District 1 Spring Retreat in Wells ME on May 2nd included representatives from all of our U.S. clubs. Key takeaways:

• Team building is our core mechanism for building a collaborative culture that attracts, retains, and grows our members and leaders. What we learned from Charlie Brown.
• District 1 is a leader when it comes to supporting the Zonta Foundation for Women. 
  We are wrapping up this biennium on a positive note, despite systemic inequities that continue to create hurdles to gender equity.
• Have you asked individual members what they want more or less of, lately? You might consider a Zonta Membership Self- Assessment.
• Did you know women and men are not equals? Here is an action YOU can take to help change that truth.
• The Domestic Violence Coalition in your state has all the resources you need if Club members want to take action on this topic. Make that connection today.

Dear District 1 Zontians,


I write this with one month left as your Governor and I’m filled with gratitude and pride. Serving you has been an honor — a journey that widened my circle, deepened my pride, and allowed me to carry the spirit of District 1 from Brisbane to countless international and North American virtual tables. Every time I spoke for us, I felt the strength of our small-but-mighty district at my back.

Not all my personal goals were met, but meaningful work rarely fits neatly into a biennium, and I believe that if all one’s goals are met, one has not set enough goals. On the months when life pulled me away, your District Board rose like a steady tide, carrying the work forward without hesitation. I am profoundly grateful for their leadership.

Our Spring Retreat in Wells was a perfect example of who we are. The beach may have been gray, but inside we were bright — sharing ideas, laughing through Charlie Brown games, exploring the impact of our Foundation dollars, and “storming with our brains” to imagine bold new advocacy. And then, the unexpected pinning ceremony — a moment that moved me to tears and reminded me why this district matters so deeply.

What brings me joy now is passing the gavel to Lynn Currier. Her clarity, compassion, and leadership will guide us into a biennium full of possibility. In a world weathering storms, Zonta values remain our compass. We will not let progress slip away. We will not allow women’s rights to erode. Not now. Not ever.

We are District 1 — small in number, mighty in purpose, unshakeable in our resolve. We are Zonta Strong.

Donna Raycraft

Governor, District 1

P.S. Check out our suggested Guide for assessing service accomplishments, identifying advocacy priorities and setting actionable goals for the upcoming biennum.

Membership Toolkit - This year's Add Your Voice Campaign runs through May 31st. New members added or joining in now will receive membership through the end of the upcoming membership year. The toolkit is filled with valuable information and visuals to help spread the word."

Presidents and Treasurers - Important May Tasks

We start a new year/biennium as of June 1st and it is your responsibility to get us off to a good start.

Please click on the green button on the left to review:

• Club Officer Form
• Club Membership Dues
• How to pay International Dues
• How to pay District Dues

Treasurer Janice Severance is available to consult on any questions. Interested in learning more about the District Treasurer role? Please contact Janice; she is ready to mentor someone for the role.

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11-14 July 2026 Join us in Vancouver for the 67th Zonta International Convention. 
We would love to see you in person, but there is also a virtual registration available. Check out the details on the informative booklet below!

Your skills could keep Zonta strong! District 1 urgently needs a volunteer Treasurer to help steward our mission and manage finances. Without one, we’ll need to hire a paid bookkeeper — which means increased dues for all members.

What you’ll do:

·       Keep accurate financial records

·       Prepare clear reports for the Board

·       Manage budgets & payments

·       Help plan for Zonta’s future

Time: Only a few hours a month, with participation in board zoom meetings.

Skills: Comfort with numbers

Mentors are available on an ongoing basis to help with the specific requirements of the job.

Your leadership today helps ensure Zonta’s strength tomorrow.

Contact info@ZontaDistrict1.org to learn more.