Our Projects Make a Difference

The Zonta Club of Fairfax supports a wide range of exciting service projects throughout the community. These projects include:

M• Parklawn Family Center
M• Edith Clark Nalls Scholarship at George Mason University
  • Barbara J. Lippa Scholarship at Northern Virginia Community College

The Parklawn Family Center is a place for family, teachers, and children to work collaboratively to support family learning. Edith Nalls Clark Scholarship is provided annually to graduate students at George Mason University. Barbara J. Lippa Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students at Northern Virginia Community college who are pursuing non-traditional fields of study.

Domestic Violence Initiative

One of the goals of Zonta International is to eliminate violence against women. In 1999 during our summer planning session, the Zonta Club of Fairfax County made a commitment to launch a Domestic Violence Initiative to address the needs of women and children victims in our local community. We joined the Northern Virginia Turn Off the Violence Coalition and established a subcommittee to formulate a plan and strategy for the year. Beginning in December 1999, our holiday event centered on wrapping gifts and Teddy Bears (provided by Good Bears of the World) for women and children at the Fairfax County Women's Shelter.

On 17 April 2001, the Zonta Club of Fairfax County cosponsored the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Vigil at the Fairfax County Government Center.  This event was also co-sponsored by various county and law enforcement agencies throughout Northern Virginia including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. Guest speakers for the evening included former Redskin player Mark Mosley and the State Attorney General. Jo Manson, President of the Zonta Club of Fairfax County presented a brief overview of Zonta, our Domestic Violence initiatives, and the Silent Witness program. Our club also exhibited at the vigil.  Zonta member attendees included Bobbee Cardillo, Cathy Angotti, Kim Perdos, and Pat Eyer. Our club has been asked to also participate in next year's vigil. Special Thanks to Can-oil Ann Ellis at the Victim's Services department of the Fairfax County Police Department for inviting us to participate in this vigil - It was an extremely moving and rewarding experience. Following the vigil, our Silent Witness figure went to George Mason University Where she will be on display from 23-26 April as part of an Art Display by and for Victims' of Crime at the school campus. Special thanks to Connie Kirkland  Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Program at George Mason University for inviting us to participate.      

Zonta International

The Zonta Club of Fairfax is part of Zonta International—a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions united in the pursuit of a common goal—to advance the status of women. The Zonta motto, "Successful Executives Serving the World" underscores our goal of improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health, and professional status of women. There are approximately 32,000 members of Zonta International in 71 countries.

Zonta International actively works to advance the status of women through its long-standing relationship with the United Nations. Since the founding of the United Nations in 1945, Zonta International has been an active supporter and currently holds Non-Government Organization Consultative Status. Through its substantial financial support of the United Nations' Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Zonta International helps to fund programs which enable women in developing countries to practice self-determination through self sufficiency. This biennium (and there have been others), Zonta International is funding their key international service project through the United Nations Children's Education Fund (UNICEF) and it is called The Burkina Faso Project.

ZISVAW
Eradicating Violence Against Women and Children

Zonta International Strategies to Eradicate Violence Against Women and Children (ZISVAW) is a program funded by the Zonta International Foundation. The program focuses on:

M• Prevention
M• Education and Awareness
M• Advocacy for Legislative and Political Reform

Living without violence is a basic human right, essential to participating fully in society and enjoying a high quality of life. By drawing upon the expertise and resources of Zonta members worldwide, ZISVAW can potentially help every woman and child at risk.

Amelia Earhart—Famed Aviation Pioneer and Zontian

When considering career choices, today's woman finds opportunities opening for her in fields that were once inaccessible to women. Zonta encourages young women to pursue non-traditional careers by funding women's education. In 1938, Zonta International established the Amelia Earhart Fellowship Awards in honor of the famed aviation pioneer and Zontian, Amelia Earhart. Individual fellowships of $6,000 are awarded annually to women pursuing graduate study in aerospace-related sciences and engineering.

Locally, we sponsor annual events and programs that celebrate Amelia Earhart's contributions to women in non-traditional careers. Several Zonta Club of Fairfax members are also members of the famous Ninety-Nines, Inc., the international organization of women pilots, of which Amelia Earhart was the first President.