These Core Values and the Zonta Code of Conduct were introduced in 2026 after surveying member groups over a period of 4 years. Tips for clubs: Take one value at a time and discuss during meeting time what it means. Using the Code of Conduct document, pose different scenarios that are realistically encountered and talk about how a value-driven Zontian would react.… Read the rest
Current Leaders Successful leadership in an all-volunteer member organization like Zonta requires prioritizing the greater good over the leader’s own objectives. Key attributes are valuing members and providing opportunities for their growth; knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and open communication; displaying authenticity; and both providing and sharing leadership.
Team Building
Team building is our core mechanism for building a collaborative culture that attracts, retains, and grows our members and leaders.
At our 2026 District 1 Spring Retreat, we were pleased to have a session with Charlie Brown – an experienced coach and trainer – who led us through various activities where we learned the basic tenets of working as a team.
What we learned:
Building relationships: Every one of us is a leader at different times. If you have not had the opportunity to step up, Zonta is a safe place to practice those skills.
Set Clear Goals: Ensure everyone understands the team’s purpose and direction. We experience too many frustrating false starts, otherwise!
Encourage Communication: Promote open dialogue and active listening. 70% listening 30% talking is a good goal for building rapport and understanding.
Foster Collaboration: Break down silos and encourage team members to work together and explore ways that similar committees in different clubs can share best practices/brainstorm solutions.
Recognize Contributions: Value each individual’s input and ideas.
District 1 Goals for the 2024-2026 Biennium
The goals include helping clubs amplify efforts to have a credible and visible voice; supporting club success, promoting leadership and sustainability; and encouraging engagement of audiences and allies. Let Donna Raycraft know how you can contribute to these goals. 33
Resources and Links
Club President Orientation (60-minutes video) – Whether it is your first time or a repeat performance, this orientation from the Membership Committee will help you embrace your leadership potential, empower your fellow members, and equip you with communication, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills to build a thriving, productive club.
Blueprint for the Future – This initiave will be a big part of our conversation as we near the 2027 Fall Conference. The Blueprint reviewed at the 2026 Zonta International Convention addresses membership decline and aging-based challenges by modernizing governance structures and operations. It sets a long-term, sustainable foundation to enhance the global visibility, advocacy impact, and international service programs of the organization. The key focus area that will impact us in District 1: Clubs in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will be part of District USA; Nova Scotia clubs will be part of District Canada. Please review the information provided to familiarize yourself and your membership with proposed changes so you can better participate in conversations about our future.
. Zonta Club Manual PDF The Club Manual serves as a guideline for club officers and committee Listing of resources for understanding the club president’s role, leading your club, and shaping a culture that stimulates growth and retention. members and contains information related to basic club operations, resources, and reference materials.
MISSION Zonta International is a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls.
VISION Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.
