Highlights
We are excited to share with you the official photos from the 2024 Brisbane Convention!
Click the button below to view the photos.
The presentations made during pre-convention and the full event can also downloaded and can be found on the Zonta website.
Sign in on the Zonta.org /My Zonta website. Click on Tools. Convention Business.
Thursday 6/27 Registration was open at the Convention Center and Workshop sessions were scheduled.
Greater Diversity in Zonta was the theme of a couple of the workshops. All of us are responsible for encouraging a culture of inclusive of others’ thoughts – even if we don’t agree, we need to respect and be open to different perspectives. What is best for Zonta and the mission? Video from the Diversity working group and Heid Moore released in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-JrTFITsNI
Diversity of thought is critical as well. Start a conversation with How or What, never with Why. Basic principles:
- Get comfortable with the unknown- it’s an opportunity for innovation and adaptability
- Embrace failure – it’s a catalyst for learning, improvement and growth
- Find harmony in paradox and contradictions – conflicting ideas drive creativity and set up synergy
- Explore unconventional vs traditional – uncover untapped potential
- Challenge norms – forge new paths
Champions for Change: The Power of Zonta Mentorship – A Cooperative Approach to Leadership –
Mentorship is for everyone – This link brings you to tools and forms for being or working with a mentor
Other ideas to expand mentoring included:
Support someone for YOUR role in Zonta (beyond succession planning)
Develop a Zonta workshop for area or district in your area of expertise
Assist the club in establishing mentoring; Mentor in other organizations and within my club
Support new graduates in the workforce – especially those who applied for educational awards (winner or not)
Talk with Mary Ann Rubis about Great Girls, Great Women program
Friday 6/28 Convention 2024 begins Official Program pdf
Opening of Convention by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM
Welcome by Convention Chair Judy Gorton
Flag Parade
Keynote presentation from Rabia Siddique – a retired British Army officer, criminal and human rights lawyer, former terrorism and war crimes prosecutor, international speaker, humanitarian, bestselling author and hostage survivor. A common thread in all her roles is a desire to make the world a better place, to give voice to the voiceless, and to lift up those around her so that they may be the best version of themselves. Be inspired by Rabia’s unique and powerful story and hear how to find the great authentic leader within yourself, lead by example and be an agent of change.
Business Session 1
International President’s Report & Executive Director’s Report
Business Session 2
Amelia Earhart – Fellow Ha Tran
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business – Scholar Sanuri De Silva
Women in Technology Scholar – Shayna Spencer
Remarkable Women, Powerful Stories with Lynne Foley and Sue Middleton
Business Session 3
International Nominating Committee Report
Candidate Speeches
Elected: Officers and Directors and Nominating Committee for 2024-2026
Saturday 6/29 Convention Day 2
Business Session 4
Budget Presentation by International Treasurer – we have a clean audit
Cover Letter | ZI Budget | ZI Foundation for Women Budget
2024-2026 Education Programs detail presentation and Spending Levels
AE Fellowship remains the same – each year 30 women will be awarded $10,000
JMK Scholarship – 1st year remains the same – District 1 will have one $5,000 winner. This scholarship will then be retired.
Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award – 2nd year of biennium – 10 Awards of $10,000 each to be selected by jury of experts from District applicants. Winners will also receive one-year supporting membership in ZI. Funding from the Rose Fund.
Zonta Women in STEM Award – 2nd year of biennium – 16 Awards of $10,000 each to be selected by jury of experts from District applicants. Winners will also receive one-year supporting membership in ZI. Funding from the Rose Fund.
YWPA Award is renamed to Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award. Operation remains the same. In each year, District 1 will have one $5,000 winner
Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Report
Keynote by Lisa Blair – the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht, Climate Action Now, and holds five world records. Lisa has sailed over 110,000 nm and holds an RYA Yacht Master offshore. Lisa is a proud Australian adventurer, Author of Facing Fear, and Speaker on Resilience and Mental Agility. As a passionate Climate Activist, she continues to develop projects that allow her to further her sustainability work while inspiring future generations to take on Climate Action Now.
Business Session 5
Membership Recognition
Meritorious Service Award Presentation
Zonta Excellence in Service and Advocacy Awards
Northampton Zontian Audrey Millgate was recognized on stage for her 50+ years in Zonta.
Sunday 6/30 Convention Day 3 – wrap up
Memorial Service
Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEjYRjBxDhw&t=13s
Music for the first 12 minutes and then a lovely memorial tribute. Each Governor then presented a rose in memory of Zontians who have passed in their District – Donna Sroka is shown at about 15 min
Business Session 6 Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLNEdD3FZ-Y&t=13s
Roundtable on Climate Justice – This session is a must see for those looking to better understand the intersection of Climate Action and Gender Equity. Key message for action: Keep it Simple – talk about what your learning!
Business Session 7 Recording starts after 15min: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrqvF5-knzk&t=186s
2024–2026 Biennial Goals
2022–2024 Progress Report on Global Programme to End Child Marriage. UNICEF Vote on 2024-2026 Funding PASSED $1.5M
2022–2024 Progress Report on Adolescent Girls Health & Protection in Peru UNICEF
2022–2024 Progress Report on Engaging Girls on Climate Change in Madagascar
2022-2024 Progress Report on Her Health & Dignity, Our Priority in PNG and Timor-Leste UNFPA
Business Session 8
Climate Empower: Community Empowerment and Innovation for Gender Transformative Climate Action UNFPA
Vote on 2024-2026 Funding PASSED $1M
One of two Proposed projects to include in 2024-2026:
(1) Strengthening Services for Survivors of Violence in Cambodia and the Philippines Presentation
(2) Laaha: A Virtual Safe Space for Women and Girls Presentation
Vote on 2024–2026 Funding for Laaha Project PASSED $750,000
2024–2026 Fundraising Goals
2024–2026 International Committee Chairs
Closing Ceremony Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvEsIPOLroc
Installation Ceremony of 2024-26 Governors, Nominating Committee, and International Board
