The Z-clubs & Golden Z Club Kara Applekamp, 1 st Vice-President, MSHS Z Club Advisor Laura Klar, NMU Golden Z Club Advisor

What are Z Clubs? One of Zonta International’s programs Provide opportunities for youth ◦to develop leadership skills ◦explore career options ◦ improve awareness of international issues Z club = high school Golden Z Club = college/university Members identify and design service projects that benefit their school & community, as well as national and international projects “Future Leaders Building a Better World Today”

How did Z Clubs Start? Developed in 1948 in Burbank, California Boy’s Key Club advisor said to a female colleague “Why don’t you start something like this for girls???” Way for young women to explore career fields other than nursing, teaching & secretarial First 4 clubs in CA; spread across US International in 1964 (Canada, France) 1978 – bylaws amended to allow males! 195 Z & Golden Z Clubs worldwide (17 countries)

How did our clubs start? June Schaefer !!!!! Marquette Senior High School Z Club (1985) ◦Because Zonta members realized the importance of involving young people in Zonta’s ideas and efforts NMU Golden Z Club (1994) ◦Former MSHS Z Club members wanted to continue the experience at NMU Negaunee High School Z Club (1997)

How would I start a club? See manual on the Zonta Int’l website with explicit instructions & resources Sponsored by the local Zonta club Sponsoring club pays the charter registration fee ($25) and yearly renewal fee to Z. Int’l ($5) Requires a commitment by ALL club members ◦Serve as mentors ◦Provide resources & information ◦“Z pals”

Starting a club … Zonta member establishes contact with school rep Organize a school advisor, place to meet, way to recruit students Usually honor students, athletes, leaders – as Guidance counselors, coaches, teachers Manual online has sample letters, press releases, induction ceremony text, etc

Objectives of the Clubs To serve the school with which it is affiliated To serve the community To provide career guidance and to encourage leadership qualities in students To promote fellowship and better understanding among peoples of the world Meetings are run with agendas, minutes, club officers; there are by-laws, dues, etc.

Emma Conlon Award Est. in 1961 by Zonta Int’l pres Emma L. Conlon To encourage and recognize exemplary service according to Zonta’s ideals Provides Cash award for club to use for future service projects Application has 3 categories: local, national, international; describe 3 projects for each category

International Projects Sponsoring International Speakers Heifer International Fundraiser

Scholarship Opportunities Young Women in Public Affairs Award ($1000 district; $3000 Int’l(5)) Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship ($1000 district/$5000 Int’l (12)) Marquette Zonta Club sponsors scholarships ◦Higher Education Non-traditional Student Award ($500) ◦ Z Club scholarship – graduating senior ($500) ◦Golden Z Scholarship ($500) ◦Tall Ships

Examples of Past Service Projects Make a Difference Day Literacy Day (reading to children) Lighting up the Holidays (donating books to children) Face Kaleidoscope Bowl for Kid’s Sake March of Dimes Walk Fund-raiser Habitat for Humanity Adopt a Highway Easter Seals 24 hour relay Jacobetti Veteran’s Facility Wildcat Den-tutoring children Salvation Army Bell Ringing & Adopt a Family Teaching Family Homes

Past Golden Z President Courtney Boase “I joined Golden Z because I got a leadership scholarship to come to NMU. Golden Z caught my eye because they are really interested in the advancement of women and children. I don’t know what I would do with a lot of my time. There would be a real void for not helping or giving back. I enjoy doing it. I never dread a meeting or doing something. I have to volunteer.”

Jessica Geissler, MSHS Z Club “I’ve been doing community service forever. I just enjoy helping people, especially little kids.”

Teri Bruce, NMU Golden Z Club “Golden Z was a place for me to give back not only by participating in service events but a place for me to be a leader which I didn’t know I was capable of being. It was a great place to communicate ideas to help the community. My ideas were not only listened to, but they were supported and carried out to make a difference in other’s lives. That was the most rewarding feeling for me as an individual in this club”

Christine Johnroe, NMU Golden Z Club “Golden Z gave me many opportunities to volunteer in the community, and with each experience I gained a greater understanding of the importance of confidence, kindness, and friendship. Futhermore, I have formed relationships with intelligent and compassionate women that will last a lifetime.”

“The Tall Ship experience was unlike any other. I met many people and the friendships I made are still in existence. The whole opportunity was unforgettable.” Michelle Johnson MSHS Z-club VP

The positives… Mentoring Opportunities Hands on Volunteerism Community Events Fresh New Ideas FUN!!!

Struggles and Challenges Constantly recruiting, turnover from graduation Scheduling – college classes, high school sports and not all licensed Mentoring – finding support staff at schools Leadership skills – young people need to be taught this Time commitment – a whole extra group, meetings, events

Zonta website “Tools”  “Z clubs and Golden Z clubs” “Manuals”  “Z and Golden Z” Questions contact: