Zonta District 1 September 2025 #Shorts


Dear District 1 Zontians and Friends


Fall has gotten here very fast, but it always does. Summer is a very short season, the several heat waves we had notwithstanding. As uncomfortable as they were, they made me think a little more about global warming and Zonta Says Now. And here we are, ready to enter Fall. 


For the past year I have been thinking about Fall 2025 because of Fall Conference in our district. I always look forward to the D1 conference, but this one would be while I’m governor, and I wanted it to be way above average. Thanks to the leadership of our conference chair, Tonya Ozone, and the rest of the committee, I think that’s just what it’s going to be. If you haven’t already, please register. I can’t wait to see so many of us under one roof, learning and sharing and having fun. Individual clubs have accepted responsibility for so many parts of the plan, which always makes it even more special.


I hope your club is thinking about the advocacy you have planned for your members this year. Advocacy is what creates a great deal of energy for a successful club. It’s not too early to be thinking about what your club is going to do for advocacy for the 16 Days of Activism, November 25 - December 10. The USA and Canadian Caucuses are getting ready to send us lots of opportunities to advocate in ways that will make a better world for women and girls. They would love it if you would attend a Caucus meeting…you don’t have to be a delegate or alternate delegate to attend.


These are challenging times to be a woman, to be a Zontian, to be a citizen of the world. The advantage of being a Zontian is that we can join hands to multiply our efforts and to say that we have made a difference.


As always, I thank you for allowing me the great opportunity of being your governor.

In the Zonta spirit,

Donna Raycraft



Zonta International District 1 Conference

Boston, Massachusetts ~ October 24 – 26 2025

We hope you are excited about the upcoming Fall Conference!. Visit the Conference Website (zontadistrict1.org/fall-conference-2025) to review the following:

  • Invitation from Governor Donna Raycraft
  • The draft Schedule of Activities for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
  • Business Voting information and form for submitting the club's delegate credentials
  • Action Items to discuss at the September meeting and submit by 10/1
  • An overview of Speakers and Interactive Workshops planned
  • Registration form and link for the hotel
  • Anticipated questions and some answers.


Zonta International's Core Values and Code of Conduct

As clubs begin gathering this month after the summer break, it is a good time to review our Code of Conduct and newly approved Core Values — the guiding principles that shape who we are, what we stand for, and how we work together to build a better world for women and girls. These foundational resources were developed as part of our strategic vision: Zonta, Gender Equity, and a Vision for 2030 & Beyond. and the 2024-2026 Biennial Goals, which are essential to building a sustainable, resilient, and values-driven organization.


The Code of Conduct represents the culture we strive to have in our organization.

It applies to all members and staff and is to be used in determining what is right and proper in our actions and behaviors.


The code includes our mission as a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls and our vision for a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights, and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence. 


The code outlines expectations of our personal behavior and club behavior, providing us with a shared understanding of the way we expect our members to behave as individuals, towards each other, our partners, funding/award recipients and supporters.


Finally, the code explains the Core Values (outlined below) that reflect our collective identity and commitment as Zontians across the globe


The full text of the Code can be found on the Zonta International website under Policies and Guidelines.


President Salla Tuominen has challenged us to:

  • Reflect on how these Values show up in your club activities and interactions.
  • Start a discussion at your next meeting about how to strengthen these Values in your local projects.
  • Recognize and celebrate fellow members who embody these Values in their service.
  • Share stories and examples of living Zonta’s Values—big or small—with your club and community.

Together, we can create a culture where these Values are not only expressed—but deeply lived. Let us lead by example and continue to be a force for positive change.





Upcoming Events

4 September 2025 @ 6am or 12pm EST  

ZONTA & UNICEF – learn about Laaha: A safe space for women and girls.

~~

9 September 2025 @ 1pm EST

How is Artificial Intelligence impacting Gender Equality – causes and consequences

~~

14 September 2025 @ 2pm EST

Zonta Says NOW Intercontinental Think Tank – Plastic Pollution and what we can do about it   ZSN newsbrief 

~~

18 September 2025 @ 10am or 7pm EST 

New Member webinar – great overview from Zonta International leaders

~~

24 September 25 @ 3pm EST Planned Giving webinar hosted by the Zonta Foundation for Women in partnership with the CAP STRAT Women’s Forum. 

~

 

11 October 2025

International Day of the Girl Child

~~

20 October 2025 @ 6pm District 1 Zoom Meeting Meet the Candidates for 2026-2028 Biennium, Q&A on items for Delegate Voting Online voting ends 23 October.

~~

24 – 26 October 2025

ZONTA DISTRICT 1 CONFERENCE at the Embassy Suites Boston International Airport  CALL TO CONFERENCE INVITATION


 ~~

25 November – 10 December 2025

16 Days of Activism & Zonta Says No!