...Continued on page 15
BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee considers proposed bylaws amendments and resolutions, makes recommendations to the International Board and submits a report to Convention. The Committee may also propose bylaws amendments and develop resolutions designed to further the Objects of Zonta International. Past International President Margit Webjörn, Chairman Zonta Club of Trosa, Sweden
Renee Coppock Vivienne Shen
As a member of Zonta International for more than 30 years, Margit has held leadership positions at the club, district and international levels, including serving as the International President for the 2002-2004 Biennium and the Charter President of the Zonta Club of Trosa. She first joined Zonta in 1978 because it was an international organization with a mission that she believed in. Her belief in that mission has not changed; however, today, she also values the friendships she has made with Zontians from many parts of the world. As a long-time member of Zonta, Margit is proud of Zonta’s efforts over the years to become an organization that focuses on both service and advocating for women’s rights. “By combining service and advocacy, we can make sustainable improvements in women’s lives, locally and globally,” says Margit. A retired architect, Margit found enjoyment in the building process and the real, visual results of her work. She also enjoyed the broad scope of work that architecture entails, including art, technology, science, society and people. Margit will serve as the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Chairman for the third straight biennium. She understands the importance of the Bylaws of Zonta International, which express Zonta’s values and provide rules to protect them, ensuring good governance of the organization. “Good governance will enhance our credibility. It will save time and energy for service and advocacy, making us more visible as we work to advance the status of women,” says Margit.
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE The Centennial Anniversary Committee proposes plans to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Zonta International with the publication of a centennial history, together with a range of celebratory events in every country of the Zonta world in 2019. Past International President Val Sarah, Chairman Zonta Club of Ballarat Inc, Australia
Ronda Walker, Vice Chairman Nickie Bonner Vivian Cody Amy Lai Beryl McMillan A.O. Omotayo Morgan Eva Nielsen
16
The Zontian • july 2012
Val joined Zonta in 1978 because Zonta offered the promise of a lifetime of service, on an international scale, with a group of like-minded women around the world. In the more than three decades since, Zontians have become another ‘family’, always there with support and encouragement and a never-ending source of new knowledge and skills. Val is proud of the opportunities Zonta offers to women of high achievement and to women marginalized or disadvantaged in communities worldwide. Val has served in many leadership positions throughout Zonta, including most notably as Zonta International President during the 1998-2000 Biennium. From 1996 to 2000, she was one member of a small team working on the publication of a history of Zonta International 19191999, celebrating Zonta’s 80th Anniversary. This biennium, Val will serve her second consecutive term as Chairman of the Centennial Anniversary Committee. In this role, she will encourage every club and district to assess their archives and arrange for appropriate storage of their records. The Committee will help clubs recognize how these materials can be a valuable PR resource—one that demonstrates a history of achievement and can help to attract new members. She and her committee will also complete the assessment and safe storage of ZI archives in preparation for the publication of Zonta’s centennial history in 2020. Val retired after 50 years in television production and presentation, fashion, travel and community service. She currently volunteers full-time for not-for-profit organizations as a way to give back while maintaining networks and friendships in the community. Her passion is helping young people to reach their potential, particularly in the arts.