Membership FAQs

What's different about Zonta from all the women's networks in Rochester?

Zonta is the only international service organization focused on advancing the political, economic, social and educational status of women worldwide. Zontians work throughout the world to address the needs of women at all socio/economic levels. These needs include basic health, education, welfare and human rights. At another level, Zonta enhances women's skills to advance in business and the professions and enriches their personal lives.

What does the Rochester Club consider to be its value to the local community?

ZCR's value to the community lies in the service and fund raising efforts of its members. In 2002-04, Zontians performed about 4,000 hours of service to local agencies whose missions are in line with Zonta's. In that time frame, we raised over $25,000 for local agencies. These funds enabled thousands of women and children to participate in life changing programs. Our goals in 2004-05 include performing at least 1,800 hours of service and raising $14,000 for local agencies. Besides these direct benefits to the community, ZCR participates in Legislation and Advocacy efforts that affect women in our community and throughout the world. We routinely keep members and their friends aware of important upcoming legislation. We actively participate on the Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium, which advocates for valuable legislation and educational programs to address domestic violence.

If I join now, how much would it cost?

Zonta Club of Rochester annual dues are $100, which cover membership from June 1-May 31 of the Zonta fiscal year. If you join after Dec. 1, the dues are $54 until May 31 of that year. New members also pay a one-time fee of $30 to cover membership installation at the local and international level, regardless of the time of year in which they join.

What are some examples of community service?

A sampling of ZCR community service projects include

• helping to organize and run special events that benefit clients at agencies like Sojourner House, Baden Street, The Genesee Valley Women's Foundation and Alternatives for Battered Women.
• working with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a worthy family.
• participating in household, clothing and toy drives for local agencies, especially around holiday time.
• holding other non-profit board seats with Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley, Friendship Nursery, Domestic Violence Consortium and HCR Care's.

What challenges does Zonta Club of Rochester face and how can I help?

Zonta is one of Rochester's best kept secrets. A low profile, our unique mission, an abundance of women's networks in the area and the perception of large time commitments make attracting eligible new members a challenge. However, once new Zontians become engaged in the club and in the community, their satisfaction in belonging to this special organization usually keeps them coming back year after year. At least one third of our membership has been active for over 20 years.

You can help by joining Zonta, giving your special talents and helping to spread the good word.

How large is the Rochester Club and what is the member profile?

ZCR's current membership stands at 34. Members are professionals and executives in a variety of businesses and professions. Some members are prominent figures in the business and non-profit communities. While the average ZCR member is a mid-career professional, new members are welcome at any stage in their careers, so long as they are actively engaged at least 20 hours in their profession.

I am not sure I want to join right now. Can I attend some business - dinner meetings before I make my decision?

Yes. Most members attend a few monthly meetings as guests before they join.

I am so busy at work and with my personal activities in the evenings. What are the time commitments? Do I have to attend all meetings?

All ZCR members participate in service projects, fund raising or committees. This can take many forms with varying degrees of time commitment. Members give as little as 2 hours to as much as 20-30 hours a month, depending on their available time, talents and interest levels.

ZCR encourages Zontians to attend dinner meetings regularly. That's our chance to conduct business that involves the entire club, network with each other and learn about issues that affect our mission. At the same time, we understand that members' work and personal commitments often make it impossible to attend every meeting.

I do not like selling things to friends and neighbors. How do you raise funding for grants and scholarships? What have you done for the last two years?

The bulk of funding for grants and scholarships comes from our annual fundraiser, usually held in May. For the past 12 years, this event consisted of a Live and Silent Auction. In 2004, we expanded our fund raiser to attract a more diverse audience and sponsorship. Besides holding Luncheon & Auction with a prominent guest speaker, Mary Wilson, Professional Tennis Player and First Lady of the Buffalo Bills, we worked with MidTown Athletic Club to present a high profile exhibition tennis match between Mary Wilson and Tom Golisano, the evening before the Auction. We raised $24,000 (net) in 2004 from these events alone.

The Fund Raising Committee, which reports directly to the ZCR Board, is responsible for organizing the annual fund raiser and recruiting sponsors. Members of this committee enjoy planning events and communicating with the media and leaders in the business community.

Funding also comes from unsolicited individual contributions. These are often made in the name of honored members or in the memory of members who have passed away.

I am burned out by the business world during the day. I like to unwind on my "off" hours. Is Zonta too much like work?

Many members apply their professional talents to Zonta committee work. In this case, Zonta can be like work …but with added satisfaction of giving of yourself, doing good for others and making or strengthening friendships with others who share your interests. Some members prefer to simply contribute in ways that take them totally away from their professional lives. Either way, working in Zonta becomes a worthwhile and gratifying diversion from the demands of daily work life.

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