Strategic Plan District Biennium

The central purpose and role of District 10 is defined as: Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Mission Statement

ZI Vision of the Future –Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. –In such a world, every woman is literate and has access to education, health care, legal and economic resources on an equal basis with men. –In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence. The Vision Statement

The objects of ZI shall be a)To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health, and status of women through service and advocacy. b)To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions. c)To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. d)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. Objects

ZI endorses the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ZI is nonpartisan and nonsectarian; it is independent and takes positions based on its own values. As Zontians we are: –Honest –Trustworthy –Respectful of others –Committed to Zonta’s mission –Loyal to ZI Values

Women’s rights are human rights, essential for the development of all peoples. By advancing the status of women, society as a whole is improved. The key to change is the combination of service and advocacy. Worldwide and local action is our strength. International friendship encourages understanding and peace in the world. Zontians are united through purpose, values and democratic principles. Guiding Principles

Goal 1: Zonta’s service programs reflect and enhance its mission. District 10 Promotes & recognizes club activities that support and meet these objectives Service

Goal 2: ZI is a leading advocate for the rights of women and the girl child District 10 Communicates with clubs Promotes and recognizes club programs/activities linked to advocacy Advocacy

Goal 3: Increase membership by retaining and recruiting members who are committed to and actively work towards achieving Zonta’s mission. District 10 Each club has a net increase of 1 90% of clubs achieve membership 20 or more (Promote and recognize club plans to achieve increased membership) Each club has no more than 25% in any one classification Membership

Goal 4: ZI’s governance structure facilitates the achievement of its mission. District 10 Each club has a structure mirroring ZI’s committee structure Each club has a succession plan Governance

Goal 5: The ZI Foundation governance structure facilitates the achievement of its mission. District 10 Ensure D10 Foundation is healthy and we are able to continue our scholarships Recognize clubs who give 1/3 of their service funds to ZI Foundation Recognize clubs with an increase in individual giving Governance

Goal 6: ZI has sustainable financial resources that support current activities and provide for long-term growth District 10 Financial

Goal 7: Zonta’s districts and clubs have sustainable financial resources that support current activities and provide for long-term growth. District 10 Present and execute a balanced budget that accurately reflects the state of the district Provide clear presentation of financial position

Financial Goal 8: ZI Foundation has sustainable financial resources that support current activities and provide for long-term growth District 10 Foundation continues to meet scholarship obligations

Goal 9: ZI employs qualified, committed and effective staff that support the mission and goals of ZI and ZIF by providing appropriate and responsive services District 10 Staff

Goal 10: ZI is the organization of choice for those committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. District 10 Recognize those clubs with a PR Plan Recognize those clubs with a Marketing Plan Recognize those clubs with a club newsletter Recognize those clubs with a club website in concert with Electronic Communication Policy of Zonta International Credibility and Visibility

The following strategic action programs will be implemented: Action Plan One – Increase Membership (OMC Chair) –Develop action plan to mentor clubs w/ less than 20 members –Develop action plan for membership drives and new member orientation –Establish communities to target for new clubs within 1 year Charter new club in New Mexico in Albuquerque or Santa Fe Charter new club in Arkansas in Fayetteville or Little Rock Charter new club in Oklahoma in Broken Arrow, McAlester, Jenks, or another surrounding suburb of Tulsa Examine Texas communities of Denton, Gonzales, Hillsborough Strategic Action Programs

Action Plan Two – Continue fiscal responsibility (Treasurer) –Prepare and present financial documents/papers at 2011 D10 Conference which clearly and accurately reflect district financial position Categorize expenses under appropriate budget line items –Prepare accurate database of district membership by 2011 D10 Conference –Determine and execute plan to digitize district financial records by end of Biennium –Work with Gov and D10 Board to prepare realistic budget for next biennium to present at D10 Conference in 2011 Strategic Action Programs (cont.)

Action Plan Three – Communicate Effectively (Board Members/PR Chair) –Establish accurate database of members, including addresses, within 6 months Obtain rosters from each club by Sep 1, 2011 (Area Directors) Obtain list of committee chairs from each club and pass to district committee chairs by Sep 1, 2010 –Establish communication method (like Zonta flashes or Facebook) this biennium to provide critical information to district members Strategic Action Programs (cont.)

Implementing the Plan Active involvement in Zonta leads to commitment Commitment impacts recruitment, which leads to growth Growth is key to a strong and healthy district

Implementing the Plan (cont.) Accomplish the mission –Our mission is to advance the status of women –We need members to achieve our mission –We need a (methodology) to recruit and retain members Develop the (methodology) –A (methodology) needs a plan to achieve the objectives –A plan requires clearly stated expectations and requirements

Get motivated about Zonta…through variety of activities Service Networking Fellowship Advocacy Programs Community Implementing the Plan (cont.)

Stay organized –Strong, well-connected committee structure puts like minds together to accomplish activities –Operates district efficiently –Fosters commitment Implementing the Plan (cont.)

Communicate –About where we are headed –About opportunities, successes, and activities –About larger mission issues and international service Implementing the Plan (cont.)

Recognize and celebrate –Make sure good works get acknowledged Internally, via newsletters, meetings, special awards, birthdays Externally, via activities, events, training, awards, public relations Implementing the Plan (cont.)

Succession Planning Leadership is vital to any district Building/developing good leaders in our district means exposing them to Zonta roles and missions Continuity in the club, area, and district is vital to the success of Zonta

Succession Planning (cont.) Succession planning (and continuity) can be accomplished in many ways: –Begin exposure to board through Director position and then move to other offices –Establish a President Elect position as the president in training –Establish a succession where the Vice President moves up to Pres Elect and then to President –Adopt two year terms for each office; this assures continuity and good training in key positions

Summary Long Range and Succession planning are initially time-consuming However, once our plan is developed, it can be reviewed and easily updated each Biennium It gives our members and district leadership common goals and objectives to plan for and accomplish Result is a successful and viable district!