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2026Convention

Pre-Convention Breakthrough Sessions.

Serveral Breakthrough or Information sessions were held on Saturday on a nunber of topics related to our work in Zonta.  While delegates were unable to attend them all, below are summaries of those that offered concrete ideas that can be used in our clubs.

When Life Quakes: How to Lead Yourself & Your Team in Seasons of Upheaval
Angie Lion  www.angielion.com

Key Takeaways

  1. Take stock of where YOU are on the road to self-actualization, on a scale of 1-10.
    Life transitions – like aging, health, losses of some kind, status change, perspective shifts – may be influencing your path.
    – Survival  Do you have what you need (access to food, water, warmth, rest)?
    – Safety  Are you feeling safe, secure in your home, work, environment?
    – Belonging  Are you satisfied with current connections (intimacy, relationships, friends)?
    – Esteem  Do you feel you are making a contribution, have a feeling of accomplishment?
    – Self-Actualization  Are you growing, achieving your potential, having fun, being creative?
    What do you need right now?  What are you struggling with while others think you are fine?
    Note: DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE BY JUDGING OTHERS.
    For example, if members are leaving or stepping back from engaging in club activities, take the time to have a one-on-one – ask what they need and how you can support them.
  2. Three stages of transition – where are you today?
    – The Ending A place where you need to let go of what was, marked by loss
    – The Messy Middle The ‘unknown’ place, where identity feels unclear and shaky
    – The New Beginning  – A new identify is taking shape, perspective shifts, possibility returns
  3. Awareness changes everything – name the fear you are feeding, keeping you stuck.
    Transitions activate threat responses – while not real, they feel real in the body and brain.
    – Your inner critic, fears and limiting beliefs. You are not ready. You are going to fail. You are not enough.
    – Family, friends, and fear of disconnection. What will they think? Will I disappoint them? Will they leave?
    – Workplace, culture, and society’s expectations. This is how you SHOULD be. This is how you SHOULD lead. Stay in line.
  4. What do you need for support right now? You should never transition in isolation.
    – A Crew Who can help you row when you are tired and need a pep talk?
    – Lighthouses  Who can help you find direction, resources?
    – Lifelines  Who or what can be relied on when you are spiraling

When you take care of yourself first, you are in a much better place to help others.


Advocacy in Action

Zonta has compiled numerous tools for clubs to use at
https://zonta.org/Web/My_Zonta/Tools/Advocacy Tools home

What is Advocacy
****Four Focus Areas; Shared Moments of Activism; New Initiatives
Advocacy Policies and Guidelines
Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Training
Zonta Advocacy Series Webinars
Position Papers and Statements
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Tools
2025 Zonta Says NO Virtual Summit
Women’s Empowerment Principles Tools
Zonta USA Caucus Advocacy Materials

Tips for clubs in their Advocacy action:

  1. With club members, review the Zonta Focus areas ****above. 
… Read the rest

2026Convention

Blueprint for the Future

Deadline extended for feedback on Blueprint for the Future

The International Board and Governance Advisory Committee have extended the deadline for feedback on the Blueprint for the Future to 31 October 2026. Please send your feedback, questions and suggestions to governanceblueprint@zonta.org. You can find the Blueprint for the Future Executive Summary, Full report and Q&As at https://www.zonta.org/Web/My_Zonta/Governance/BluePrintForTheFuture.

Note from Governor Lynn:

The ZI Blueprint presents some interesting changes in the way we work.  I encourage you to look at the summary.  In a nutshell, to reduce costs for members and to facilitate consistency in messaging, in a few years each district will be a country with one Governor.  Rather than twelve Governors in the United States, there will be one.  We know Governors having more than one country in their district creates some confusion, especially when you don’t know the ins and outs of the other country’s advocacy options, and some unique opportunities, like cross-country conferences and relationship building.   The positive thing here is that countries will be able to design their own governance structure under one Governor.

On August 10th I will met with all the D1 Presidents to talk about these changes and how it might impact our district. In October, all the North American Governors will meet to start discussing what this could look like in the United States.  Over the next year we will identify the concerns, brainstorm possibilities, and bring in other Zontians to create a proposal.  We will take in all the concerns about what we might lose and all the hopes of what we might gain.  The goal is to create a governance structure that meets our needs as a very large country – geographically and club/member-wise.  We will find ways to maintain the things we enjoy about our relationships with our clubs in Canada.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.  The deadline for feedback from the districts is the end of October.  Together we will work to make these changes enhance our ability to build a better world for women and girls.

As a global membership organization, Zonta International has been supporting women and girls for more than 106 years. While our vision and mission remain as relevant as ever the challenges with a declining and aging membership base are affecting: Our ability to enhance the visibility of Zonta as an international women’s rights organization, and The impact of our global advocacy efforts and international service programs.

This executive summary (and related Blueprint for the Future) summarizes the results of that work and sets out the case for change for discussion with members commencing at the 2026 Convention in Vancouver.
Successive boards have recognized this, and with the development of the 2030 Strategic Plan, the organization now has a longer-term future-oriented focus. As this has implications for Zonta’s governance arrangements 2024–2026 International President Salla Tuominen established a Governance Working Group “to analyze how the Zonta International governance structure could be streamlined and -modernized” to ensure Zonta’s long-term sustainability.… Read the rest

2026Convention

Elections

,Electronic elections for the International Boards and Nomination Committee were held in advance of the Convention. The successful candidates were on hand at Convention ready to get to work in the new biennium.

2026-2028 Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women Boards

International President-Elect
Sandra Venn-Brown, D22, Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc, Australia   (District 1’s Liaison to the ZI Board)

International Vice President
Renée Coppock, D12, Zonta Club of Billings, USA

International Treasurer/Secretary
Monika Geise, D29, Zonta Club of Münster, Germany

International Directors
Kathrin Laubacher, D28, Zonta Club of Liestal, Switzerlan)
Ria Matthijssens, D27, Zonta Club of Antwerpen, Belgium
Jennet (Jen) McKinlay-Birkin, D16, Zonta Club of Wellington, New Zealand
Opeibea Omaboe, D18, Zonta Club of Accra II, Ghana
Sheena Poole, D04, Zonta e-Club of Cross Border (Canada-USA), Canada
Shreejana Rana, D25, Zonta Club of Kathmandu, Nepal
Jutta Trube, D14, Zonta Club of Aschaffenburg, Germany

 

 

2026-2028  International Nominating Committee

Africa
Margaret Mercy Akofio-Sowah, D18, Zonta Club of Accra II, Ghana

Asia
Primitiva (Baby) Sison, D17, Zonta Club of Manila I, Philippines

Australia and New Zealand
Lynne Foley, OAM, D22, Zonta Club of Toowoomba Garden City Inc, Australia

Europe
Ruta Jasioniene, D13, Zonta Club of Alytus, Lithuania

North, Central and South America
Lorene (Lori) Robinson, D04, Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon, Canada

At Large
Ofelia (Lia) Bautista, D17, Zonta Club of Greater Rizal I, Philippines
Christine Dersch, D28, Zonta Club of Marburg, Germany
Dorte Olesen, D13, Zonta Club of Copenhagen I, Denmark
Salla Tuominen, D20, Zonta Club of Helsinki 1, Finland… Read the rest

Membership

Zonta Membership Assessment Tool

A Zonta Membership Self-assessment  involves examining your alignment with the organization’s mission to empower women and girls, as well as evaluating the personal value you derive from its community.

