Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women. Zonta International is in 70 countries with more than 34,000 members in over 1,200 Clubs. Zonta’s world is divided into 30 Districts of which we are District 4.

On November 8, 1919 in Buffalo, New York, Marian de Forest, along with other prominent women leaders, forged ahead to begin the Confederation of Zonta Clubs. In 1927, when the Zonta Club of Toronto was chartered, the name was changed to Zonta International.

Zonta takes its name from the Lakota Sioux Indian word meaning “honest and trustworthy”. The emblem is a composite of Sioux Indian symbols with various meanings.

District 4 is a District of “Firsts”-first Club (Buffalo) and first International Club (Toronto). It is comprised of 47 Clubs in a region that includes Western Ontario, Western New York, and Western Pennsylvania. The District is divided into seven areas, each with an Area Director who is a member of the District Board. Spring Workshops are held each year to update members on the latest procedures and information on activities within Zonta. Three are held covering the Northern, Southern and Central areas allowing Zontians to attend within a reasonable distance from their homes. District Conferences are held in the odd-numbered years and provide opportunities for Zontians to interact with each other while conducting District business.

Zonta International Conventions are held during the even-numbered years. They provide an extensive array of activities, both business and social enabling participants to walk away with in-depth knowledge of Zonta as well as enjoying the camaraderie of Zontians worldwide.

Zonta supports women’s education and leadership through several scholarship programs:

The Amelia Earhart FellowShip Award Program — Amelia Earhart Fellowships support women pursuing graduate degrees in aerospace-related sciences and aerospace-engineering. Since 1938, Zonta has awarded more than $4.4 million (US) in fellowships to over 875 women in 52 countries.

The Young Women in Public Affairs Award — Instituted in 1990, this annual award held at the Club, District, and International levels, honours young women who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government, and volunteer organizations.

The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship — Instituted in 1998, this annual award, held at the Club, District, and International levels, helps women pursue accredited business-related university degrees.

Individual Clubs also provide scholarship opportunities for high school and college students as well as for women reentering the work place. To contact a club near you please check the Local Club Information Page.

Zonta’s service opportunities incorporate both hands-on activities and monetary contributions. Individual Clubs are involved in local community service projects as well as supporting financially the service projects selected through the Zonta International Foundation during each biennium.

District 4 has adopted breast cancer research as a focus for fundraising. To date, the District has raised more than $1 million (US) for this cause in both US and Canada. Many Clubs, and/or areas have hosted golf tournaments and other special events to raise monies for breast cancer research.

Zonta International’s service projects include supporting UNIFEM and UNICEF. Zonta, in concert with UNIFEM and UNICEF, have supported self-help programs and provided technical assistance for women in developing nations for over 50 years. Zonta has established Non-governmental Organizational status (NGO) and has at each United Nations representation facility.

Zonta International Strategies to Eradicate Violence Against Women (ZISVAW) focuses on prevention, awareness and education, and develops innovative solutions to eliminate abuse against women and children. Individual Clubs have opportunities to apply for grants for projects designed to support ZISVAW goals

OBJECTIVES:

To provide service at the global and local level.

To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women.

To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions.

To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

To be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations and the universe.

Theme: “Advancing the Status of Women Worldwide”

Zonta International Website: http://www.zonta.org