Governance

District 1 Bylaws, Resolutions, Protocol Chair
Lydea Irwin, Zonta Club of Concord NH USA

Every biennium after the Zonta International Convention, ZI updates the Bylaws and Manuals to reflect changes made by delegate vote or for clarification. These documents are the tools that govern participation in Zonta.   Members are strongly encouraged to take the Zonta Leadership Program – Governance modules, for a better understanding of how we operate.

Each biennium, Clubs are responsible for updating the Club Bylaws to reflect changes from the International Convention. ZI provides a Bylaw Template to help with this task.  In addition, District and Club board members and elected and appointed committee members must sign a Conflict of Interest form.  Both of the documents are included below.

There are some changes coming from the 2026 Convention. See the voting results on Bylaws and Resolutions.

Resources and Links

Certificate of Liability  PDF
Certificate of Insurance for meetings and special events. “The general liability insurance policy protects Zonta International from claims that stem from bodily injury or property damage during a Zonta activity or event and is required for clubs and districts within the USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada.”

Conflict of Interest Form  PDF    Conflict of Interest Policy  PDF

Confidentiality Policy Form  PDF

2026 Zonta Club Manual PDF The Club Manual serves as a guideline for club officers and committee members and contains information related to basic club operations, resources, and reference materials. This manual incorporates the Marian De Forest Membership Manual as referenced in the Zonta International Bylaws.

2024 Governing Documents PDF  The Governing Documents include the following group of documents:
Zonta International Articles of Incorporation*, Zonta International Bylaws*, Rules of Procedure*, Glossary Listing of Dues and Fees*, Zonta Foundation for Women Articles of Incorporation, Zonta Foundation for Women Bylaws, Resolutions for the Biennium*, Biennial Goals*.
*Approved by the voting members. These documents are reviewed every biennium and a complete update is provided to the membership in even years.

2022 – 2024 Club Bylaws Template (DOC) 

2023 District Bylaws (PDF)

2023 Amended District 1 Rules of Procedures (Fall Conference Halifax) PDF  Districts are required to adopt rules of procedure to govern district administration. These rules must conform to Zonta International’s rules of procedure and bylaws, and must comply with applicable laws and regulations.

2026 Zonta District and District Conference Manual  PDF The District and District Conference Manual serves as a general guideline for district officers, committee chairmen and other Zontians involved in activities at the district level. The District Conference Manual has been combined into the District Manual so all information is conveniently located.

2022 Zonta Protocol Manual PDF  The Protocol Manual is now incorporated into other manuals. Its purpose was to present clear guidelines for Zontians who are responsible for the organization of Zonta activities at the club, area, district and international levels. It is designed to enable the organization of events which exemplify courtesy, consideration and recognition of status.