Advocacy Efforts

January 10, 2012 - Understanding and Utilizing the Legislative Process

Join us at our January meeting with guest speaker, Michelle Paul-Federici, lawyer for the American Federation of Teachers union and former staff member to the Illinois House Speaker, Michael Madigan.  Michelle will give an "inside" view to Zonta members and guests on the legislative process, as well as discuss how to effectively advocate for women's issues and promote legislation to state and federal elected officials.

February 18, 2012 - Zonta Women's Health Symposium and Breakfast at the Jacob Henry Mansion

The Zonta Club of Joliet and its LAA committee is hosting this special Saturday morning event addressing women's health care in today's environment.  Facilitated by our very own Senator A. J. Wilhelmi, the breakfast is planned to be opened to the community and will include a panel of experts who'll speak on issues and trends affecting women's health care and how the Affordable Care Act relates to that care.
        Zontian Support Needed:  Zontians who belong to or know of an organization interested in sponsoring or having a resource table at the event, please contact a member of the LAA committee as soon as possible.

March 2012 - Springfield Drive-Down

In honor of Women's History Month, early plans are underway to visit legislators in Springfield and advocate for women's issues with other Zonta Clubs.  The Drive-Down will include meetings throughout the day and a reception in the evening with Illinois legislators.  Senator Wilhelmi has graciously agreed to work with us on this event.

Other Advocacy Opportunities

Million Moms Challenge

The Honorable Mary Kay O'Brien (Zonta Club of Kankakee and Illinois LAA liason) has asked that we support the Million Moms Challenge, a group seeking to engage a million Americans will millions of moms in the developing world facing issues impacting pregnancy, childbirth and children's health.  Show your support for this critical issue and join the Million Moms Challenge at no cost to you.  The great news is that the Johnson and Johnson Corporation will donate $1 for every person who signs up.  Go to www.millionmomschallenge.com for more information.

November 25 to December 10, 2012 - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

This international campaign originated from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991.  November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10 is the International Human Rights Day.  During this time, women throughout the world will hold events and provide information in various ways including:

  • Raising awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels.

  • Strengthening local work around violence against women.

  • Establishing a clear link between local and international work to end violence against women.

  • Providing a forum in which organizers can develop and share new and effective strategies.

  • Demonstrating the solidarity of women around the world organizing violence against women.

  • Creating tools to pressure governments to implement promises made to eliminate violence against women.

Note:  Over 3700 organizations in approximately 164 countries have participated in the 16 Days Campaign since 1991.  Go to www.16dayscwgl.rutgers.edu .

Contact the LAA Committee for more information.  Mary Baudino, Mary Lancaster, Beth Ann May, Roxane Geraci-Militelo, Yolanda Reyes.

Advocacy Calendar

  • January 10, 2012
    Understanding and Utilizing the Legislative Process
  • February 18, 2012
    Zonta Women's Health Symposium and Breakfast at the Jacob Henry Mansion
  • March 2012
    Springfield Drive-Down
  • November 25 - December 10, 2012
    16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence