History

In 1919 the first Zonta club was formed in Buffalo, New York. The objective was to create a strong network of women working in executive positions who would work together to advance the status of women worldwide. These members were among the first generation of women in the United States to vote, and were part of a growing trend of women entering the workforce outside the home.

Zonta is a word derived from the Lakhota (Teton Dakota) language of the Native American Sioux people. It means honest and trustworthy, an integral component of the club principles. The word's meaning was incorporated into the Zonta emblem. Mahogany and gold were selected as the club's colors, and the emblem is the yellow rose. (Click here for more detailed information on Zonta symbols.)

Zonta International was organized when the first European club was founded in Vienna, Austria in 1930. In September, 1930 the club's world headquarters were incorporated in Illinois, where they remain to this day. Today there are approximately 35,000 members in 1,200 clubs worldwide.

The Traverse City chaper of Zonta was chartered in 1956. Over the years Zonta has participated in many area service projects. Our club is growing and now boasts nearly 100 members. The club has two main fundraisers each year, the annual Z-Tee Golf Outing in June and the Festival of Trees in November. (Click here for more details on our events.) The funds raised by our members are reinvested in our local community through grants and scholarships. (Click here for more details on our grant programs.) This amounts to over $30,000 each year reinvested locally in the women and children of the Grand Traverse area! (Click here for more details on how to get involved!)

The Zonta Club of Traverse City would like to thank all of our generous sponsors and the other good people who help us in our efforts. (Click here for more information.) We believe in hands-on service and the difference opportunity and education can make in improving lives.

Membership

Zonta welcomes executives and professional women and men into our ranks. Members work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and professions.

As a hands-on service organization, membership in Zonta means time commitment. The lunch meetings (1st and 3rd Wednesdays at noon) are mandatory, although you may ask to be excused in advance. Members are also asked to serve on at least two committees. (Click here to review our list of committees.) Zonta members, however, look forward to these commitments and perhaps one of the finest benefits of membership is the lifelong friendship formed with other members from all walks of life.

Funding Opportunities

It is through our funding opportunities where our work really pays off. As mentioned previously, our membership votes on two large service projects once every two years. We also offer Zonta Mini-Grants (maximum grant size is $2500.00). These grants are awarded twice each year, grant deadlines are April 1 and October 1. (Click here for a Zonta Mini-Grant application).

We are also pleased to offer Zonta Opportunity for Change scholarships each year to female students interested in attending Northwestern Michigan College. (Email us here for a Zonta Opportunity for Change Scholarship information package).

Female high school students within our service area are invited to apply for a scholarship to NASA Space Camp. Two scholarships are awarded each spring. (Email us here for a Zonta NASA Space Camp information package).

We are also pleased to offer the chance for a Young Woman in Public Affairs Award. For more information click here.

Media Information

Media organizations wishing to learn more about Zonta and our events are encouraged to contact our chapter president Deanna Cannon. In addition, this website is the most comprehensive source of information on both current and past Zonta events. (Click here for current and archived press releases).

In 2006 the Zonta Club of Traverse City is celebrating its 50th birthday, and the club has committed to raising awareness about Zonta. The photos below are the early results of our public relations blitz, timed to kick off in April with our birthday celebration April 19, 2006.
Zonta Club of Traverse City | PO Box 1412 | Traverse City, MI 49685

Copyright 2006, Zonta Club of Traverse City, All rights reserved.