Exploring the Zonta Spirit: Building Community, Fun, and Friendship
Discover the essence of Zonta Spirit through the lens of members' perspectives on creating a vibrant club culture. From fostering friendships to advocating for gender equality, the Zonta Spirit encompasses values of respect, diversity, and empowerment. Explore how clubs can nurture this spirit to attract and retain members while making a positive impact globally and locally.
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ZONTA SPIRIT REFLECTIONS Zonta Spirit Working Group AUGUST 2023 1
The Zonta Spirit is the heart and soul of clubs and supports clubs to create a strong culture of community, fun and friendship in an inclusive approach. Here we explore with you what the Zonta Spirit means to members, how members believe clubs can create energy for the Zonta Spirit, and what districts, areas and clubs can do differently to ignite the flame of Zonta Spirit. Zonta Spirit is an integral part of creating great club culture and supporting the recruitment and retention of members. 3
During this first half of 2023, the three of us have been leading some workshops within our own districts and countries and also presenting four webinars with governors, area directors and club presidents to ask questions of members to understand what they believe the Zonta Spirit is, and how clubs are currently bringing this alive, as well as what could be done differently to ensure clubs are living the spirit and contributing to gaining and retaining new members, as well as contributing to communities locally and globally. 4
What the Zonta Spirit means to me.. What members told us 5
Friendship, fun and laughter, sharing, connection, fellowship Standing together , teamwork, community Together we are stronger Safe space, respect, diversity Zonta Zonta Spirit Spirit is .. is .. than one Stepping up, speaking out, creating change Generosity and giving Activism for gender equality, advocacy The heart for championing women and girls 6
Enthusiasm for Zonta aims, involvement Common goals and purpose Force for good, a shared voice Valuing and appreciation Zonta Zonta Spirit is . Spirit is . Joy , learning and commitment Listening, compassion Women together in collaboration Uplifting, learning 7
Giving back Contributing Connections with other women globally Zonta Zonta Spirit Spirit is .. is .. Belonging Willingness to create Positivity change Inclusion Giving women a voice 8
Seeing the enthusiasm and inspiration from the District members Enthusiasm, giving back Every members is a proud Zontian. She talks about Zonta in her community and with friends Being excited and involved with the work we do and Zonta Zonta Spirit Spirit is .. is .. friendships That we can change the world for better for women all around the world Happiness is the uplifting feeling of Zonta Spirit! It s a wonderful feeling indeed! Joyous engagement in advocacy and service Zonta Spirit REBOOTS energy! It is contagious 9
Setting the stage for mutual respect - listening to one The way in which we help other women another Zonta Spirit is that warm hug of welcome when you see Zonta friends anywhere Enthusiasm for a shared goal Zonta Zonta Spirit Spirit is .. is .. The wrap around friendship when and wherever you encounter Zontians Something for life Working together, having fun with purpose Solidarity and warmness 10
Friendship, acceptance, attitude, giving and caring working on projects together Sisterhood in advocating for women s rights Supporting and Mutual empathy and mutual goals through friendship Zonta Zonta Spirit Spirit is .. is .. empowering women around me Believing in what women can do together The feeling that we can change the world together Coming together of our minds, ideas and energies to help other women Local and global friendship, empowerment, education 11
Companionship not championship Fellowship, enthusiasm, loyalty and purpose Service , collaborating with like-minded women Knowledge I have gained by saying YES Zonta Zonta Spirit Spirit is .. is .. Secure environment Strong commitment The joy to work in a sisterhood to help women and girls around the world The incredible relationships I have built and the personal growth I have had 12
The passion, morals and beliefs that Zontians share, and how this brings us together in achieving Zonta s mission and vision. Using our hearts and souls in all that we do. Believing that change is possible and it starts with me. Working collaboratively to make change happen. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that works. 13
The supercharged energy that drives our work of service and advocacy to change lives. A welcome or hello in meeting new or long serving Zontians. Gaining a shared understanding about what we are working towards together, despite individual thoughts. The shared laughter that comes so readily when looking at our mistakes, missteps or bloopers. Connection, opportunity, giving back, learning. 14
What are some examples of Zonta Spirit in action in clubs? What members told us . 15
A buddy system for new members - not just the person who has introduced them to the club - look after the new member, check in between meetings and inviting them to following meetings People want to belong to a group that shows kindness for themselves and the community People want to get on a fun Bus - they want a direction to go, and have a map but be energised and have fun What clubs What clubs are doing to are doing to bring Zonta bring Zonta Spirit into Spirit into action action The JAR idea - collecting nice notes about each member and sharing Show respect when individuals are speaking and making sure quieter people have an opportunity to contribute Working together between clubs - e.g. Zonta Says No Monthly one-on-one coffee catch ups outside meetings and committee meetings to help members get to know each other on a deeper level. This is especially helpful in welcoming Mentoring between members of different ages - with two way learning occurring new members. 16
Make time for fellowship - people will have more fun working on projects if its not all Moving from just fundraising projects to becoming proactive in advocacy business What clubs What clubs are doing to are doing to bring Zonta bring Zonta Spirit into Spirit into action action Willingness to embrace change, innovation and different perspectives Storytelling and sharing builds community Buddy group system encouraging deeper connections Be welcoming, positive, encouraging, collaborative and humble Sharing the knowledge that we are making a difference with women and girls in our community Respect each other s differences and ability and leave space to be ourselves 17
Strong support for members during COVID lockdowns in staying connected Frequent membership events to enjoy each others company - welcoming new members Supporting each other s challenges and encouraging each others during climate events What clubs What clubs are doing to are doing to bring Zonta bring Zonta Spirit into Spirit into action action Helping members and showing empathy when they are experiencing tough times Making sure every member is actively involved in service and advocacy - teamwork on planning fundraisers. Sending cards to members on birthdays ,anniversaries and when they are ill Getting together outside of things that are not just Zonta Fellowship events that have an outcome for outreach organisations as well related 18
