What is Zonta?

Zonta International is a worldwide organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women.

What does the Zonta Club of Halifax do?

The Zonta Club of Halifax learns, advocates, and serves.

We learn about the status of women at home and abroad through a series of talks and films presented at our General Meetings.

We advocate by joining other professional organizations, participating in conferences and workshops, and writing letters to help advance the status of women.

We serve the needs of women and children in our local community by applying our skills and experience and in the international community by participating in international projects.
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What are some of the local service projects in Halifax?

Our service projects have included preschool classes for hard-of-hearing children, shut-in library service, and Meals-on-Wheels. Currently, our efforts are directed mainly toward four projects: second-stage housing for women and children fleeing violence; a self-managed resource centre for women in a public housing complex; a recovery home for addicted women and an award encouraging young women to enter careers of influence.

Alice Housing: For the children living in this second-stage housing we have provided school supplies at the beginning of the school year, gifts of books at Christmas, as well as bags of goodies for them to give to their mothers on Mother's Day.

Bayers-Westwood Family Resource Centre: We support the women who make use of the centre by providing services (beauty treatments, computer system installation, etc.); goods (clothing, furniture, dry goods for their "Collective Kitchen", etc.); and financial assistance (travel expenses, tuition fees, etc.).

Young Women in Public Affairs Award (YWPA): Each year we invite applicants from all local high schools (20) to compete for this prestigious award. The winner of our Local Award is considered for the District Award, and the District winner for the International Award. The winner of our Local Award is honoured at our May meeting.

The Marguerite Centre:  We support The Marguerite Centre,  a long-term facility providing a residential holistic program for women recovering from addictions and abuse.   This 12-bed facility is the only one of its kind for women in the Maritime Provinces.

What are some of the Zonta International service projects?

Zonta International supports and administers several international service projects and programs. Every two years, Zonta International sponsors international programs in association with United Nations agencies that are working to advance the status of women. Most of these programs are in developing nations. They are selected by the Zonta International Board and approved by the Zonta International membership. To learn more about the International Service Projects, visit the Zonta International Web Site for at http://www.zonta.org/.

Zonta International also administers several international scholarship programs including:

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship program provides post-graduate fellowships to women in the fields of aeronautics and aeronautical engineering.  Dr. Dora Stinson, Past President, Zonta Club of Halifax, presented a picture of Amelia Earhart  commemorating her visit to Halifax in June, 1928, to Past District 1 Governor, Alison Draper.

The Jane M. Klausman Scholarship program provides college scholarships to women in business.

The Young Women in Public Affairs award program offers recognition and awards at district and international level for outstanding young women who are making a difference in their world through service. In addition, many Zonta clubs sponsor Z and Golden Z Club Programs that mentor and involve young high school and college-aged women. Additional information on these and other Zonta International Programs can be found on the Zonta International web site at http://www.zonta.org/. The 2010 YWPA scholarship applicants are currently being reviewed by our panel of judges. Watch this space for news of this year's winner in the Halifax area and for plans to celebrate the winner.

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When and where does the Zonta Club of Halifax club meet?

We hold our General Meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, from September to June, at The Ward Room, CFB Stadacona. We begin informally over a drink at 5:30 pm, take a light supper at 6:00 pm in the Galley, and start our business meeting around 7:00 pm. Meetings with high-profile speakers are "open" to "Friends of Zonta" and members of other women's groups in the area.

Am I eligible for Zonta membership?

Membership in Zonta International is by invitation to individuals working in a decision-making capacity at least 50% of a normal workweek.

How much time does Zonta membership take?

Zonta International is a service organization. Each individual club selects its own local service projects and fund-raising activities. Club members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in club projects, and play a role in committees — no matter how minor. In addition, there are opportunities to attend one-day annual workshops, a two-day biannual conference or seminar and a week-long biannual international convention.

At the Zonta Club of Halifax, the monthly General Meeting usually lasts somewhere between two and three hours, depending on whether there is a speaker. Committee meetings last a similar amount of time.

Who's Who in the Zonta Club of Halifax?

How do I find out more?

To find our more about the Zonta Club of Halifax, contact Halifax@zontadistrict1.org

or wite to: Zonta Club of Halifax, c/o 32 Hugh Allen Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2K8