S.H.A.R.E.: Sustainability and Human Rights through Accountability, Respect and Empowerment

The leadership motto S.H.A.R.E. encapsulates our commitment to advancing sustainability and human rights through a leadership approach rooted in accountability, respect, and empowerment. We recognize that meaningful and lasting change begins within our own community. By empowering one another with integrity and respect, we strengthen our collective capacity to empower others.

Accountability, respect, and empowerment are integral to the Zonta Core Values and define the essence of the Zonta spirit: principled leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our mission to build a better world for women and girls.
 The acronym S.H.A.R.E. reflects the commitment to community cohesion and transparent governance.

Leadership in Zonta International operates through a democratic, multi-tiered structure designed to advance gender equality. Members can grow into leadership roles at the club, area, district, and international levels, emphasizing shared communication, mentoring, and service. ALL Zontians are encourged to learn more about the organization and take on leadership opportunities as they are able. Training and mentorship is available to help at every step. Start with checking out the INSPIRING LEADERS information below on this page. Contact members of your Club or District Board to learn more. 

 

Leadership Levels & Structure

• Club Level: Local club boards direct service projects, advocacy actions, and community fundraising.
• Area & District Level: Districts (32 worldwide) organize local clusters of clubs to execute regional administration and goals.
• International Level: Governed by an international board consisting of democratically elected officers and directors.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

• Advocacy & Service: Championing the legal, political, and economic status of women.
• Member Growth: Mentoring new and young professionals to build future organization leaders.
• Fiduciary Oversight: Managing democratic voting processes, transparency, and strategic alignment with global goals.

CSW 71 (2027)

The seventy-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York […]

CSW 70 (2026)

The 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) concluded in March 2026 with the adoption […]

Zonta Code of Conduct – Core Values

These Core Values and the Zonta Code of Conduct were introduced in 2026 after surveying member groups over a period of 4 […]

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District 1 Leadership

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.
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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.
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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.

District 1 Club President Resource Guide – List of resources for understanding the club president’s role, leading your club, and shaping a culture that stimulates growth and retention.

District 1 Annual Planning Calendar – Month-by-month highlights of important events and dates to use for planning meetings and programs for the Zonta year.

Aspiring Leaders

Whether you want to learn how to be an active Zontian member, committee chair, board member, president, or governor, or to just be more effective in your daily intereactions,  the best place to start is the PROCESS MAP FOR DEVELOPING CORE COMPETENCIES FOR ZONTA LEADERSHIP

2024 Core Competencies Matrix  This document takes you through specific pages of the Zonta Club Manual and short videos from the Leadership Development program, based on your desired area of growth. Simply choose your focus, then click on the links in that column to read or watch at your own pace.  When completed, share your experience with club members by completing this short Core Competency Review Sheet