Zonta International was founded 8 November 1919 in Buffalo, New York, USA. As of 1995, there are more than 36,000 members in over 1,500 clubs in 67 countries.

During the spring and summer of 1919, club were organized in Buffalo, Elmira, and Syracuse ; New York, USA. These clubs were followed by Erie, Pennsylvania, USA ; Ithaca and Utica, New York, USA ; and Detroit, Michigan, USA. Under the leadership of its charter President, Marian de Forest, a playwright and newspaper critic, the Buffalo club established specific guidelines for membership and classification. The remaining eight clubs soon adopted these guidelines as well.

April of 1920 among the considerable business conducted, the Zonta colors—mahogany and gold—were chosen, and the Zonta emblem, designed by Buffalo Zontian and artist Helen Fuchs Gundlach, was officially authorized.

In October 1920, the presidents of all existing clubs met in Syracuse, New York, USA. Two important recommendations came out of the meeting : that the Zonta clubs take for their specific aim education and constructive work for girls and young women and that the Confederation’s first convention be held in Syracuse in May of 1921.

The United Nations

Zonta is active in the work of the United Nations, appointing representatives in New York, USA ; Paris, France ; Geneva, Switzerland ; and Vienna, Austria to attend the sessions and keep the membership informed. Zonta has had observers at sessions of the United Nations since its formation in 1946.

The Zonta International Foundation

Authorized by a convention action in 1984, the Zonta International Foundation was established as a vehicle through which Zonta International may seek and receive funds, grants and bequests. The Foundation receives and distributes monies for the Endowment Fund, the Amelia Earhart Fund, the International Service Fund, the General Operating Fund, the Michael J.Freeman Scholarships for Irish Women, and the Young Women in Public Affairs Awards.

The Story of the Zonta Emblem

Zonta’s emblem is a composite of five symbols, and the name “Zonta” is derived from the Sioux Indian word meaning “honest and trustworthy”

	What appears to be the letter “Z” is actually the Sioux symbol for “ray of light”, “sunshine” or “flash of radiance” –and so by extension, “inspiration”.
	This Sioux symbol means “to band together for a purpose” or “to stand together”.
	This is the Sioux way of saying “to carry together”
	This is the Sioux symbol for “shelter”
	The symbolism of the square is not exclusively Sioux, nor indeed is it exclusively Native American. It perhaps dates back even further than all of these other symbols in its representation of “Honesty” and “trust” --strong and vital qualities with which to bind together the parts of the whole.
	This symbol—composed of many symbols—became Zonta’s emblem signifying a radiant group of successful business executives and professionals who are loyal to the same inspired goals service and world understanding with none but the most honest and trustworthy motives.

Zonta Traditions

Zonta’s colors are mahogany and gold.

Zonta’s flower is the yellow rose.

Zonta’s pin : The membership pin is a symbol of our bond in Zonta. The Zonta pin is generally worn on the left side. The gavel is worn pointing up while serving as President, and pointing down after completion of the term.