A message from Governor Donna Raycraft | | |
Dear District 1 Fellow Zontians & Friends:
We are living in difficult times. We are members of an international organization whose mission is to build a better world for women and girls, but we are witnessing the erosion of women's rights before our eyes.
I recently read a question that jolted me. It asked, “What kind of ancestor do you want to be?” What do I want my great, great, great-grandchildren to know about me or to find out on Ancestry.com? I’m still answering that question, but I do know that I want them to know that I was still trying to make a better world for women and girls in 2025, following in the footsteps of my Zonta ancestor, Marian de Forest, who helped found the first Zonta club in Buffalo, NY, in 1919. U.S. women did not have the right to vote then, although Canadian women were ahead of us. Alice Paul was already mounting the charge that led to the right for my grandmother to vote. As my answer to what kind of ancestor I want to be continues to unfold, I know that 2025 will be part of it.
As Zontians, we are called to be political regarding issues that affect women and girls. We need to fight fiercely for legislation that empowers women and fight equally hard against legislation that doesn’t. There are plenty of bills in all our state and provincial arenas right now that demand our attention. In today's digital age, advocacy has become more accessible and impactful. Social media platforms, online petitions, and digital campaigns allow us to reach broader audiences, mobilize supporters, and influence decision-makers. As Zontians, we can leverage these tools to amplify our voices and advocate for women's and girls' rights that support the four pillars of Zonta service and advocacy (below). By staying informed - with the help of our Canadian and USA Advocacy Caucuses, sharing our message, and engaging in online activism, we can drive change and make a tangible difference in our communities and beyond. As Zontians, we can’t support or speak against any political party or any candidate (although what we do as individuals is up to us). But we can and must keep a close eye on what gets proposed.
The fight for women's and girls' rights is as crucial today as it has ever been. (See Statements ZI has published below under CSW 69.) Despite the challenges we face, we must remain vigilant and committed to our mission. As Zontians, we have a responsibility to advocate for justice, equality, and empowerment. By staying informed, taking action, and supporting one another, we can build a better world for future generations. Let us continue to honor the legacy of our predecessors and strive to be the ancestors our great, great, great-grandchildren will be proud of. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the rights of women and girls are upheld and protected.
I have never been more proud to be your District 1 Governor.
Donna Raycraft
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Eliminating Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue affecting women and girls worldwide. It takes various forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and significantly impacts their well-being, safety, and opportunities. As advocates, we must raise awareness, support survivors, and lobby for policies that combat gender-based violence. This includes pressing for stronger legal protections, better support services, and educational programs that challenge harmful gender norms.
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Eliminating Child Marriage
Child marriage is a human rights violation that disproportionately affects girls, limiting their education and opportunities and exposing them to health risks. In Maine, efforts to eliminate child marriage must be intensified, with advocacy centered on raising the legal marriage age and ensuring that loopholes that allow child marriage are closed. By working together, we can drive legislative change that protects children and promotes their rights to education and self-determination.
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Climate Justice
Climate change disproportionately impacts women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable communities. They often bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters and are more likely to be affected by resource scarcity and displacement. Advocating for climate justice involves pushing for sustainable policies, supporting grassroots movements, and ensuring that women's voices are at the forefront of climate action. We must recognize the intersectionality of climate justice and gender equality and strive for solutions that address both.
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Education for Women and Girls
Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for empowering women and girls. Access to quality education opens doors to opportunities, reduces inequalities, and drives social and economic development. Advocacy efforts must focus on removing barriers to education, such as poverty, discrimination, and violence, and promoting policies that ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By supporting educational initiatives and programs, we can help build a future where every girl has the chance to succeed.
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On March 26th Governor Donna had the opportunity to attend a webinar that described what the Council of Europe does and Zonta's connection to it. She notes: "I just always thought of the Council as being like the UN only specific to Europe, but that is not the case. I found the presentation very insightful and think that many of you will as well! I am pleased to share the PowerPoint Presentation and Recording of the event."
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At the 1984 Zonta International Convention in Sydney, Australia, our members voted to establish Zonta's own foundation. Officially incorporated in January 1985, the Zonta International Foundation (now the Zonta Foundation for Women) was created to carry out the charitable service of Zonta International, raising and overseeing the funds used to support and promote the global service and education programs of the organization.
Since then, more than 90 international service projects and education programs, focusing on building a better world for women and girls, have been supported through the generosity of donors. The Zonta Foundation for Women has been on the front lines, supporting critical work and programs to promote and protect women’s and girls' rights across educational institutions, workplaces, and local communities around the globe. But there is still work to be done.
Upon our 40th anniversary, we ask you to consider what Zonta means to you and make a special gift in honor of all we have accomplished and all we still need to do. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we can continue making a profound difference in the lives of women and girls worldwide for the years to come.
