As we approach the final few months of this biennium, the District 1 Governor and Board want to thank each one of you for your contributions big and small to our success as a small but mighty presence in the Zonta world. You are seen and appreciated!

Please make every effort to make a splash in March for International Women's Month. Submit a Share Your Story message for special events!

Get ready for Brisbane, Australia - Early Bird registration for the 2024 Zonta International Convention is here!

Great adventures await those who will attend in person! 

If you are unable to travel to this special event, please consider virtual registration - maybe team with other Zontians for a watch party! 

The Opening Ceremony and all business sessions over three days are available - check out the schedule

Clubs can expect to get more information on business decisions for voting and delegate information by April - but please register early to get the discount!

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) is 15–16 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). The exact difference depends on the time of year and which time zones are used. For example, the Friday 6/28 8:30 am opening ceremony in Brisbane will be Thursday late afternoon online in New England and Nova Scotia.

Time Converter

CSW68: 11-22 MARCH 2024

The Commission on the Status of Women is the largest annual gathering on women’s rights worldwide, and is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Hundreds of sessions take place around the UN in New York City, it is a hybrid event and REGISTRATION IS FREE.

Click on the Advocacy toolkit picture to open a PDF that will give you a great overview of CSW.

All are invited to a CSW Orientation session with the Zonta International and the United Nations Committees on Saturday, 24 February, at 8:00 a.m. Chicago time. Register for the session at this ZOOM REGISTRATION LINK.

As the CSW closes, join Zonta International to discuss events of the two-week sessions, what you saw and heard, and where Zonta can play a role post-CSW. The discussion will be held Friday, 22 March, at 8:00 a.m. Chicago time. Register to join the discussion at this ZOOM REGISTRATION LINK.   

CSW is a great way to learn about how women and girls are impacted by current events and how we are doing in achieving the 17 Sustainable Goals by 2030.  

Foundation Ambassador Update

As a reminder of the wonderful things our donations can accomplish, please check out this article, which appeared in Forbes: Zonta Partnership with UNICEF USA Here is a link to the article.

Also, check out the bios of 2023 scholarship winners on the ZI member site! Thank you to all the clubs who participated in these programs. Consider inviting a scholar to speak at a district or club event.

As of December 31, 2023 donations to the Zonta Foundation for Women supporting international service projects, educational programs, and endowment funds totaled $3,440,635 for the 2022-2024 biennium! That is 75.24% of the biennium goal. 

For District 1,

• Total donations from seven of our eleven clubs total 423,443. Great work! Thank you to our amazing clubs!
• Five of our members and 1 club have made donations to the endowment funds for a total of $1,537.
• Individual donations so far total $9,655, from 36 of our 193 members. 

Our district ranks 28th out of 31 districts in donations from individuals. I know we can do better, especially when I look at the average donation per member ($179) compared to districts with many more members. Thank you to all who have donated to date. Let’s all remember the important work of the Foundation. Can we reach the goal of 100% of our members donating? I think we can. I know how much our District 1 Zontians care about the work the Foundation does. 

If you have any questions about the work of the Zonta Foundation for Women, please feel free to contact Ambassador Donna Clifford at clifford.d22@gmail.com. To make your donation, click the button below. 

Thank you all for your efforts to improve the lives of women and girls around the world.

Banner Year for Membership!

Lt. Gov. Donna Raycraft, Membership Chair

This has been a banner year for District 1 membership. As most of you will recall, two years ago we had to decide whether to be absorbed by another district or to work very hard to increase our membership, which had been steadily decreasing in recent years, both in terms of clubs that closed and diminishing numbers in existing clubs. We took a vote, and the decision was evenly split. We could have gone either way. The easy way would have been to be absorbed by another district, and probably not one of our choice.

But we are District 1. We couldn’t take the easy way out. Your District Board has been working hard, and we now have a brand-new club in Rhode Island, thanks to Past Governor Nadine Salley who formed a club in her new South County community. We have three clubs in formation. One will be in the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, being started by Tonya Ozone who left a club in Hawaii to move to Vermont. If one can’t take their club with them when they move, they start a new club! Also in formation is the Greater Hartford, Connecticut club, headed by Heather Oatis who expects to have her 15 before the end of the fiscal year. And a third is our E-club the Northeast Atlantic which has several members already and from all over: New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Maine. It won’t be long before we have the fifteen members to charter it.

All club Membership Chairs are invited to monthly meetings to talk about successes and challenges and to swap ideas that have been working. We now have 191 members in District 1. We have a way to go to become a really healthy district, but all of our clubs are working hard to increase and retain their membership. 

