Zetas Use “Finer Conversations”

Photos by Clarke Sanders and Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

By Helen Beteet

Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter

The Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Greater Kansas City, KS, identified “Finer Conversations” as a novel means to engage their surrounding counties using meaningful discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning with brainstorming led by member Carolyn Weatherspoon, the chapter went on to create four social media events touching on areas from mental health and social unrest to nutrition and physical health. Each presentation featured both active and inactive members as well as other community experts to create an hour-long forum shared on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Our first “Finer Conversation” titled “Protecting Your Mental Health in the Midst of Injustice,” followed the anguish of our citizens watching the injustice surrounding George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s deaths. Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter pulled in professionals within the sisterhood and from our partnership with a local mental health organization. Three of our own members with professional backgrounds in mental health served as presenters: Sorors April Jackson, BSP; Falicia Hooks, CRAADC and Eric Handley, BSW. The chapter has had almost 800 views for its first program, which also provided community resources for attendees.

Our second “Finer Conversation,” “Back to School Success in A Virtual Environment” was held in August 2020. This topic arose from concerns about community children not being able to attend school in-person due to COVID-19; parents and guardians wanted to ensure that their children received proper education while at home. This conversation focused on utilizing assistance that public schools offer such as tutors, mentors, teachers and teachers’ aides. The panel featured sorors who are educators and administrators and the community leaders in elementary, junior, and high school.

Our third and fourth “Finer Conversations” were selected to focus on two health consequences of COVID-19 isolation: excessive weight gain and lack of exercise. With coordination by our Zetas Have Heart Committee, Chef and Soror Lisa Givens of Denver, Colorado lead an informative session entitled “Healthy Sides and Healthy Alternatives to Cooking Your Favorite Meals”. To date, this presentation, which was first launched in November, has reached almost 1,000 people. The final “Finer Conversation” delved into fitness. Certified Personal Fitness Trainer Soror Janiece Walker was on board to educate members and friends on how to stay in shape while at home and precautions on venturing into fitness centers for workouts. The numbers (and pounds lost) are still being recorded.

The chapter has had a combined total of 3,000 views on Facebook at the time of this article. This new presentation method has widened our scope in areas of Z-HOPE, women’s health, mental health and Zetas Have Heart. We hope Sorors and Amicae will tune in to our future “Finer Conversations”. Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter of KCK serves communities in Wyandotte, Johnson, and Leavenworth Counties. The chapter has active Amicae, Youth and Male Network auxiliaries. Soror Monica Green serves as Basileus of AEZ, which celebrated 82 years on Feb. 4, 2021.