Link
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke these words during his opening remarks at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York City this past week. He reminded us that the world is facing significant challenges, and gender equality must be at the forefront of our efforts.
More than 150 Zontians met in person and online at CSW69 in New York City. It is one thing to know about the topics that impact women, but another to be fully informed and educated on how to act upon them. This is why CSW is so important. We must take part in the global conversation and share what we learn so that we move ahead with global standards. As Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women said: “Rising to the challenges and opportunities of gender equality requires collective, decisive action across Member States, now more than ever. At a time when hard-fought gains for gender equality are under attack the global community has come together in a show of unity for all women and girls, everywhere.”
Zonta was founded by the unwavering grit and courage of advocates who envisioned a world where women's rights are human rights, and every woman and girl deserves the opportunity to fulfill her potential. This dream remains alive today. While global current events may have dimmed that reality, Zonta's fight, our fight, is not over. We remain steadfast in our mission to build a better world for women and girls and call for the reaffirmed commitment to the SDGs.
Please read these recent statements on our website and share them.
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Zonta International calls for reaffirmed commitment to the SDGs | PDF
(Statement by Zonta International addressing United States' withdrawal from its commitment to the SDGs and emphasizing gender equality as a fundamental human right and catalyst for sustainable development, March 2025)
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Zonta International partnerships more important than ever | PDF
(Statement by Zonta International addressing current status of international service projects for 2024-2026 Biennium, March 2025)
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Zonta International remains steadfast in mission to build a better world | PDF (Statement by Zonta International addressing rollback of women's rights globally, February 2025)
If we continue to dare to dream and speak out against the systematic injustices faced by women, girls, and other disenfranchised groups, we can truly build a better world for all.
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Zonta's Education Programs
Jane House - District Chair of Amelia Earhart Fellowship & Women in Stem Award Lorraine Bartlett - District Chair of Young Women in Leadership & Women in Business Leadership Awards
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NEW: 2025 Women in Business Leadership Award (Formerly Jame M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship) This award celebrates excellence and recognizes outstanding achievements by women between 18-35 years of age who are driving innovation and creating an impact in the business world. This prestigious award honors exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical conduct and significant contributions while addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice.
Lorraine Barlett notes: "It is imperative that Club President and Education Committee members carefully read and review the forms for this award. Eligibility requirements and guidelines have significantly changed." Lorraine has outlined the most significant changes on the District page for this award and expects training will be available in the Spring.
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NEW: 2026 Women in STEM Award
This award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women between 18-35 years of age in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and acknowledges their groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a STEM field. By recognizing and supporting these exceptional women, Zonta aims to inspire future generations and foster inclusivity and diversity in the world of STEM
Club President and Education Committee members are advised to carefully read and review the forms for this award. Eligibility requirements and guidelines have significantly changed.
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The District 1 website has more information and links to download the application, procedure and necessary documentation for interested applicants. See Member Resources and click on the specific Scholarship/Award.
| | International Women's Day and Rose Day | | |
Zonta District 1 did a great job getting recognition during this year's Interntional Women's Day. We are adding pictures and write ups for each club at https://zontadistrict1.org/news-events/
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Berkshire County Club - March 7th - International Women's Day Celebration Dinner
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Northampton Area Club - March 9th - celebrating 90th anniversary and honoring women past and present.
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Quaboag Valley Club - March 10th - Women Making a Difference
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Malden Club - March 27th - 26th Anniversary of Women Making a Difference, honoring women and organizations that fight for the health and safety of women and children in their community.
Please let us know if we missed your event!!
| | Upcoming Events Worth Checking Out | | |
This Earth Day, on 22 April, clubs around the world are taking strides to address gender equity within climate justice.
This year’s plans include:
- Learning how you can partner with local sustainable groups and businesses.
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Taking action to ensure your community addresses gender needs within their disaster-ready plans.
- Leading the conversation on how Earth Day is about gender equality.
- Continuing to support the Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action campaign.
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North American InterDistrict Meeting - 6/20 - 22
NAIDM is held biannually in the odd year and offers an opportunity for Zontians in the USA and CA and the International Board to network, attend educational workshops, hear inspirational keynote speakers on key topics, and have fun!
The 2025 event in Novi, Michigan includes a lot to do and see. Registration is open. Click on the picture to the right to visit the NAIDM website https://www.zontanaidm.org/ for all the details.
Text Link
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ZontaDistrict1.org/news-events
Please send the District Webmaster a short write-up of upcoming events, news about a program, service or advocacy initiative your club is working on, a member who is doing something special that should be recognized, etc. We will share the news and events on the District website for all members and allies to view and share.
| | What would you like to see included in the monthly District 1 #Shorts? Send comments/suggestions to info@zontadistrict1.org | | | | |
