Zonta Club of Chenango County members along with Zonta District 2 Governor Lorraine Abess, District 2 Lieutenant Governor Iraina Gerchman, and Area 2 Director Dianne DiMeo at their chartering and induction ceremony. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — The Zonta Club of Chenango County held their chartering and induction ceremony on Sunday, September 14 at the Canasawacta Country Club.

“Zonta International is a global organization that has been dedicated for over 100 years to advancing the status of women and building a better world for women and girls,” said District 2 Governor Lorraine Abess. “Zonta brings together a diverse network of individuals across more than 60 countries. What unites us is not just a commitment to service, but also to advocacy, empowerment, integrity, and diversity.”

“Zonta” is derived from a Lakhota word meaning “honest” and “trustworthy.” Their emblem is a composite of several Sioux symbols, which represent inspiration, loyalty, “to carry together,” shelter, honesty, and trust.

Through these values, Zonta International aims to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health, and status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy; to promote and supervise the organization of Zonta Clubs throughout the world; and to work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of members.

Other goals of the organization are to promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the world.