What is Zonta?

Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

There are over 30,000 members in more than 1,200 clubs in 66 countries.

What are the Objects of Zonta?

Improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy.

Work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions

Promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

Be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, implement service programs, and provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the universe.

What are the Origins of Zonta?

The first Zonta club was formed in Buffalo, New York in 1919, by journalist and playwright Marian de Forest.

Five women conceived of the formation of a new service club, made up of business and professional women, where they decided to “take for their specific aim educational and constructive work for girls and young women”. Ever since then Zonta clubs have been chartered all over the world.

‘Zonta’ is a derivative of the North American Sioux Indian word meaning ‘honest and trustworthy’ and the Zonta emblem is a composite of a number of Souix Indian symbols.

Visit the Zonta International website for a detailed History of Zonta International

What do Zontians do?

 
Zontians volunteer their time, talents and energy to local, district and international service projects that advance the status of women and meet Zonta’s Objects.

Zontians attend monthly Club, Board and Committee meetings, depending on their degree of involvement. (See Our Club for details)

The time commitment to Zonta will vary from member to member, depending on whether they hold leadership positions and/or become involved in the activities outside of their club, at Area, District and International levels.

Clubs decide on their own service projects at a local level.

At an international level, the programs are developed and overseen by subcommittees of the Status of Women Service Committee, which reports to the Zonta International Board. International service projects are voted upon and approved by clubs at the biennial Zonta International Convention.

Visit the Zonta International website for more information on Zonta.

Membership Opportunities

Membership offers you the opportunity to:

Belong to a vibrant service organisation committed to advancing the status of women worldwide.

Develop personal skills and undertake leadership roles in a supportive environment.

Cultivate friendships and networks with a diverse group of professionals at home and abroad.

Give back to your community in a constructive and fun way.   

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month for dinner or supper and WELCOME guests and interested new members at any time (more details within Our Club).

How is Zonta Structured?

Individuals, called Zontians, are members of a Zonta club.

Zonta clubs are members of Zonta International, which is divided into 32 geographical districts around the world for ease of administration. Clubs in specific areas belong to a District.

Zonta Club Bendigo is a part of District 23, Area 4.

At Club, District and International level, democratically elected boards lead the organisation and provide direction for the future and decisions are made at monthly club meetings.

District Conferences are held in the odd years and the 2019 District 23 Conference was held in Brisbane, Queensland. Our New Zealand sisters also joined in this special combined District event.

International Conventions are held in the even years and the last Convention was held in Hamburg, Germany mid 2022