The Z-clubs & Golden Z The Z-clubs & Golden Z ClubClub

Kara Applekamp, 1st Vice-President, MSHS Z Club AdvisorLaura Klar, NMU Golden Z Club Advisor

What are Z Clubs? What are Z Clubs?

One of Zonta International’s programsProvide opportunities for youth

◦to develop leadership skills◦explore career options◦ improve awareness of international issues

Z club = high schoolGolden 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?How did Z Clubs Start?

Developed in 1948 in Burbank, CaliforniaBoy’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 USInternational in 1964 (Canada, France)1978 – bylaws amended to allow males!195 Z & Golden Z Clubs worldwide (17

countries)

How did our clubs start?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 NMUNegaunee High School Z Club (1997)

How would I start a club?How would I start a club?

See manual on the Zonta Int’l website with explicit instructions & resources

Sponsored by the local Zonta clubSponsoring 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 …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 ClubsObjectives of the Clubs

To serve the school with which it is affiliated

To serve the communityTo provide career guidance and to

encourage leadership qualities in studentsTo 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 AwardEmma 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 ProjectsInternational Projects

Sponsoring International Speakers

Heifer International Fundraiser

Scholarship OpportunitiesScholarship 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 ProjectsExamples of Past Service Projects

Make a Difference Day

Literacy Day (reading to children)

Lighting up the Holidays (donating books to children)

Face Painting @ Kaleidoscope

Bowl for Kid’s SakeMarch of Dimes Walk

Fund-raiser

Habitat for HumanityAdopt a HighwayEaster Seals 24 hour

relayJacobetti Veteran’s

FacilityWildcat Den-tutoring

children Salvation Army Bell

Ringing & Adopt a Family

Teaching Family Homes

Past Golden Z President Courtney Past Golden Z President Courtney BoaseBoase

“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 ClubJessica Geissler, MSHS Z Club

“I’ve been doing community service forever. I just enjoy helping people, especially little kids.”

Teri Bruce, NMU Golden Z ClubTeri 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 Christine Johnroe, NMU Golden Z ClubClub

“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 The Tall Ship experience was unlike any other. I met many unlike any other. I met many people and the friendships I people and the friendships I made are still in existence. made are still in existence. The whole opportunity was The whole opportunity was unforgettable.”unforgettable.”

Michelle JohnsonMichelle JohnsonMSHS Z-club VPMSHS Z-club VP

The positives…The positives…

•Mentoring Opportunities•Hands on Volunteerism

•Community Events•Fresh New Ideas

•FUN!!!

Struggles and ChallengesStruggles 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 websiteZonta website

www.zonta.org“Tools” “Z clubs and Golden Z clubs”“Manuals” “Z and Golden Z”Questions contact:

◦kara@karaapplekamp.com◦lauraklar@gmail.com◦kbalzarini@tfhomes.org