ZONTA International
About Zonta International
Zonta International is a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. The Confederation of Zonta Clubs was founded on November 8, 1919 in Buffalo, N.Y. Today, Zonta consists of nearly 30,000 members in 1,200 Zonta Clubs across 66 countries.
The global headquarters is now located in Oak Brook, IL.
Values
Value Global Community
We believe in creating healthy, caring and lasting relationships between our members and our communities. We are at our best when we work together and support each other. Valuing the contributions of like-minded organizations to help us achieve our mission reflects humility, wisdom, and a commitment to collective progress. The Zonta community is worldwide. Together, we achieve something bigger than we could alone.
Value Friendship
The more we engage and work closely together to achieve our mission, the more we develop a special bond. The mission unites us and leads to friendship. We build friendships by treating each other with respect, being honest, and trying to understand one another. We work jointly and learn to appreciate each other. We care for and support each other. We work hard but also find time to have fun. And we value friendships that grow stronger and deeper through time.
Value Equality and Inclusion
Everyone deserves to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to participate in our work. All members are seen, heard, valued and uplifted by their Zonta membership. Equality and inclusion allow for healthy debate and create a harmonious organization.
Value Respect
We treat everyone with respect, dignity, fairness and kindness. Respect is the foundation upon which interpersonal relationships and personal growth are built. We appreciate diverse perspectives, and all members are treated with empathy and compassion. By being respectful of our friends, allies, supporters and members, we build better relationships.
Value Integrity
Integrity is the foundation of trustworthy behavior, ethical conduct, and strong character. It is the key to establishing and sustaining trust. Zontians encourage open, truthful communication and ethical decision-making. We are guided by and stay true to our principles. We are honest and straightforward about our mission to make the world a better place for women and girls.
Our Emblem
“Zonta” is derived from a Lakhota (Teton Dakota), a language of the Native-American Sioux peoples, word meaning honest and trustworthy. It was adopted in 1919 to symbolize the combined qualities of honesty and trust, inspiration and the ability to work together for service and world understanding.
The emblem is not simply a decorative design. It is an adaptation and composite of several Sioux Indian symbols which when superimposed take on a special significance for Zontians.


