2-14 Convention Report from your Delegate Highlights of Convention Sessions Impressions and Reflections 2014 – 2016 Goals, Budget, Projects

Standing are Beatrice Schori of Halifax NS, Christine Hunt and Kathy Parker from Quinebaug CT, Lisa Jacobson and Joanne Lambert from Malden MA, Mary Knight of Quaboag Valley MA, Joanne Puopolo of Malden MA, Sandra Gannon of West Suburban Boston MA, Lucy Rexroad and Donna Clifford from Medford MA, Sharon Porter from Amherst, NS, Dora Stinson and Ladawan Rauber from Halifax, NS. Sitting are Kathryn Patterson of Halifax NS, Nadine Salley of Lakes Region NH, Denise Deshane of Bangor ME, Cheryl Dorfman of Lakes Region NH, Lynn Goodhue of Northampton Area MA, Mary Ann Rubis of Quaboag Valley MA, Helen Lawrence Stewart of West Suburban Boston MA.

Highlights of Convention Sessions. ZI President Lynn McKenzie greeted 1425 Zontians from 67 countries with good news: ZIF fundraising exceeded goals Service projects were amazing Membership gains, 3 new e-clubs Future leaders being supported by ZI awards, scholarships, fellowships

Highlights of Convention Sessions Business sessions included: Candidate speeches and election of the ZI and ZIF Board for Bylaws and Resolutions – much spirited debate over 2 days Reports and video updates from committee chairs and project leaders Presentations by Keynote Speakers and more!

Impressions and Reflections Feeling of pride for what Zontians stand for Opening ceremony blew me away Varied perspectives – common passion Opportunities to exchange ideas, network Zonta Marketplace and Zonta store were big draw Zonta Rose 5K raised $45,000 for ZIF! Thanks! Closing banquet / installation inspiring Convention = Zonta-affirming experience.

2-14 A Message from ZI President Maria Jose Landeira Oestergaard Video can be accessed at

2014 – 2016 Goals 100% of voting members supported biennial goals with conviction, commitment and courage.  Service focus - preventing problem recurrence and achieving a lasting impact  Advocacy actions - align with ZI strategic plan, include the Zonta Says No! campaign & look for synergy with like-minded organizations  Resources to be garnered – people, tools and money.

2014 – 2016 Budget  ZI balanced budget without dues increase, but total membership numbers remain a concern.  100% of $5.1 M donations to ZIF last biennium will be used to fund this biennium’s International Service Projects and Awards.  ZIF will focus efforts to achieve sustainable resources and broaden the sources of income during this biennium.

2014 – 2016 International Service and ZISVAW Projects ZI is a major player in addressing women’s issues - focusing on root causes through education, with local/national governments and other NGO’s:  Eliminating Obstetric Fistula in Liberia  Achieving HIV-Free Generation in Rwanda  Gender Responsive Schools in Vietnam  Delaying Early Marriage in Niger  Voices Against Violence - 12 Countries

Mark Your Calendars: 2016: Nice, France 2018: Yokohama, Japan