In lieu of an August business meeting, the Zonta Club of South County RI met for dinner at the Breachway Grill in Charlestown RI. Nearly all members were able to attend, and reviews of the event were universally positive. The food was very good and of course the company was outstanding.
Our club solicited raffle items from over 30 local businesses, enabling us to offer wonderful prizes for each daily raffle drawing in July. We sold tickets for $20 each and raised $3345 after expenses. That money will go a long way toward our service and advocacy programs.
Every two years, each of the Zonta Districts organizes an important conference for its members, filled with networking opportunities and educational programs. The theme this year is “Stronger Together: Leading with Strength, Positivity and Resilience.” Guest speaker Mary Knight, District 1 Secretary and Webmaster, enthusiastically gave us many good reasons to attend this year’s event, just a short distance away in Boston, October 24-26, 2025. Registration is now open at Fall Conference 2025 – Zonta District 1
At our June meeting, we were fortunate to have guest speaker Mary Ann Rubis, the District 1 Foundation Ambassador, speak to us about the goals and impressive work of the Foundation. Funded by donations from clubs and individual members, the Zonta Foundation supports projects implemented by United Nations agencies and recognized non-governmental agencies. Climate empowerment, ending child marriage, and creating a safe virtual place for women and girls are some of the priorities. Much more information can be found on the Zonta Foundation website, along with instructions on how to make a donation.
During April and early May, our club collected cash and feminine hygiene products to donate to local organizations and schools. We assembled 98 kits and a number of boxes of various products. For women and girls living with homelessness or poverty, having a period is a financial burden that often causes shame and embarrassment. Basic menstrual hygiene products are costly, but pads and tampons are considered “non-essential” by the federal government, so they are not covered by SNAP and WIC programs. What’s more, women and teens who are homeless or financially strapped often lack consistent access to hygiene products. Our Zonta Club was pleased to make a difference in the lives of these women and girls.
At our May 2025 Annual Meeting, we officially welcomed five new members. Donna Raycraft, Zonta District 1 Governor and member of the Zonta Club of Concord NH, joined us for our formal induction ceremony. She also gave an informative presentation on District 1 and the upcoming Fall Conference.
Our Zonta Club is proud to be participating in Zonta International’s Twinning Program, whose mission is to foster global connections, exchange knowledge and promote fellowship among clubs around the world. Through twinning, Zonta clubs gain valuable opportunities to learn from one another and strengthen their collective impact. We are paired with a club in Australia and look forward to sharing ideas. Look for more details in the coming months!
At our March meeting, the Program Committee presented a video entitled “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” to our members. March 8th is International Women’s Day as well as Zonta Rose Day, so the topic was very timely. After the video, several Club members shared their career challenges working in male dominated work arenas. It was hoped that many of the young women of today will no longer find themselves in similar situations, and that greater equality between the genders would exist.
Our Club President, Nadine Salley, was the guest speaker at the January 22, 2025 Zonta Lieutenant Governor’s Membership Committee Meeting. Nadine was asked to address the attendees about processes and procedures required to start a new club. She provided the rationale for establishing a club in an Over 55 Community. As the founder of our club, chartered in the Fall of 2023, she was able to provide practical advice regarding recruitment of members, managing meetings, logistics of filing for not-for-profit status, effective ways of coordinating with the District and International leaders, and much more.