Starting meetings with a Zonta Share - sharing something that impacted us at a meeting or in interactions with other members. Accepting all members views which includes newer young members who may have different views. Working with community groups. What clubs What clubs are doing to are doing to bring Zonta bring Zonta Spirit into Spirit into action action Bi monthly fellowship luncheons supporting women-owned restaurants Creating laughter and fun at meetings Members knowing how to celebrate themselves while at the same time working towards building a better world for women and girls Calling, visiting or checking up on members who haven t attending meetings recently Recognising Invisible Heroines and Notable Women as an example and providing motivation to other women Spotlight on a member each month so that members can get to know each other better as examples 19
Enjoying each other socially while we attend service partner events Reboot to make excitement in our clubs Mentor/mentee relationships with new members and using the phrase fund with a purpose What clubs What clubs are doing to are doing to bring Zonta bring Zonta Spirit into Spirit into action action Eliminating child marriage, supporting agencies that empower women Welcome new members at the beginning of meetings with some personal words Secret Sisters to keep each other connected Give away yellow roses in the city centre with information about violence against women and teaching for a dialogue about this New ideas are shared and welcomed by the group 20
The Brag Bag at the end of meetings where members put in a donation and brag about something in there personal life or work. Donations can be used to support member attendance at District, Area or International events Honour one member each month with a Zonta Spirit award Toasting a club each meeting to learn about what other clubs around the world are doing and what service projects they are Mentor/mentee relationships with new members and using the phrase fund with a purpose What clubs What clubs are doing to are doing to bring Zonta bring Zonta Spirit into Spirit into action action doing Work together happily in order to help other women who need ore opportunities Welcome new members at the beginning of meetings with some personal words than we do Give away yellow roses in the city centre with information about violence against women and teaching for a dialogue about this When on vacation, if possible, visit a Zonta club in that area 21
What club leaders are doing differently to create stronger Zonta Spirit to be more welcoming and inclusive, supporting the attraction and retention of members, and in taking action on advocacy and service .. 22
Become better at mentoring others Individuals step forward to contribute ideas, and allow others to run with the ideas What can I What can I do do differently differently ? ? Promote opportunities to Listen more and speak less be involved Reach out more to everyone in the club Help new members understand the role o committees Ask new members for their opinions at meetings Always be prepared to say YES 23
Include all members in decisions Advocacy - be out there promoting Zonta ideals What can I What can I do do differently differently ? ? Ensure all voices in the club Tap into people s strengths are heard Have a stronger voice Invest in relationships in the club - talk, share, meet Lift our thinking by starting each meeting with images of international clubs activities and issues Show respect for member s personal challenges 24
In a world where we can be anything, let s be kind. Empowerment begins in our club and we support all women, not just those we like. Create Zonta club business cards for members to hand out to potential club members Short weekly messages via text or other communication as an addition to club meetings Model support of the President. It is important not to be mean or critical of the President and then wonder why no one will step up to leadership next time What can I What can I do do differently differently ? ? Zonta meetings should be our monthly wellness retreat that is invigorating, energising and reinvigorating Create Zonta Spirit Tee shirts Participate in club meetings from other countries Create the FUN BUS within the club 25
Have a prospective member WhatsApp group so we can invite participants from time Create Zonta club business cards for members to hand out to potential club members Think about working on talking to as many members as possible at each meeting, rather than staying with a particular friend or friendship group to time What can I What can I do do differently differently ? ? Use the Zonta Spirit icon and Zoom background Talk about the Zonta Spirit at club meetings and do a test of where the club is at with a friendly, welcoming environment Share Zonta Spirit ideas in Share Your Story on zonta.org Think about creating Buddy Groups and asking members to get together socially once or twice during a three month Connect with other clubs in the same community or nearby communities to have shared social events period 26
Guidelines for Zonta Spirit Icon 1. May be used by districts, areas and clubs in international presentations, newsletter and other communications to promote Zonta s strong inclusive culture of community, fun and friendship. 2. Should not be used in place of the Zonta International, district, area or club logo or for external purposes. It should be specifically for the purposes of promoting the Zonta Spirit within Zonta s membership. 3. Questions about use of the Zonta Spirit icon should be sent to pr@zonta.org. 28
My Zonta Tools (zonta.org) Two Zoom backgrounds with the Zonta Spirit icon are available for download from the Zonta International website for use in meetings and events. Zonta Spirit icon is available for download for use in meetings and events. To access logos and virtual backgrounds please see (https://www.zonta.org/Web/My_Zonta/Tools/PR_Tools_and_Logos) 30
My Zonta log in page https://www.zonta.org/Web/My_Zonta/Web/My_Zonta_Home.aspx?hk ey=6eb501e3-fabb-456c-8202-c5389248eb1c&WebsiteKey=fa59e7e8- 9db0-4736-b8df-7a6476fb9063 31
My Zonta Zonta Spirit short videos are available for you to use at meetings throughout the district, areas and clubs. New videos are produced from time to time. Access these at: https://www.zonta.org/Web/My_Zonta/Tools/Zonta_Spirit.aspx 32
Contact Zonta Spirit Working Group members Lynne Foley - Districts 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, RSA lynne.foley1@icloud.com Lori Robinson - Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 11, 12, 15 LoriRobinsonZontaBC@gmail.com Birgit Novy - Districts 13, 14, 20, 21,27, 28, 29, 30 birgit.novy@t-online.de 33
