Zonta International FAQs.

As a member of Zonta Woodstock, you are also a member of District 4 and Zonta International. Zonta International FAQs address its history, structure, projects and initiatives to offer a sense of how we can empower women both locally and globally.

Where is Zonta International located?

What is the history of Zonta International’s Headquarters building?

In 1932, Zonta International moved its headquarters from Buffalo, NY, USA to Chicago, IL, USA. In 1986, the Zonta International Convention Body voted to purchase the building at 557 West Randolph in Chicago’s downtown West Loop neighborhood that now houses Zonta’s Headquarters.

The building was erected in 1855 by Henry Horner and served as his home and place of business, “Henry Horner & Co., Wholesale Grocers and Flour Dealers.” The building is one of only two structures in the area to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Since then, it has served only one other business, the Pentecost Brothers fish purveyors. During the 1987 renovation, construction workers discovered traces of a fresco on the third floor, suggesting that the area now serving as the International Board Room may have been a ballroom at one time.

Zonta International dedicated the building on 12 October 1987 and discharged the mortgage in 1996.

How is Zonta International structured?

  • An individual, a Zontian, is a member of a Zonta Club. Zonta Clubs are members of Zonta International. To ease administration, Zonta International is divided into Districts. Clubs are assigned to Districts based on their geographical location.

    Zonta International is governed on a biennial (two-year) basis. Democratically elected directors lead the organization at the Club, District and International levels.

Zonta International’s Objectives:

  • To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy.
  • To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of members.
  • To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • To be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the world.

What is the origin of the word Zonta?

“Zonta” is derived from a Lakhota (Teton Dakota), a language of the Native-American Sioux peoples, word meaning honest and trustworthy. It was adopted in 1919 to symbolize the combined qualities of honesty and trust, inspiration and the ability to work together for service and world understanding.

How is Zonta International working to advance the status of women:

  • leading advocacy efforts and acting to improve the lives of women
  • promoting strategies to prevent violence against women
  • funding scholarships and awards for women of exceptional ability and talent through the Zonta International Foundation
  • supporting programs aimed at improving women’s health, safety, and economic and political status through funding by the Zonta International Foundation
  • encouraging mentorship, friendship and networking among members

What are Zonta International Service Projects?

Through international service projects, funded primarily through agencies of the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations, Zonta International improves women’s lives by increasing their access to education, health care, legal services, and economic opportunities while supporting efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls in all its forms. The Zonta International Foundation funds these initiatives.

What are Zonta International Advocacy Initiatives?

Zonta International, districts and clubs advocate at the international, national and local levels on issues related to human rights and gender equality. At the international level, Zonta International advocates on global issues primarily through the United Nations (UN) and Council of Europe. At the national level, Zonta districts, areas and clubs take action in support of, or in opposition to, legislation on issues affecting women and girls. At the local level, Zonta clubs monitor laws and policies and their impact on women, participate in hearings and public meetings with local politicians and administrators, and host speakers and panels to raise awareness about issues affecting women in their local communities.

Empowering Women