About D4
District 4 is a District of “Firsts.”First Club (Buffalo) in 1919 and the first International Club (Toronto) in 1927.
Where It All Began
On November 8, 1919, in Buffalo, New York, Marian de Forest, along with other prominent women leaders, forged ahead to begin the Confederation of Zonta Clubs. In 1927, when the Zonta Club of Toronto was chartered, the name was changed to Zonta International.
Zonta takes its name from the Lakota Sioux Indian word meaning “honest and trustworthy”.
Zonta has a long and well-respected history of service provision to women and is a key advocate for women’s’ rights. Zonta works in partnership with United Nations agencies, and like-minded organizations to address issues that impede the achievement of equality and empowerment, and to address gender violence in all its forms.
Organization of Professionals
Serving Women & Girls Worldwide
ENGAGING WOMEN THROUGH LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY AND SERVICE
Members in District 4 provide service and advocacy to both their local and international communities through a wide range of service projects and events. Our members regularly support functions to acknowledge International Women’s Day and Zonta Rose Day, on the 8th March, and United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of violence against women, November 25th.
D4 Members
D4 Clubs
$ ,000 to Zonta International
Areas in D4
Zonta Business
Area Meetings/Workshops are a one-day event held each April/May to update members on the latest procedures and information on activities within Zonta. Two to three Meetings/Workshops are held covering the Western New York & Pennsylvania & Eastern Ontario within District 4 allowing Zonta members to attend within a reasonable distance from their homes.
District Conference is a two-day event held in September of odd-numbered years and provides opportunities for Zonta members to interact with each other while conducting District business. All members are welcome and a club delegate(s) will act on behalf of their club during business proceedings.
Zonta International Convention, a four-day event held at the end of June of even-numbered years, is a time to conduct Zonta International business. All members are encouraged to attend while club delegate(s) actively participate in a review of new and existing bylaws, biennial advocacy and service projects, as well as approving the allocation of fundraising efforts. It is a time for a member to discover a new country or city, rekindle and develop global friendships, and foster their commitment to the equality and empowerment of women and girls through service and advocacy.
Projects & Awards
What We Do
Service
Zonta clubs offer service to directly improve the lives of women and girls in our communities, to strengthen the link between Zonta’s local and international levels while promoting the ideals of Zonta.
Advocacy
Zonta advocacy is an action taken in “the public interest” or for “the greater good” with respect to empowering women and girls and their human rights.
Leadership Development
The Zonta Leadership Program is designed to provide Zonta members with organizational knowledge, personal and professional development and opportunities to expand their leadership.
Scholarshipfor a Woman in Business
The Jane M. Klausman Scholarships work to support women from around the world who demonstrate outstanding potential in business-related fields. The District winner receives $2,000 US and the opportunity to compete for one of six Zonta International awards of $8,000 US.
Awards for Young Women in Public Affairs
The goal of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to honor young women of age 16 to 19 who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government, and volunteer organizations.
Scholarship for Woman in Technology
Launch of the Zonta International pilot program that encourages women to pursue a leadership role in technology, a field that will impact the next generation of women. This program is under District 4 investigation.
Connection to United Nations
Zontian members have worked tirelessly to promote justice and universal respect for human rights and freedoms, high ethics, and goodwill and understanding among the peoples of the worlds, to assure world peace.
Z & Golden Z Clubs
Z Clubs and Golden Z Clubs are organizations which provide opportunities for our youth to develop leadership skills, explore career alternatives, and improve international understanding through service projects and advocacy.
Zonta International Membership
Clubs within District 4 are welcoming new members. Contact a District 4 club for more information.
Why we are different
We are an International District. District 4 is comprised of 33 clubs in a region that includes South-central Ontario, Western New York, and Western Pennsylvania. The District is divided into six areas, each with an Area Director who is a member of the District Board.
D4 Contribution to Zonta International
District 4 clubs and members support Zonta International Foundation. Through the Foundation Service programs of Let Us Learn Madagascar and Hand in Hand, while Zonta International Service Strategies to End Violence Against Women (ZISVZW).
District 4’s club contributions during the 2018 – 2020 biennium amounted to 103,963.32 USD by 33 clubs total of 97%
Individual member donations are $22,053.81
- Amelia Earhart Fund $21,002.
- Rose Fund $32,819.
- Jane M. Klausman Award $3,423.
- Young Women in Public Affairs $5,223.
- International Service Funds $34,753.
- ZISVAW $28,796.
- District 4 Donations 126,016.81 USD