Founded in 1926, Zeta Tau Zeta is a local, gender neutral/inclusive Greek organization based at Occidental College. In 1926, Zeta Tau Zeta was born as a sorority. In 1982, membership declined, so the women of Zeta invited men to live in the house. In the 90s there was a surge of membership but another decline once again in the early 2000s. In 2005 the organization became officially co-ed, granting
full membership rights to both females and males, and membership has been strong ever since. Zeta is now officially gender-neutral/inclusive (although labeled as a fraternity in accordance with the organization of Greek Recruitment). Zeta works with a number of organizations for philanthropy and service events. As a local organization, we are dedicated to improving and giving back to both the Occidental community and the community of Eagle Rock, as well as the greater community of Los Angeles. Zeta has fundraised for Homeboy Industries, an LA-based foundation that empowers at-risk and gang related Angelenos through job training and employment, legal, rehabilitation, and educational programs. Zeta also supports Out of the Closet, an LGBTQ+ organization that supports the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Our official service organization is Reading to Kids. Other service includes, but is not limited to, participation in the Relay for Life, a book drive each semester for the Prison Book Program, local animal shelters, and the Solano Community Garden. As Zetas, we encourage an atmosphere of tolerance and friendship among a unique group of individuals. We embrace Occidental's policy of equity and diversity and strive to go above and beyond in creating a safe, welcoming, and accepting space for people of all identities. In Spring 2015, we created the Community Involvement Chair, who has the responsibility to arrange a calendar of important events on campus concerning equity and diversity, organize groups of Zetas to attend these events, and lead monthly discussions on equity and diversity.
