Many thanks to my Membership Committee (ADs) and individual clubs who helped to distribute and who responded to the recent Health of Clubs (Traffic Lights) survey. In the light of falling club numbers, Zonta International requested that districts provide them with a ‘traffic light’ assessment of the number of ‘red’ clubs, to give them an insight for future planning. Our ‘pilot’ questionnaire was used in Districts 16, 22, 23, 24. In it we investigated not only club health, but also club and member engagement. I was pleased to receive responses relating to 34/37 clubs in D23.

Membership is always an issue. Without members, Zonta can achieve nothing. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to increase membership, but Zonta International has useful tools on the website. Log in to ‘My Zonta’ go to ‘Tools’, ‘Membership Tools’, ‘Membership Recruitment’. Of particular interest is ‘Ideas to retain and recruit members". Zonta International will run the ‘Add Your Voice’ Campaign again next year, so start planning recruitment strategies now. 

Another issue highlighted by many clubs was difficulty in finding members to stand for leadership positions i.e., board positions, committee chairs. Again, the ZI website can help: Log in to ‘My Zonta’ go to ‘Tools’, ‘Leadership Development Tools’, Zonta Leadership Program’. Please explore the modules of interest under this tab. The program can demystify a lot of concerns.

Clubs have shown varying levels of engagement at Area, District and International levels. This is an individual club decision – don’t bite off more than you can chew. It is understood that clubs in small towns or remote areas will generally be smaller, and that may limit the range of things they can be involved in – and that’s OK! 

Don’t forget! If you know someone who may be interested in joining an e-club, please contact your Area Director or Kay Stewart   kay.stewart@monash.edu

                  

Momentum is growing in the world of climate action.  In the last couple of months, we have had the G20 meeting in Rome, closely followed by COP 26 (on climate change) in Glasgow and COP 15 (on biodiversity) in China.  See the latest Zonta Says NOW News for a run-down on what happened and why these events are critical for gender equality.
 
We are also in the midst of the 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence.  A new report from the Equality Institute points out that unless we end violence against women and girls globally, we won’t achieve at least 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  

To create a gender-equal, sustainable world, we must end violence against women, close the gender gap and limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees.  
 
Through Zonta Says NOW to gender equality and climate action, we can all play a part in creating a positive future for women and girls. For example:

Our Zonta Says NOW ‘baby’ is quickly growing up.  After her debut at the Zonta International Women and Climate Change Webinar in September, Zontians worldwide have enquired about starting similar programs.  
 
In October, members of the Zonta USA Caucus joined the Think Tank meeting - and provided such positive feedback that Zonta Says NOW is being rolled out across the USA.  We have now submitted a proposal for District 23 and the Caucus to deliver joint Zonta Says NOW workshops (virtual and face-to-face) at the Zonta International Convention in Hamburg next year. Fingers crossed that the proposal is accepted.
 
If you would like to join the Think Tank, please send an email to zontasaysnow@gmail.com.  

Zonta International Elevator Speech Pitch finalists announced

On the 15^th November, Zonta International President Sharon announced the Elevator Speech Pitch finalists and wasn't it exciting to learn that a club in our district was successful?

More than 100 submissions were received by the Zonta International PR&C Committee and we offer our congratulations to all the finalists, with special CONGRATULATIONS to the Zonta Club of Gawler in Area 2, District 23, selected as the winner of the Video category for the Oceania region of Zonta.  Great work Gawler!

The Zonta Club of Brisbane Breakfast Inc, Australia was a winner in the text/photo category so we are doubly proud that two Australian clubs were selected.

Thank you to all clubs in our district that submitted entries - without club participation, there would have been no competition! I also acknowledge members of clubs who tuned in to one of the two Zoom sessions to learn about the elevator speech pitch process. I was delighted that this activity was so well supported by our district.

You are all encouraged to read the pitches and watch the videos, be inspired by the great work of Zonta and spread our message of empowerment. The finalists below are listed in alphabetical order and submissions will soon be made available on the Zonta website.

Video:

• Zonta Club of Aschaffenburg Area, Germany
• Zonta Club of Gawler Inc, Australia 
• Zonta Club of Makati Ayala, Philippines 
• Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, United States

Text/Photo: 

• Zonta Club of Brisbane Breakfast Inc, Australia 
• Zonta Club of Chang Hua, Taiwan 
• Zonta Club of Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
• Zonta Club of Myrtle Beach, United States

View President Sharon's announcement of finalists here: https://youtu.be/axlFWownKYg

Best wishes 
Jo Wittorff

A big ‘Thank You’ to all D23 Zontians who have supported the Zonta Foundation for Women (ZFW) this biennium, in particular the Endowment Fund.  After 16 months the endowment fund has received US$496,755 of which 18 individuals and 8 clubs in D23 have donated US$15,099 – well done. 

While registering for our online Conference many members took up the opportunity to donate with about $6000 being given.  Board decided that this would be split between the biennial programs and the endowment fund. 

