What is Zonta?
ABOUT ZONTA INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 31,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 66 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta's mission and objectives.
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 executives in business and the professions.
- 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.
Zonta International, its districts and its clubs are nonsectarian and nonpartisan.
More information about Zonta
The origin of the word "Zonta" is from the language of the Sioux Indian, 
and it was adopted as the Zonta International name in 1919. The Zonta emblem is just as familiar to members as is the word "Zonta," and there is an equally interesting story about its evolution. The emblem is not simply a decorative design. It is an adaptation and composite of several Sioux Indian symbols which when superimposed take on a special significance for Zontians.
During the 1996-1998 Biennium the Zonta International Board voted to have the words "Zonta International" incorporated into the emblem to standardize its appearance and enhance recognition of Zonta International throughout the world.
What appears to be the letter "Z" is actually the Sioux symbol for "ray of light," "sunshine" or "flash of radiance"--and so by extension, "inspiration."
This Sioux symbol means "to band together for a purpose" or "to stand together"--in a word, "loyalty." With loyalty, individual members band together into clubs, clubs into districts and districts into Zonta International.
This is the Sioux way of saying "to carry together." Carrying together is a most important ingredient for the accomplishment of Zonta's purpose: to work for the advancement of women worldwide through a global fellowship of business executives and professionals.
The symbolism of the square is not exclusively Sioux, nor is it exclusively Native American. It perhaps dates back even further than all of these other symbols in its representation of "honesty" and "trust.”
This is the Sioux symbol for "shelter." Zonta's many service projects are a shelter for those in need. This symbol therefore lends itself importantly in significance and design, embodying Zonta's aims and aspirations.women worldwide.
By Any Other Name, It's Still a Zonta Rose to Us
The beauty of a single yellow rose has been a favorite Zonta symbol for nearly 20 years. The "Zonta Rose" was introduced at the 1984 Sydney Convention, thanks to the dedication and support of District 16 Zontians. In 1983, then Lieutenant Governor of District 16 (New Zealand), Valerie Webster, proposed that a breed of roses be developed as a living symbol of Zonta International. The renowned England-based nursery Harkness Roses worked to cultivate the flower, while Zontian Maureen Ross of Ross Roses in Adelaide, Australia enabled it to be introduced at the Convention.
Today, the lovely yellow bloom can be seen in members' gardens, memorial plantings, schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, and in the forecourt of Australia's National Parliament in Canberra. A Zonta Rose Bed was inaugurated at Bältesspännarparken in Gothenburg, Sweden, as part of the 2002 Zonta International Convention festivities.
But the Zonta Rose is much more than a lovely flower. Since 1999, it has served as the symbol of Zonta Rose Day, which falls on 8 March and coincides with International Women's Day. On this special day, Zontians worldwide are encouraged to publicly distribute yellow roses or items bearing the image of yellow roses, accompanied by information about Zonta International and issues relating to improving the lives of women.
The Zonta Rose itself has bright yellow blooms, produced in large sprays, and neatly spaced to form a bouquet. Each bloom is formed on its own long stem and has a particularly long life, whether on the bush or cut. Its fragrance is light and pleasant, while gardeners will appreciate that it is easy to grow and hardy, reaching an average of 1.2 meters in height.
The Zonta Rose is registered internationally under the name "Hartanna." It also goes by the name "Princess Alice" in Canada and the UK, and "Bright Lites" in the USA.
The yellow rose was adopted as the Zonta Rose in 1999 to serve as the symbol of Zonta Rose Day – March 8th. Each feature of the Zonta Rose has a special significance:
Zonta divides the world into districts with each club being a member of a district as well as a member of Zonta International. Districts are further subdivided into areas. Each district conducts a conference at least once per biennium and area meetings or workshops at least annually. The district is administered by a board consisting of an elected district governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, and one or more area directors, and a secretary and parliamentarian who are appointed by the governor.