November 2014 President’s Letter

Dear Zonta Friends,

The Thanksgiving holiday is the traditional occasion when we are grateful for the joys and gifts in our lives. Maybe we could extend the tradition of giving thanks throughout the year, because research shows that gratitude is good for our mental and physical health. Grateful people tend to be more optimistic, which researchers say boosts the immune system. Gratitude also helps us better manage stress, so that the stress does not result in well-known health problems.

I am grateful that being a member of Zonta II is a source of inspiration for me, as I witness the generosity and talent of our members. I am also grateful that my participation in Zonta service and advocacy projects has been a source of personal growth for me, because I have learned from many of the people we serve. Each of us could volunteer individually in the community, but joining together in a Zonta service or advocacy project provides a synergy where the sum seems to be greater than the parts. And all of our other club committee involvement—fundraising, membership, and public relations—is geared toward the same goal of supporting women in need in our community.

We have invited the Rev. Diana Flahive as our guest speaker for the November 20 general meeting at the University Club, who will share with us the work that is being done to meet the critical needs of homeless women. I hope to see you there.

Warm regards,

Suzanne