ZONTA ST. PAUL FOUNDATION:

Several months ago, we agreed to apply to the IRS for a 501(c)3 non-profit status so that we could begin to receive tax-deductible contributions. After many months, we finally received word that our request was denied. However, the IRS did advise us to create a separate foundation and then re-apply. Our treasurer has completed the necessary documents to create such a foundation and re-apply for this status. The Board will be reviewing these documents at our next meeting and filing them for approval with the IRS. When this is approved, which it should be, then we can legitimately accept contributions which will be tax-deductible to our donors. This will be particularly important to any of us who consider including Zonta St. Paul in our estate plans. Watch for more word.

Zonta International Convention
Gothenburg, Sweden
June 28-July 4, 2002

The opening ceremonies were fantastic. Every country was represented by a Zonta member wearing her native dress and carrying her country's flag while the country name was lit up on the large stage screen. The keynote speaker was Penelope Wensley, Senior Officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She has also served as Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations. Ms.Wensley was very impressed with the work that Zonta is doing and the title of her speech was "Challenging Miss Muffet's Fate" The entire conference was in English with five other languages interpreted by means of headphones.

The first business meeting began Monday morning with speeches from the candidates and an open forum "meet the candidates" in the afternoon. There were many incredible women running for offices and it was very impressive to meet them. That evening was the Nobel Ceremonies where actors portrayed the King and Queen and six Nobel prizewinners from the past, including Mother Teresa. It all began with a speech from the "real" president of the Republic of Latvia and included many beautiful solos by two opera singers. Dinner afterwards was a formal affair and congratulated the Nobel Prize winners with an outstanding meal and traditional folk music.

On Tuesday morning we voted early and then came together for the second business meeting. This agenda included many bylaw changes. There were three microphones on the floor (pro, con, & procedural) for members to share their opinions. There was maximum time spent on many of the issues so the meeting had to be continued in the following day. The Keynote speaker of the day was Mr. Roger Hendrickson, Professor, Medical Director at Astra Zeneca, the world's leading pharmaceutical company.

Before the fourth business meeting began on Wednesday there was a memorial service for all Zonta members who had passed away in the past two years since the last convention. The most powerful part of the entire convention was the reports of the International Service projects. Over 15,000 babies lives have been saved because of the Neonatal Tetanus elimination project in Nepal. $350,000 is being spent to educate the communities of the 6,000 women per day being affected by Female Genital Circumcision. Another $395,000 is budgeted to eliminate violence against women in India. This will save many of the 120,000 women & girls being trafficked each year. The afternoon was spent listening to speakers who had received the YWPA, Amelia Earhart and J Klausman awards. This was a group of very impressive young women. The Nordic Delight Dinner offered a buffet of Swedish food and entertainment by a Swedish folk group. Many of the Swedish, Finish and Danish Zontians dressed in their native dress and danced around the dining hall.

Thursday morning began with the sixth business meeting and it was reported that 1,348 Zontians had attended the convention. There were two keynote speakers addressing subjects like the local and global power of the women advocate and women in peacekeeping. Before the closing ceremony there was a reception for the outgoing president Mary Magee and the incoming president Margit Webjorn.

The social events of this convention allowed us to meet women from all over the world and to exchange ideas and promote many global friendships.

Many of the by-law changes that were recommended were referred back to committee and will be brought to us again in New York in 2004. The proposed by-law changes regarding eligibility for officers positions both within clubs and at area and district levels were all defeated. While it was obvious that many of the officers at all of these levels, especially in North America, are not actively employed in their classification, still these by-laws were not approved. I'm sure we will see these again in 2004 as well.

Additionally, discussions began among the district governors of North America about the possibility of hosting a North American Summit, similar to a conference held in Europe this Spring. I'm sure we will hear more about that possibility.

I sincerely appreciate all the work that you each put into making it possible for Connie and I to attend our first International Convention. It was exciting and energizing. I encourage each of you to consider attending the 2004 Convention in New York and begin planning to attend 2006 Convention in Australia.

Thank you for your support and assistance. We simply could not have attended with out your financial support.