Membership

Add Your Voice – Zonta District 4

Zonta District 4 is proud to support the Zonta International’s Add Your Voice campaign. Our focus is simple: grow stronger, more vibrant clubs by making it easier and more rewarding to invite others into Zonta.

What This Means for District 4 Members

We are aligning with the global campaign with promoting practical tools, local incentives, and simple actions to help you recruit with confidence.

How You Can Take Action (District 4 Focus)

1. Invite with Purpose
   Identify 2–3 professional women in your network and personally invite them to a meeting or event.
   → Focus on conversation, not conversion.
2. Simplify Your Message
   Use consistent, clear language about what Zonta offers:

• Advocacy for women and girls
• Leadership and professional connection
• Meaningful community impact

3. Think Outside the Box
   Think beyond formal meetings:

• Combined Advocacy, Membership and/or Service initiatives
• Coffee meetups, bring-a-friend lunches
• Joint events with partner organizations

District 4 Incentives & Ideas

To accelerate growth, District 4 encourages clubs to adopt or pilot the following:

Membership Incentives

• Reduced or waived first-year dues for new members (club discretion)
• Referral recognition for members who introduce new joiners
• Corporate or group membership pilots (where feasible)
• “Bring One, Grow One” initiative – each member aims to bring at least one guest annually

Club-Level Recognition

• Recognition at District Conference for:
• Highest net membership growth
• Most new member referrals
• Most creative recruitment initiative

Key Campaign Timing

• Focus recruitment efforts: April & May

• Clubs: Add new members online. Track your member recruitment via the form https://zonta.org/images/docs/MyZonta/Forms/Prospective%20Member%20Questionnaire%20Form.pdf

• Submit grants and recognition forms: By 31 May

• The top three winners in each size tier for clubs will receive recognition.
• In addition, members who recruit two or more club or supporting members to Zonta will also receive recognition.
• Recognition will be given on the zonta.org website, in member communications and at the 2026 Vancouver Convention.
  • LARGE CLUBS- 30 MEMBERS OR MORE Recognition for the top 3 large-size clubs by percentage increase.
  • MID-SIZE CLUBS 16 TO 29 MEMBERS Recognition for the top 3 mid-size clubs by percentage increase.
  • SMALL-SCALE CLUBS 15 MEMBERS OR FEWER Recognition for the top 3 small-scale clubs by percentage increase.
  • SUPPORTING OR CLUB MEMBERS INDIVIDUALS Recognition for all members who recruit 2 or more members

That’s how we grow – one voice at a time.

Questions: Please contact [email protected]

Prospective Member Questionnaire Form PDF link

Membership Resources

Clubs can learn from the members who leave. Establish a Club Exit Survey.

2024-2026 District 4 Membership Committee

Membership is EVERYONE’s Responsibility

District 4 Membership Committee outlines clear goals and actionable strategies to recruit, retain, and revitalize club membership while aligning with the international organization’s strategic objectives. By fostering engagement and leadership, we aim to enhance the impact of our clubs in advocating for the status of women and girls.

D4 Membership’s Overall Objective:

To recruit, retain, and revitalize club membership in the district while aligning with the international organization’s four strategic goals.

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Recruitment
2. Retention
3. Revitalization

Goals for the District Membership Committee

Goal 1: Credible and Visible Voice

Objective: Position our clubs as trusted advocates for women and girls, enhancing credibility through membership engagement.

Goal 2: Club Success

Objective: Foster a culture of growth and success within each club to enhance overall membership.

Goal 3: International Leadership & Sustainability

Objective: Equip clubs with the tools and knowledge to operate sustainably and take on leadership roles at the District and International levels.

Goal 4: Engagement of Audiences & Allies

Objective: Cultivate a broad network of supporters and allies to enhance club visibility and advocacy efforts.

1. Recruitment Resources
2. Retention Resources
3. Revitalize Resources

Member Spotlight

Contact Membership to add your club’s new members.

Paula Fidurko Bernstein is a life-long Olean resident who lives with her husband and two rescue dogs, Bear and Colt, and rescue cat, Kitty Mouse. She is known for giving her personal involvement, time, talent, and leadership to a variety of community causes and non-profit organizations. For most of her life, Paula has volunteered her time, energy, skills, and talent to the Olean community, she credits her father David Fidurko, who pass in July of 2023 and her mother, Penny Ethridge Fidurko, who passed in December of 2022, for instilling the need to be kind to other and serve your community as you would like them to serve you. Since 2018, Paula has served on the Genesis House of Olean board as Co-Chair of Fundraising Committee and Chair of Public Image/Social Media. She is on the Friends of the Library Board, Olean Music Boosters as Chair of Public Image/Social Media/Vice President of Board and starting the year she is now serving on the board of the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce. Paula is serving her fourth year as President of the Rotary Club of Olean. Paula is also the Area Governor for Area 15 for Rotary District 7090 as she takes care of district business for the Olean and Ellicottville clubs. Paula is grateful for the opportunity to support the rural communities she loves through the usage of public art and her service with the Tri-County Arts Council. “I hope to be able to build on TCAC’s success and make the organization as inclusive as possible for artists of all genres in all three counties,” she said.

Hi, My name is Gulay Yayar, and I’m so excited and grateful to be part of ZONTA and this incredible group of inspiring women. Joining this organization feels meaningful because I often think about the women and girls around the world who are denied the basic rights we often take for granted—such as choosing their education, spouse, or career; experiencing personal freedom; driving a car; or even something as simple as laughing or having coffee alone.

I joined ZONTA because I deeply believe that women are life-makers. Unfortunately, due to political, cultural, or religious barriers, many of us are denied the opportunity to live fully and freely. Through this organization, I’m hopeful we can bring positive change to the lives of women and girls who need our help. My philosophy is that no one is strong enough to solve every problem alone. But together, we can empower one another, make life better, and build a brighter future.

A little about me: I moved to Canada in 2010. As a newcomer with limited English, I worked various jobs and lived in Toronto for eight years before moving to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, where I’ve been for the last five years. Back home, I was a high school math teacher for seven years. However, due to language barriers, I wasn’t confident enough to pursue teaching here. Instead, I earned a Business Administration diploma with a focus on accounting from George Brown College, which greatly helped me improve my English. Although I never pursued accounting as a career, that journey led me to where I am today.

Currently, I’m in the final stages of my real estate course, with just one exam left to complete. I’m planning to begin my career as a real estate agent by the end of January, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.

In closing, I want to say how fortunate we are compared to many girls and women facing unimaginable challenges. Together, we have the power to help them and create a better future because every single person deserves a chance at a fulfilling life.

Thank you for welcoming me into this wonderful group.