Zeta Omega Eta

Sophomore roommates Meghan Boone and Anne-Louise Marquis started Zeta Omega Eta at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 2003.^[1][2][3] Zeta Omega Eta was established as a coed feminist sorority that would not have the exclusivity of typical Greek letter sororities.^[1][3] They decided to use the title "sorority" as a way to reclaim the word.^[4] The sorority seeks "diversity, inclusiveness, and the advancement of feminist ideas".^[5] It was one of the first feminist sororities in the United States.^[3]

By 2006, the Alpha chapter at Trinity had initiated 56 male and female students who are all called "sisters".^[1][3] Its members decided to remain a local sorority,^[4] independent of a national organization to retain control and to keep dues low.^[2]

A second chapter, Beta, was established in the fall of 2015 by sophomore Courtney Cook, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.^[6] Cook learned about Zeta Omega Eta when looking for a feminist organization that met her interests.^[6] The two chapters have slightly different constitutions but are part of the same organization, being connected by a feminist ideology.^[6] Beta is less focused on politics, with an emphasis on "sisterhood".^[6]

The sorority's colors are purple and white. Its Greek letters, ΖΩΗ, were selected to spell the Greek word for life.^[4] Its nickname is Zeta.^[4]

Zeta Omega Eta's members volunteer for charitable organizations and to advance feminist ideals.^[7] The sorority's chapters conduct at least two community service projects each semester.^[7] The sorority's members have participated in AIDS Walk, collected school supplies, and volunteered at a nursing home.^[4] The sorority also supported a production of The Vagina Monologues.^[4] Members have also raised funds for the HER Foundation.^[8]

Membership in Zeta Omega Eta is open to all students, both male and female.^[7][1] All members are called sisters.^[4] Potential members should be interested in feminism, gender equity, and advancing diversity and inclusivity on campus.^[7] The sorority has a "Support a Sister" program that helps members who cannot afford dues.^[4]