When this biennium closes, if we all work hard and implement campaigns such as “each one bring one” to meetings, increase visibility in our community, work towards adding Young Professionals, and work hard to retain our existing members, we will be even stronger. Congratulations to us.

P.S. February is a great month for clubs to show appreciation to each member. Expressing gratitude is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver. We often undervalue the impact expressing our appreciation has and, as a result, don’t do it enough. Member appreciation efforts are crucial to your overall membership retention strategy. TIPS

Education Awards

District 1 was proud to learn that the 2024 Amelia Earhart Fellowship was again awarded to an MIT graduate student. Chloe Gentgen is from France and is pursuing studies in Astronautical Aeronautics. She was presented with her “Wings“ and certificate by Club AE Co-Chair Theresa DiPietro and District Secretary Mary Knight, standing in for Governor Donna Sroka, at a special ceremony hosted by the Chellsea Club, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Logan Airport on January 18th. Thanks to Joan Lanzillo Hahesy and Janice Tartaka for coordinating this event.

The Amelia Earhart $10,000 Fellowship is awarded by Zonta International each year, to “women pursuing full-time PhD/doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences.” Applications are submitted directly to Zonta International and are evaluated per stated criteria. The 2025 AE Fellowship applications will be open July 2024, and must be submitted by November 15, 2024.

District 1 was thrilled to hear that Lily Chen, also a student at MIT, was among those selected to receive the 2024, Zonta International Women in STEM Scholarship. Lily’s application was submitted by the Zonta Club of Berkshire County. It was selected by the District 1 Committee to be forwarded to Zonta International, where she was chosen to win the International award. Congratulations to Lily Chen and kudos to the Berkshire Club for submitting the application to the District. My special thanks to all the clubs that participated, and to the District 1 STEM scholarship Committee, for accepting the challenging task of making a selection from the many capable applicants.

Submitted by Jane House, District 1 Chair, Amelia Earhart Fellowship and Women in STEM Committee

District 1 winner for the YWPA 2023 award at the ZI level was Morgan Casey from Concord, NH. Her application was submitted by the Zonta Club of Concord. 

REMINDER: 2024 Club-winning applications are to be sent to the District I YWPA Chair no later than April 1, 2024 for evaluation by the District I Scholarship Committee.

The purpose of this award is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing their early commitments to volunteerism, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of the status of women. Each club is encouraged to solicit applications from young women aged 16-19, even if no cash award is offered at the club level. Clubs then forward their winners on to Lorraine Bartlett, District YWPA Chair - and a District YWPA winner is selected and forwarded to the Foundation for Women to compete for a $5000 International Award. 

District 1 winner for the JMK 2023 award at the ZI level was Natalie Rais, of UMass Amherst. Her application was submitted by the Zonta Club of Medford.

REMINDER: 2024 Club-winning applications are to be sent to the District 1 JMK Chair no later than August 15th for evaluation by the District 1 Scholarship Committee.

This award is intended for women in at least the second year of an undergraduate program leading to a business degree in a major field of specialization. Winners of the award have demonstrated outstanding potential in their field.

Each club is encouraged to solicit applications for the award, even if no cash award is offered at the club level. Clubs then forward their winners on to Lorraine Bartlett, District JMK Chair - and a District JMK winner is selected and forwarded to the Foundation for Women to compete for a $5000 International Award. 

Canada Caucus Report Carol Dobson District 1 Advocacy Chair - Canada

The last meeting of the Canada Caucus was held on January 19, 2024. The design and content of the website was the main topic of the meeting.

In Canada, February 22 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day and the Canada Caucus Committee on Human Trafficking is creating strategies to share with our clubs and like-minded organizations to create awareness of this serious issue on that day.

Zonta USA Caucus Advocacy ~January 2024

Verna Frasca, District 1 Advocacy Chair - USA

The USA Caucus is a place for clubs and districts in the USA to align on key issues and provides a platform for coordinated advocacy actions within the USA. Below is a brief update on current activity.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) 

All members are asked to act on SIGN-4-ERA Petition, calling on Congress to recognize the fact that the Equal Rights Amendment has already been ratified by the necessary 38 states. Please sign and forward the link to family, friends, coworkers, etc. For more information on the ERA, check out the ERA Toolkit.

Ending Child Marriage 

In October 2023, Unchained at Last co-wrote a joint submission for the UN Human Rights Commitee’s periodic review of adherence by the US to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The submission addressed several failings by the US related to the welfare of women. The work continues in several states, including New Hampshire, where the Concord NH club is actively involved.  

