Zonta Membership Assessment Tool

by admin · May 5, 2026

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.