“Zonta” is derived from Lakhota (Teton Dakota), a language of the Native-American Sioux peoples, a 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.

Our mission

Zonta is a worldwide nonpartisan and nonsectarian membership organization of professionals who work to empower women through service and advocacy.

Our vision

Zonta envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

Structure and leadership

For administrative purposes, Zonta International is divided into 32 districts worldwide. Districts establish areas within their districts to implement administrative functions. Each area is comprised of clubs that facilitate the mission of Zonta at the local level, tailored to the needs of their communities, while also functioning as a integrated component of the entire Zonta hierarchy.

The Zonta Club of Grants Pass is in Area 4 of District 8

Our history

1919 – Convention of Zonta Clubs founded in Buffalo, New York, USA. Mary Jenkins is elected first president.

1930 – “Zonta International” name is adopted as the first European club is established in Vienna, Austria.

1947 – The Zonta Club of Grants Pass is chartered on April 17th.  Many years later, the Zonta Club of Grants Pass Foundation was established thanks to a bequest from a local community member.

Our club

We are a diverse group of individuals brought together by a passion to make a difference –  and kept together by lifelong friendships.  We are moms, professionals, retirees, daughters, business owners, widows, politicians, survivors, and friends.