By Debbie Beaumont
Contributor
Zonta International is an international service organization with the mission of advancing the status of women. The first Zonta Club was founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1919 by a group of businesswomen under the leadership of Marian de Forest. It was organized along the lines of the Rotary Club, with one woman from each business classification admitted to the local club and all members required to give 60% of their time to the “work under which they are classified”. By 1923 clubs had been established in New York City, Washington D.C., Detroit, Cleveland, and Toledo, Ohio.
Since Zonta International was founded, Zontians have been passionate about empowering women in developing countries through international service. In the more than 90 years since its first international service project was funded, Zonta international has contributed nearly $15.5 million to projects benefiting women in 37 countries. The Zonta service program has provided training, education, health, sanitation, agricultural and micro-credit assistance to women.
Throughout the year Zonta has many projects:
Non-Event Fundraiser: Raises money for Families in Crisis. Contributions and donations come from area businesses and individuals to finance their “Families in Crisis” service project. Zonta’s Families in Crises is an ongoing service project benefiting local children, parents and individuals who encounter crisis conditions.
Women in Business Scholarship: To encourage more women to pursue education and careers in business, Zonta International established the Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship. Twelve international scholarships of $7,000 each and up to 32 district/region scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded each year. Women of any age, pursuing an accredited business or business related- program who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Young Women in Public Affairs: Many barriers remain to women’s political participation and gender parity in political representation across the globe. Recognizing that to bring about sustainable changes that benefit all of humanity, women must have equal participation in the decision-making process. Zonta International established the Young Women in Public Affairs Award in 1990. The award recognizes young women. Ages 16-19, who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.
Women of Achievement: A luncheon is given honoring women from many organizations.
Spring Fashion Show Fundraiser: A fun ladies night with a fashion show, prizes, silent auction and appetizers. The fashion show raises money for scholarships High School, ISU and GED students.
Amelia Earhart Fellowship: Zonta International established the Amelia Earhart Fellowship in 1938 in honor of legendary pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart. Today, the Fellowship of $10,000 is awarded annually to 35 talented women, pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering around the globe.
Christmas for Seniors: Raises funds and distributes food and items to senior citizens. We also include a gift for each senior citizen.
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: The most pervasive and least recognized human rights violation worldwide, gender-based violence affects women and girls of every race, class, culture, ethnicity, age and country. Zonta International strives to promote and protect the human rights of all women and girls and reduce the incidence of violence against them. Through funding from the Zonta International Foundation, the Zonta International Strategies to End Violence Against Women program has provided more than $5.5 million to support projects to prevent and end violence against women and girls in 42 countries.
Zonta traditionally received generous support from members of the community and looks forward to another successful fund-raising event this year. Donations may be sent to Zonta Club of Pocatello, P.O. Box 4174, Pocatello, Idaho 83205.
