ADVOCACY -Completing the Puzzle- DISTRICT 1 ORIENTATION Fall Conference, October 25, 2014 JoAnn Higgins, Co Chair (USA), District 1 Advocacy Committee, Marie McCully Collier, Co Chair (Canada), District 1 Advocacy Committee,

What is Advocacy? Advocacy is the expression of support for or opposition to a cause, argument or proposal. Advocacy may include influencing laws, legislation or attitudes. Zonta advocacy is an action taken in “the public interest” or for the “greater good” with respect to advancing the status of women and girls and their human rights. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian. (ZI Bylaws Article III Policy, Section 1.)

ADVOCACY Mission statement: Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta International Strategic Goals Goal 1 – Service Goal 2- Advocacy Zonta International, its districts, areas and clubs initiate mission focused advocacy actions based on Zonta’s objects and adopted resolutions. Zonta strongly advocates for Women’s rights Gender sensitivity in the drafting and implementing of laws Increased women’s representation in decision making positions Prevention of violence against women Zonta will seek cooperation with governments, UN Agencies and like minded NGO’s when beneficial No action will jeopardize the credibility of Zonta Goal 3 - Resources

Zonta Advocacy International level (Convention, ZI Board) - take actions, mainly in relation to the UN - inspire local and national efforts - provide tools. District level (Conference, District Board) - educate, inspire - provide information and guidance - coordinate club actions. Club level (Club meetings, Club Board) - identify important local issues - educate members, find facts - take actions, follow up, act as “watch dogs”. All levels – Zonta says no!

……..Resources! Policies - Advocacy Policy Affiliation Policy 2014 Zonta Resources - Local Advocacy in your Club and District - Steps to launch Advocacy in your Club - Advocacy/Service Project Scorecard, October Advocacy framework (per CEDAW) District 1 Advocacy Platform 2013 (ongoing) Advocacy Committee Newsletters - International Advocacy Committee Some of the puzzle pieces……………..

Putting the puzzle pieces together………. ………have a process Know and understand Zonta International goals, policies and resources Define the issue and identify what you want to do or have done Research your position well – get input from knowledgeable people Determine what action to take Get buy-in and support from your Club Identify ”what do you say” and “who do you approach” Document, monitor, follow-up,evaluate Plan next steps

Putting the puzzle pieces together………. …………..What about your club? What’s going on in your community? What do you care about? Have you found your voice or are you relying on others? Where do you fit in to solve problems & make a difference?

Putting the puzzle pieces together………. ……….District support ASAP! Appoint a representative from your Club to join a private District 1 Advocacy Blog at WordPress.com moderated by JoAnn and Marie Share your experiences and actions Contribute to and learn from each other Embrace advocacy Make advocacy a real activity in your club