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May 2025 Leadership Update

Dear,

This past month, I had the privilege to attend the Asian and European interdistrict meetings/seminars, where the Zonta Spirit was alive and thriving. Being surrounded by so many passionate advocates reminded me once again of the power we hold when we come together—across borders, cultures and generations—to advance our mission of building a better world for women and girls.

 

It was at the European Interdistrict Seminar that I was able to join President-Elect Fernanda Gallo-Freschi in announcing that Zonta International’s 68th Convention will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 8–11 July 2028. I encourage you to read more and save the date, but first I hope to see you Vancouver, Canada, next year!

 

This is a time to stay united. Around the world, we are witnessing shifting political landscapes, economic uncertainty and rising threats to women’s rights. But through it all, Zonta remains a constant force for change. Please read our statement where we show how we will remain steadfast in our mission, guided by our values and supported by the strength of our members.

 

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Zonta Foundation for Women, I urge you to reflect on what Zonta has made possible over the past four decades—and what is still needed. Your continued donations are critical to sustaining our programs and reaching more women and girls with life-changing support. Now is the time to give boldly.

 

We understand that many of you have questions about how today’s volatile markets may affect the Foundation’s ability to grow and sustain our mission. Please read our latest update on stock market developmentsIt's essential to recognize that such fluctuations are a natural part of a market cycle, and the Foundation’s investment approach remains focused on long-term objectives. It is also important that we Zontians stay focused on our mission and continue to support it. By sending your donations in a timely way, we are able to optimize our investment approach and ensure we take advantage of any positive movements in the markets.

 

In these challenging times, our partnerships and global alliances have never been more vital. Learn why our international service projects (ISPs) and our partnerships are more important than ever and how they amplify our ability to drive sustainable change.

 

Let us continue to move forward together toward a sustainable future—with courage, compassion and Zonta Spirit.

Warm regards,

Salla Tuominen

President

Action Needed: Club business to address within the next month

Please be sure to review the following documents and complete them before the deadline:

  • Submit annual club officer form Your club officers are Zonta's point of contact for all club business. Please submit your annual club officer form for the 2025-2026 membership year by 31 May 2025.
  • Complete 2025-2026 dues payments before the 1 June deadline! Club presidents and treasurers are able to log in and update their club roster and pay 2025-2026 annual dues. Please make sure your club meets in time to collect dues and make payment by the 1 June 2025 deadline.
  • Club affiliation agreements Zonta International is requesting that every Zonta club sign an affiliation agreement. The document contains information that is not fully clarified during the charter process and serves as a license agreement for the club to operate under Zonta’s name. All club presidents will receive an email from headquarters with instructions to complete their affiliation agreement. Please email Executive Operations Coordinator Jaime Harris at [email protected] with any questions.

Don't Miss Out: 2025 Add Your Voice campaign

Did you know that your club could win a grant for your next recruitment event? Don't miss out! The deadline to submit your club's proposal is 31 May 2025. Any new members added now through 31 May 2025 will count toward your club's recognition. Please visit the Add Your Voice webpage to access the toolkit and see more information.

 

Need new ideas for attracting members? Check out this article from the Zonta Club of Rockhampton Inc, Australia, sharing recruitment tips to inspire your club.

 

Take a look at Zonta's Membership History for fun facts and milestones to share with

new members.

Foundation Donation Deadline

Please be sure to donate by 31 May 2025 to be included in the 2024-2025 Zonta Foundation for Women Annual Report. Visit Your Support on the Zonta International website to choose how you will give.

International Nominations are now open

We need leaders like you! Nominations for the 2026-2028 Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women Boards and International Nominating Committee (INC) are open and will continue until 31 July 2025. Visit My Zonta to learn more and submit your nominations.



Mark Your Calendar: Nominations Information Sessions on 30 May 2025

The 2024-2026 INC invites all Zontians who are interested in learning more about the nomination process for the 2026-2028 Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women Boards and INC to join them for an information session. This session is a great opportunity for potential nominees, nominators and district, area and club nominating chairs to learn more about the process and anonymously ask questions of the INC. Attendee names will be hidden in the Zoom webinar to ensure anonymity.

 

Join us Wednesday, 30 May 2025

 

Register for Session #1 - 10:00 a.m. CDT

Register for Session #2 - 3:00 p.m. CDT

New Opportunity: Zonta Excellence in Service and Advocacy Awards

Zonta districts and clubs will be invited to apply for the 2024-2026 Zonta Excellence in Service and Advocacy Awards. The Awards recognize outstanding service and advocacy projects undertaken by Zonta clubs or districts that benefit women and girls. Eligible projects can be in any one of the following three categories:

 

  1. Women and girls’ equal rights and access to legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional resources.
  2. Prevention of violence against women and girls.
  3. Climate justice

 

More information about the complete Award Guidelines and nomination forms will be coming soon.

Meet UNFPA - A Webinar for Zonta International Members

Learn more about the work that UNFPA does on a global level, how their system of funding is distributed to their projects and more specifically, how Zonta International's support of the project ClimateEmpower in Madagascar, Mozambique and South Sudan is reducing violence against women and girls and harmful practices and strengthening women and girls' roles as agents of change for climate resilience.

 

Join us 14 May 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CDT

 

Click here to register.

Zonta Advocacy Webseries: Spotlight on Zonta Says NO

Join the International Advocacy Committee and the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Working Group as they spotlight club advocacy and actions taken during the 16 Days of Activism. Be inspired while planning for your club's 16 Days of Activism efforts in 2025!

 

Join us 27 May 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CDT

 

Click here to register.

Click the button above to donate.

Email signature of the month

Show your Zonta Spirit by using this signature for Zonta-related emails.

 

1 April-31 May: How will you be part of the better world we are building for women and girls? Add Your Voice at www.zonta.org/join.

News and Events

 

Congratulations to our clubs celebrating anniversaries this month:

 

Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls, USA, District 2

100th anniversary



Zonta Club of Cincinnati, USA, District 5

Zonta Club of Stockholm I, Sweden, District 21

90th anniversary

 

We applaud your efforts in advocating for the women and girls in your community and beyond. To see which other clubs are celebrating a milestone anniversary, visit Zonta News.

Shoutout to the Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon, Canada, for sponsoring a Z club mini-conference themed "The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Girls," which brought together student leaders from six Z clubs for a day of education, advocacy and celebration.



Thank you to all the clubs who have shared their stories! To see which other clubs made a world of difference last month, visit our Instagram page.

Stock Market and Implications to Zonta Foundation for Women Amid global market volatility, we understand there may be concerns about the Zonta Foundation for Women’s investment portfolio and the impact on donations. Our portfolios are broadly diversified, positioned with less risk than their benchmarks and are performing in line with or better than global indices. Guided by our Investment Policy Statement, we monitor the situation daily and trust Capital Strategies Investment Group LLC to actively manage risk and pursue long-term opportunities to support Zonta’s mission. Click here to read the full update.

 

Save the Date for the Share Your Story Festival Thank you for sending in your club's local service and advocacy actions. The Share Your Story Festival will take place on 26 August.

Meet April's Remarkable Woman!

Felicity McRobb is the founder of McRobb Consulting, a leadership development and executive coaching firm based in Hong Kong. Originally from Wales, she brings decades of global experience across Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. A master coach and advocate for women's leadership, she was honored with the Champion for the Advancement of Women Award by the American Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she served as a partner at Insigniam, where she opened the Hong Kong office.

 

Listen to Felicity's episode on the go

Youtube | Spotify | Bio

Important Dates

Bookmark our events page to know when important dates and events are coming up.

This Leadership Update has been distributed to club presidents and treasurers with a copy to

the district board members, foundation ambassadors, international committees,

Past International Presidents and the Zonta International Board.