Part 1: Why I Joined (Initial Motivation)

Use these questions to reflect on the drivers that first brought you to Zonta:

  • Mission Alignment: Was I looking to advocate for gender equality or end gender-based violence?
  • Service & Impact: Did I want a structured way to serve my local community and support international projects?
  • Professional Networking: Was I seeking a network of like-minded professionals or hoping to develop my leadership skills?
  • Personal Connection: Was I invited by a friend or inspired by a specific Zonta event?
  • Other:

 

Part 2: Why I Stay (Retention Factors)

Members often “stay” for different reasons than they “joined.” Assess your current experience against these common retention drivers:

  • Fellowship & Belonging: Have my fellow club members become a meaningful support system or lifelong friends?
  • Active Engagement: Am I given meaningful “work to do” or a clear role that makes me feel like a valued contributor?
  • Growth Opportunities: Does Zonta provide me with unique experiences, such as mentorship or professional development, that I can’t find elsewhere?
  • Visible Impact: Do I feel a sense of accomplishment from the scholarship awards or advocacy campaigns my club supports?
  • Other:

Part 3:  What do you care about?  What specific projects /committees do you want to be focused on in the new Biennium?

  • Membership: Help in attracting new members and supports; engaging in retention strategies.
  • Advocacy: Identifying action associated with one of the Zonta Causes and or the root cause of why advocacy is needed.
  • Education: Help in promoting Zonta Education awards and evaluating candidates
  • Service: Identifying and filling the needs expressed by our partner agencies working with women and girls
  • Social Media/Communication: Help in 

Part 4:  Would you like a mentor to hone your skills or some level of support at this stage in your life?
We have a lot of talent in the Zonta membership and supporter groups. If you can specify what you need, want, desire – we are happy to help identify possible resources.

You also have access to a free, online Leadership Development program covering several core competencies in short videos and readings.

 

Part 5: Why I Might Leave (Risk Factors)

Evaluate if any of these common stressors are affecting your commitment:

  • Time & Finance: Is the time commitment (meetings, committee work) or the cost of dues becoming a burden?
  • Club Culture: Do I feel welcome and comfortable sharing my concerns with club leadership?
  • Misalignment: Has the club’s focus shifted away from the causes I care about most, or do I feel my skills are being underutilized?
  • Leadership Issues: Is the club’s management style causing frustration or a lack of transparency? [

Actionable Next Step:
If you are feeling disconnected, you might try the Zonta Spirit Exercise to share your story with other members and rekindle your passion for the mission.

 … Read the rest

Advocacy

State Domestic Violence Coalitions

State Domestic Violence Coalitions
Help where you need it.
State coalitions are organizations that support those affected by domestic violence, advocate for effective policies, and collaborate with local service providers. They provide training, resources, and guidance to local programs, ensuring survivors have access to the support and services they need. Through public awareness campaigns and policy advocacy, state coalitions strive to prevent domestic violence and promote safe communities across the nation.

DV Coalitions in Zonta District 1 – ready to partner with Zonta 

Connecticut  CTCADV.org

Maine   MCEDV,org

Massachusetts  JaneDoe.org

New Hampshire  www.nbhcadsv.org

Rhode Island   RICADV.org

Vermont    VTNetwork.org

Nova Scotia  thans.ca/

… Read the rest

Advocacy

ERA – Did you know women are not equal with men?

Wouldn’t it be one of the best feelings in your lifetime to know that you helped to get the United States 28th Equal Rights Amendment to become law! Not only will this personal feeling of accomplishment be gratifying but it will also “build a better world for women and girls” of the future. What a legacy!!

So how can you help achieve this goal? Get your sister Zontian members, friends, family members, and coworkers to sign the Sign4ERA.org petition! Post a link on your social media accounts and ask individuals to “share it”. The goal is to get at least 1 million signatures by November.

You can share the QR code (above) and the link www.sign4era.org to the petition.

 

This petition will bring attention to the future Congress who must immediately recognize the Equal Rights Amendment Joint Resolution which you can read the description of on the petition page.

The Zonta Club of Concord has been holding permitted events in the city to obtain signatures from passersby and will continue to do until at least the end of the summer. We have also posted a large sign in a vacant storefront window that includes the QR code and link to the petition for anyone to either take a picture of or actually take the time to sign the online petition while standing there.

