March 2015 President’s Letter

PRESIDENT’S LETTER
MARCH 2015

Dear Zonta friends,
I am writing this letter to you on March 8, International Women’s Day. Yesterday, Ginni and I joined about 40 to 50 community members on the steps of the State Capitol at a forum to advocate global nonviolence. This event was sponsored by one of our Club’s partner agencies, the Empowerment Program, to observe International Women’s Day. Ginni and I had the opportunity to speak directly with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who spoke at the event. Mayor Hancock shared a personal tragedy in his family that occurred when his sister was murdered, a victim of domestic violence. I had the opportunity to give a brief address to the crowd to inform them about Denver II’s support of Empowerment, and Zonta’s commitment to prevent gender-based violence locally and globally. I found out about this event only two weeks before it was scheduled, and contacted Joycee Kennedy, a social worker at Empowerment who organized this forum. She is eager to work with Zonta II on future advocacy about nonviolence, and our Advocacy Committee Chair, Sharon, will explore how our Club can partner with Empowerment on this issue.

International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909, to advocate for women’s voting rights and fair labor practices for women. Today, it is observed in dozens of countries, both developed and developing, to celebrate women’s social, economic and political achievements, and to advocate greater equality. There is a website for sharing news, events, and resources about IWD around the globe: www.internationalwomensday.com. I hope that next year Denver II will commemorate International Women’s Day in a meaningful way.

Our wine tasting event on March 28 is fast approaching. This will be a festive event for all of our members and guests. Register by March 21 for a discount price. We also have a general meeting scheduled on March 26 at the University Club.

Warm regards,
Suzanne