Advocacy Trainings

This Section is for USA Advocacy.

What works in the United States. See the training page for details and downloads.

What is advocacy?
Advocacy is the expression of support for, or opposition to, a cause, argument or proposal. Advocacy actions may include influencing laws, legislation or attitudes.

What is Zonta advocacy?
Zonta advocacy is an action taken in “the public interest” or for “the greater good” with respect to empowering women and girls and their human rights. The International Advocacy Committee encourages districts/regions, areas and clubs to use the below resources to increase advocacy actions at the district/region, area and club levels. Zonta International, its districts and its clubs shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian.

Zonta Advocacy is Political, but NON-partisan. Learn more:

See zonta.org/myzonta for policies on advocacy and International tools.

Job Description: District Representative to the Zonta USA Caucus

For District Governor, and District Advocacy Chairs and USA Caucus representatives.

Delegates

The USA Caucus is composed of one voting delegate from each of the ZI Districts with at least one club in the USA. The Delegate is appointed by the District Governor to serve for their biennium. If a delegate cannot serve, the Governor shall replace the delegate promptly.

Delegates will appoint a member of the USA Caucus to record minutes of meetings or otherwise engage someone to take minutes at each meeting. The Caucus may create committees to perform the work of the Caucus who may decide to include at-large members. All Caucus Delegates are expected to actively serve on at least one committee.

Delegates to the USA Caucus will be responsible for deciding the actions of the USA Caucus. If a quorum is in attendance, a majority will determine actions. A quorum shall consist of voting members from 10 districts. A majority is defined as the majority of the delegates present at the convened meeting of the USA Caucus. Voting may be conducted electronically. When voting on unanimous statements, Delegates must get verbal approval from their district governor.

A summarized meeting report or meeting minutes will be submitted to the District Advocacy Chair and Governor by the USA Caucus delegate attending the USA Caucus meeting. Notification of amendments will b sent to all voting delegates prior to the vote.

Alternates

The Alternate is also appointed by the District Governor to serve for their biennium. Governors are encouraged to appoint an alternate with communication and presentation skills. If a Delegate cannot serve, the Governor shall replace the Delegate promptly, and the Alternate shall vote until a replacement is named. All Alternates are expected to actively serve on at least one committee.

In addition to attending meetings when Delegates cannot attend, Alternates will work with their District Delegate as needed. Alternates do not have voting privileges.