The text of the ERA joint resolution (H.J.Res.80 and S.J.Res.38) introduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026) can be found on Congress.gov. These resolutions aim to establish the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, with text and related information available directly from the official congressional website. [1, 2, 3]
  • House Joint Resolution 80 (H.J.Res.80): View the text on Congress.gov, which was introduced on March 24, 2025.
  • Senate Joint Resolution 38 (S.J.Res.38): View the text on Congress.gov, which is a related resolution addressing the same issue.
  • Additional Resources: The ERA Action Toolkit by Zonta USA Caucus provides context and links regarding the legal status of the Equal Rights Amendment. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

These joint resolutions, introduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026), aim to affirm the ERA as the 28th Amendment. [1, 2, 3]
… Read the rest

Advocacy

Biennium Reflection and Goal Planning

District 1 Zonta Biennium Reflection and Goal Planning
A guide for District 1 Zonta Clubs in assessing service accomplishments, identifying advocacy priorities, and setting actionable goals for the upcoming biennium.

  1. Reflect on Service Successes:
    What service projects made the greatest impact?
    Which projects sparked pride and engagement?
  2. Connect Service to Advocacy
    For each favorite service project, ask: Why is this service needed? Identify systemic issues that perpetuate the need for service.
    Brainstorm what policy or funding changes could eliminate the need for that service.
  3. Identify Advocacy Priorities (Core Zonta Focus Areas and Club-Specific Issues)
    Zonta Says No: Domestic violence prevention
    Zonta Says Now: Climate justice
    Ending child marriage: Continue vigilance and support globally
    What advocacy issues are unique to your community?
    Use club meetings to brainstorm and vote on priorities.
  4. Use Zonta Resources
    Advocacy Video: Show ZI’s advocacy video: https://youtu.be/nHNSFPXOBpY
    Read aloud ZI’s January statement on U.S. withdrawal from multilateral institutions.
    Attend Canada/U.S. Advocacy Caucus virtual meetings; encourage nondelegates to drop in and learn.
  1. Support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
    National Advocacy: Join the movement to make the ERA the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
    Mobilize club members to write, speak, and act in support.
  2. Set Goals for Next Biennium
    SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
    Examples: Host 2 advocacy events per year; Convert 1 service project into an advocacy campaign; Attend 3 virtual caucus meetings as a club
  3. Celebrate and Mobilize
    Empowerment Message: Remind members that we are a mighty entity in an age of global uncertainty.
    Frame Zonta as a continuation of the suffragist legacy.
    Call to Action: Together, we can make a difference.

… Read the rest

JMK

2025 Women in Business Award

Casey McDermott from District 1 was one of the 10 exceptional applicants selected for a 2025 Zonta Women in Business Leadership International Award.

Thirty–five (35) exceptional applicants from 26 countries were considered in the selection for the 10 international awards. The recipients will receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International starting in the next fiscal year (1 June 2026) and US $10,000 award. A biographical description of each recipient will be posted on the Zonta International website by the end of January 2026.

Casey McDermott was the applicant from the Quaboag Club selected by the District 1 WBLA evaluation committee to have her application/materials submitted to ZI. This is exciting for our District as it represents what collaboration and communication between District 1 Clubs can result in. Casey is from Nova Scotia and at the request of the Amherst Club, an ask was made of District 1 Clubs to accept her application as the Nova Scotia Clubs were not offering the WBL award this year. The Quaboag Club stepped up and agreed to accept Casey’s application and ultimately determined they would submit her name/application to District 1.
AND here she is the recipient of one of ten awards… such an accomplishment.
The Women in Business Leadership Award honors exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical conduct and significant contributions while addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate change. We believe Casey McDermott’s application exemplifies her commitment to these things and that she has and is taking action to build a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.

Read more about Casey, including her essay, on ZontaQV.org/scholarships. Scroll to the bottom of the page.… Read the rest