History
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 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 63 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.
Nine years after Zonta International started in Buffalo, New York, Edna Maybury, a charter member of the Zonta Club of Seattle organized the Zonta Club of Olympia. Charter number 56 was granted on October 10, 1928. Edna reported for the Charter Ceremony, “I wore a navy suit with matching shoes and hat, set off with pearls”.
As a new club our first service project was the Recreation Council – we promoted a swimming hole on the Deschutes River and provided transportation for girls and boys for swimming and picnics. To earn money to fund this project we held a Summer Festival and Style Show in the lovely gardens of the Peter G. Schmidt Estate.
In 1977, the German Sausage Booth started at Lakefair and we were the first women’s organization to participate in the Salvation Army bell ringing, both projects we have continued to work every year since.
Zonta of Olympia has been active in our community from the start. We have not only supported a wide variety oflocal and area groups as needs have arisen, we have also supported our organization in their national and international efforts.