Climate Change 

Still wondering what climate change has to do with women’s welfare? Read this CNN Report on How the Climate Crisis Fuels Gender Inequality, which highlights most of the issues Zonta addresses. You are also encouraged to check out a 17-minute video created by Carole Theobald, leader of the Zonta Says NOW Working Group. Did you know that YOU can attend the ongoing Intercontinental Think Tank meetings on climate-related issues? The next Think Tank is on Being Financially Prepared for Climate Emergencies 2/11/24 3 pm CST. Register here.

UN CSW The 2024 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) will take place March 11-22 in New York City as well as virtually. The priority theme for CSW is accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. Zonta Says NOW will present a program at CSW on March 15th @8am EST on a simple and practical approach to address gender equality and climate action.  

Ending Violence Against Women (VAW)

Many initiatives continue, including issuing statements regarding the impact of the current violence in the Middle East on women and children; advocacy to get the Human Trafficking Act (S.3124) ensuring legal representation for survivors passed by the House of Representatives; and keeping issues around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the limelight. 

Women's Health 

Initiatives include expanding coverage under Medicare for women undergoing mastectomies and advocating for the eradication of period poverty. 

Fast Action Fridays: Take action for women and girls with the Zonta USA Caucus.

Text ZONTA to 50457 to get our advocacy alerts via text message and be one of the first to find out when there is a new opportunity. Follow the instructions you receive to complete registration.

ZC of Concord NH

 The Zonta Club of Concord welcomes new members Lydea Irwin, Sue Gagan, and Tonya Ozone. Tonya comes to us by way of Hawaii and intends to gather 15 members to start a new Club in Vermont. 

We are also highly involved with recent legislation that would raise the age of marriage to 18.

ZC of Malden

The Zonta Club of Malden honors exceptional women and organizations during International Women’s Month. This year is our 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala for Women Making a Difference, Please consider joining the celebration and help us promote it. Donations and Sponsorships for the program are also appreciated.

ZC of Berkshire County

We are hosting a community recognition dinner on International Women's Day Friday, March 8th @ 5:30 p.m. at the Berkshire Hills Country Club to honor the achievements of women in Berkshire County. Please nominate @ www.ZontaBerkshire.org any remarkable women you believe deserve recognition for building a better world for women and girls!

Last year, honorees included Janis Broderick, the executive director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center; Shirley Edgerton, founder/director of Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program; state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield; Sarah Gillooly, the program director for Girls Inc.; and Kristen van Ginhoven, the founder and artistic director of WAM Theatre.

The deadline for nominations is February 1st. We hope to see you there too!

ZC of Quaboag Valley

In honor of Amelia Earhart month, we were delighted to hear from Grace Gerhardt, an Aerospace Engineer graduate who works as a manager at Pratt & Whitney in a mostly male-dominated department. Like Amelia, Grace has learned to overcome adversity and show a tenacious spirit. Video link

On February 12th, at the Ludlow Country Club, Andrea Bordenca, founder and community engagement organizer of Lead Yourself Youth, will facilitate a panel discussion on foster children who are falling through the cracks and why we should care. Visit zontaqv.org/foster to view some of the many opportunities for volunteer support for these youth. We will also collect some dignity for this population and for survivors of abuse and homelessness: feminine and hygiene items and products for African-American hair types.

March 11th at the Ludlow Country Club we celebrate Women Making a Difference in honor of International Women’s Day.

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The Greater Hartford CT club now forming is being led by Heather Oatis. The group was actively engaged in promoting the 16 Das of Advocacy /Zonta Says No on social media and is forming relationships with like-minded organizations in their area. Meetings are on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Details on the Facebook page or email zonta.hartford@gmail.com

ZC of South County RI

On December 12, 2023, the members of the newly formed Zonta Club of South County RI held their official chartering ceremony at LeBlanc Place, South Shore Village in South Kingstown, RI. This was an historic moment for the Club, the District, and ZI, as this was the first ever Zonta Club to be established in the state of RI. In attendance for the ceremony were District Governor Donna Sroka, and District Secretary Mary Knight from the Sponsoring Club, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. Also in attendance via Zoom were ZI Vice President Fernanda Gallo-Freschi , ZI Membership Chair Theresa Harris, and District Lt. Governor Donna Raycraft. Mary Knight inducted the new members of the Club and Donna Sroka installed the officers and members of the Board. Nadine Salley past District Governor and President of the new Club addressed everyone there. A reception followed. Articles about the ceremony and creation of the club were published in local newspapers. 

In January a first service project was done for the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County in South Kingstown. The members of the Club responded to a request for paper goods; paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues for its shelter, donated and delivered them. The donation consisted of 111 rolls of toilet tissue, 18 boxes of tissues, 65 rolls of paper towels, and three packages of napkins. The club is starting a relationship with this organization after having had the Director of Development and Communications as our first guest speaker at our first meeting held in September.