood activities and chapter social events are not only enjoyable, but useful, too. They will serve as an aid in helping you develop your interests and abilities as well as gaining valuable experience in many areas.

Most importantly, however, your social endeavors with your sisters will provide you with a lifetime of cherished memories.

What does Delta Zeta expect from me in my role in Society?

" ...to promote the moral and social culture of its members..."

Constitution, Article II, Section 1.

"It shall be the duty of each member to exemplify in her daily conduct the noble principles of this sorority, to promote the welfare of the whole by every means consistent with a high sense of honor, to obey its laws, to avoid all conduct which may be criticized among acquaintances or be offensive to her fellow members..."

Constitution, Article III, Section 3.

Initiation requirements

Delta Zeta chooses women of high moral standing and character for membership. The principles of good behavior and respect for oneself and others are the core values of Delta Zeta Sorority. Through our actions, we make a statement of who we are and what others should think about us.

Peer pressure can lead even the strongest to question, scrutinize and temporarily toss moral convictions to the wayside. But you are always responsible for the choices, good or bad, you make that affect your behavior.

Each Delta Zeta member is expected to always conduct herself with dignity and to avoid situations which might be construed in a damaging way or which might harm her or others. Poor behavior is a reflection not only upon the person but also on the group as a whole.

You will become familiar with Delta Zeta's policies on Alcohol, Hazing and other standards of conduct. All members must sign the National Policy Statements, which is kept on file at National Headquarters. Your signature is your commitment to uphold the ideals of Delta Zeta. Failure to live up to this commitment may result in termination of membership.

How can Delta Zeta help me develop my Social strengths?

"It shall be the duty of every member to exemplify in her daily conduct the noble principles of this sorority to avoid all conduct which may be criticized among acquaintances..."

Constitution, Article III, Section 3.

As a social organization, Delta Zeta gives you many opportunities to perfect your social skills. Delta Zeta stands not only for sisterhood, but also for culture and refinement.

Through Delta Zeta, you will have opportunities to meet many new people and make new friends. You convey the best impression of Delta Zeta through your courtesy, good manners and communication skills.

Etiquette

Proper social skills are essential to function in today's society. Mastering social graces means having the ability to know and practice acceptable manners and the art of making those around you feel at ease. Having these skills will take you far, for etiquette is an extremely important part of social and business success.

The practice of good manners is a sign of good taste as well as a show of common courtesy to those around you. Simple actions, such as saying "thank you" and "please" or even holding a door for someone, may seem trivial, yet they make a statement about that person's character. The impressions we give to others can create opportunities throughout our lives.

In the frantic pace of today's world, it is not surprising that much business is conducted over breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having good table manners, not having to think about what is right or wrong, means being able to devote your mind and attention to the business at hand, not worrying about which fork to use. It signals to your meal companion that you know what you are doing. This often translates into jobs, promotions, new clients and sales.

Visit Etiquette Plus for helpful etiquette and interpersonal skills tips.

Communication

It is essential to practice your communication skills. Good communication skills will be an asset in every area of your life, now and after college. The more you practice and become comfortable interacting with other people, the easier discussion becomes and the more natural you feel and appear to those around you.

Become a Successful Communicator

Communication is really interaction, and speaking is an essential part of it, but even more critical is one component many tend to forget - listening. Listening is the beginning of the communication process and allows you to respond and speak intelligently, animatedly, and with interest in the subject at hand and the person with whom you are speaking.

Listening skills are the easiest communication skills to improve. You can use the following tips to enhance your ability to listen.

Hear what is said
When someone speaks to you, mentally repeat what he or she has said. This step will ensure that you have accurately heard what the speaker has said to you.

Understand the information you have received
Lack of understanding causes the greatest amount of miscommunication. When you strive to understand what someone has told you, note their body language, the tone of their voice and the choice of their words. By paying attention to these subtle clues, you will have a better understanding of the words you have heard.

Evaluate what you have heard
After you have processed the information you have received, you will make a judgment on that information. You will decide if you believe the information or how to act upon the information you have heard.

Acknowledge the information
When you have made a decision and formed an opinion about the information you have heard, you will respond in some way. You will speak to the person talking to you, or take action, or both. These verbal and visual cues tell the speaker if you have understood what she has told you and how you are responding to the information.

In friendships and all of your relationships, both during college and for the rest of your life, communication will be the key to growing, developing, sharing and learning. Communication never stops. What better preparation for these life skills can you find than learning how to communicate effectively in Delta Zeta?

Respect for others

Respect for the Chapter
Just as each individual member has obligations and responsibilities to Delta Zeta, so does the chapter. Only by working together in unity can a chapter meet the National requirements of membership, academics, finance, ritual and compliance.

Respect for our Sisters
Each sister is special because she has been chosen to join the sisterhood of Delta Zeta. new members should learn to respect each sister as an individual and always treat them with compassion, loyalty and as they would want to be treated.

Respect for sisters involves support for the members of Delta Zeta at chapter meetings and functions, university events and in personal endeavors. We show respect in the way we talk to each other, behave towards each other and by always lending support to each other. Respect also entails admonishing sisters in a loving and respectful manner when necessary. It is through such discipline that we show how much we care for each sister's welfare.

Respect for Alumnae
Alumnae members of Delta Zeta provide the Sorority with years of knowledge and service and stand as models for lifelong commitment. The alumnae stage of a Delta Zeta's life is the longest period of her membership. As with collegiate membership, alumnae membership is a privilege and not a right. In the words of our Creed, "May I walk truly in the light of the flame."

Since our alumnae represent such an important part of our Sorority, we must show respect to each alumna. All collegiate members of Delta Zeta should stand whenever an alumna sister enters a room.