There will be further opportunities to support the endowment fund in the last 6 months of this biennium, as we work towards achieving our US$10M Goal. Each gift ensures that Zonta will have the necessary resources to meet uncertainties and continue to support programs that will empower women and girls for years to come.

Maybe if you are struggling to find that special Christmas gift, donate to the ZFW Endowment Fund or Amelia Earhart Endowment Fund. 

You can also acknowledge any special occasion with an endowment gift.  Help with social media posts and creating a Facebook fundraiser are on the ZI website under ‘Your Support’.  
I hope that you are able to catch up with families and friends at this special time of the year. I look forward to working with you in the coming months. 
 
Link to donate: https://www.zonta.org/Web/Your_Support/Foundation_Campaigns/Web/Your_Support/Foundation_Campaigns.aspx?hkey=328a326f-08f0-4f4b-8833-7ff535d11ddf

For more information, contact your Endowment Area Representative as listed in the current D23 Directory.

Ann Horrocks
Zonta International Endowment Committee
28^th Nov 2021

 
March is a BUSY month for Zontians but I urge individual members to register to attend the NGO CSW66 Forum, which will run parallel to the CSW66 session, taking place from 13-25 March,  and kicking off with Consultation Day on the 13th. The NGO CSW66 Forum will be virtual.

Registration will open in the coming months. The Forum is totally open to the public, regardless of ECOSOC-accreditation status. And if you just can’t get out of bed at 3 in the morning, at least you will be sent a recording of the event!

Priority theme: Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes
For more information about the NGO CSW66 Forum and past Forums, visit
NGO CSW 65 | NGO CSW/NY  and subscribe to the mailing list so you don't miss anything! 

Christmas wishes and peace to you all, Alwyn

                                           

Clubs in our District have been extremely busy during the 16 Days of Activism and it is heartening to see the increase in community involvement, collaborations with other organisations and partnerships that have developed. Each year our Zonta Says NO campaign is becoming more and more visible and clubs have become more and more innovative in the way they spread the word - that violence against women is never acceptable.  

AREA 1 - Trish McLean, Area Director
All Area 1 clubs have returned to face-to-face meetings after 260+ days of lockdown, and members are enjoying the fellowship of being together again.
Unfortunately, there was not enough time following the lifting of restrictions to arrange major 16 Days of Activism events, but like true Zontians, all clubs are participating.
READ MORE      VIEW ZONTA SAYS NO ACTIONS

AREA 2 - Chris Frick, Area Director
Area 2 Clubs have been busy Painting the State Orange. Clubs are using their social media to promote the 16 days, with many clubs having daily posts with information and pictures. Many clubs also work with other organisations and government bodies to reach as many people as possible. Events will be held on most of the 16 days across the Area, with more than one vigil occurring. Congratulations to Area 2 Clubs for such a strong, versatile, and collaborative campaign for the 16 Days of Activism. 
READ MORE    VIEW ZONTA SAYS NO ACTIONS

AREA 3 - Tyril Houghton, Area Director
16 Days of Activism 
All clubs now have orange banners for the Zonta Says NO to violence against women campaign. Swan Hills participated in Midland’s ‘March that Matters’ in November. Bunbury members stood out in orange vests in the 500 strong Silent March on 19^th November. Dunsborough members were part of the Busselton march on 25th November. Perth and Perth Northern Suburbs will join the Memorial March on the 7^th December and Peel members participated in the Mandurah march. Area 3 clubs have been active on social media during the 16 Days campaign.
READ MORE    VIEW ZONTA SAYS NO ACTIONS

AREA 4 -  Chris Denmead, Area Director
This is always an especially busy time for clubs.
All the clubs in Area 4 have been involved in the 16 days of activism and it’s been great to see so much orange on Facebook posts.  Many clubs have used this time to generate significant local publicity for the 16 days and their clubs with newspaper articles and interviews, participating in Clothesline Projects, having walks, static displays, and lots of social media.
READ MORE    VIEW ZONTA SAYS NO ACTIONS

AREA 5 - Vicki Carman-Brown, Area Director
The second half of the calendar year has hummed with Tasmanian Zonta Club activity. It has centred around the assembly of Birthing Kits and the sewing of breast cushions and also featured advocacy and unique displays during the 16 Days of Activism.  Clubs promote this significant annual event by exhibiting banners, displays in the CBD or participating in “Walk the Talk” events.  Also, clubs financially or provide in-kind support, to local women’s refuges.  
READ MORE    VIEW ZONTA SAYS NO ACTIONS

Zonta Plywood Christmas decoration, for tree or gifts 
from the Zonta Club of Kyneton
 

2022 District 23 Workshops
 

 Areas 1 and 4 -19 March: ZC Albury Wodonga 

 Area 2 - 14 May: ZC to be advised
   Area 3 - 2 April: ZC Bunbury 

   Area 5 - 26 March: ZC Cradle Coast

Hear what is happening in the District, meet old friends and make new ones, have FUN.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Early bird registration deadline is the 28th February 2022