Four women with donated household items.
Speaker delivering a presentation at a Zonta International event.

Driving Equality Through Action

Advocacy is the expression of support for, or opposition to, a cause, argument, or proposal. It often involves influencing laws, legislation, or public attitudes to create change. At Zonta Club of Milwaukee, advocacy means acting in the public's interest to empower women and girls and protect their human rights.

A diverse group of people marching outdoors, many wearing orange shirts and holding signs.

Advocacy in Action

The Zonta Club of Milwaukee actively participates in advocacy efforts that raise awareness, influence policy, and build safer communities for women.

  • International Women’s Day (March 8): Each year, members celebrate women’s economic, political, and social achievements. Past events included training sessions with the Wisconsin Legislature.
  • Women’s Equality Day (August 26): The club joins statewide commemorations of the 19th Amendment. Activities have included film screenings, keynote lectures, and community conversations.
  • Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee: Members serve on policy and legislation committees, sign petitions in support of anti-trafficking efforts, and help raise awareness—such as securing billboard space for the “Unlucky Thirteen” campaign.
  • Youth Anti-Violence Project: In partnership with Neu-Life Community Development, the club piloted a self-sustaining program for youth (age 10+) focused on preventing sexual violence and trafficking. Using ARTREACH and TIPS curricula, Zontians trained youth to become peer advocates and awareness builders.
  • Zonta Says No to Violence: Each year, from November 25 to December 11, members participate in the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. Efforts have included social media messaging and the club’s Zonta Says No Walk in downtown Milwaukee—a silent vigil honoring victims of domestic violence.

Service That Makes a Difference

Zonta members believe that hands-on service creates meaningful impact. Each year, our members dedicate time, talents, and resources to projects that improve the lives of women and girls.

Recent Highlights

  • HeartLove Place Diaper Drive (2025): Collected and donated diaper products for families in need.
  • Cathedral Center Meal Service (2024): Club volunteers prepared, delivered, and served meals for residents and provided lunches for the following day.
  • Sojourner Family Peace Center - assembling "Period Supply Kits"
  • HeartLove Place August 23rd Back to School Family Rally
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Current Service Projects (2024–2025)

  • Neu-Life Community Development: Supported the Back-to-School project by donating 50 backpacks with school supplies for young students.
  • Allies for Teens in Foster Care: Provided monetary donations for art contests, feminine hygiene products, and holiday gifts. Members also judged entries in the youth art and poetry competition.
  • Milwaukee Women’s Center & Waukesha Women’s Center: Donated business attire, jewelry, purses, hair care products, diapers, food, and other essentials to empower women and families impacted by abuse, homelessness, and poverty.
  • Food Insecurity Initiatives: Contributed to District 6 service projects, donating food and hygiene supplies to Carmel United Methodist Food Pantry and volunteering at local food pantries.

Recent Highlights

  • Heart Love Place Diaper Drive (2025): Collected and donated diaper products for families in need.
  • Cathedral Center Meal Service (2024): Club volunteers prepared, delivered, and served meals for residents and provided lunches for the following day.
View Our Events

Current Activities

Silhouettes of four women walking in a forest promoting 'Fashion for a Cause'.
Flyer promoting a clothing drive for women and girls in need.
People sorting supplies in a community room.
Group of people holding a large decorated poster outdoors.
Five women stand behind a Zonta Club banner promoting women's and girls' empowerment.

Why It Matters

Through service projects and advocacy efforts, the Zonta Club of Milwaukee advances women’s rights, addresses urgent community needs, and raises awareness on global issues like trafficking and gender-based violence. Every action—whether mentoring a young person, donating supplies, or walking in silent vigil—brings us closer to a world where women and girls can thrive.

People packing colorful bags in conference room.

Gallery

Community members donate food and supplies for those in need during the holiday season.
A large group wearing orange holds a banner against violence on women.
Orange flags on wooden sticks placed in a container indoors.
A group of people standing solemnly indoors during a speech.
Three women in blue shirts serve food outdoors at a community event.
Four smiling women in light blue shirts behind a counter at an event.
People sorting supplies in a community room.
Group photo of Zonta International members in orange shirts holding awards and a banner.
Three smiling women wearing face masks around their necks inside a room.
Speaker addresses an outdoor crowd in a park setting on a sunny day.
Two women standing beside a decorated Christmas tree with gifts and household items.
Assorted warm winter accessories displayed on shelves and tables in a store.
Person holding a baby surrounded by bags of groceries and supplies indoors.
Four masked women in a kitchen preparing food, smiling for the camera.
Two women preparing and serving food while wearing masks and gloves.
Three women standing behind a table with handmade quilts and blankets.
Three children joyfully hold new backpacks, thanking donors for their support.
Smiling person with colorful, pixelated overlay and 'Thank you!' text.
Children with backpacks waiting in line outside a building.
Group of diverse students standing outdoors, some wearing backpacks and masks.

Get Involved

Our advocacy and service efforts are ongoing, and we welcome anyone interested in joining the cause. Whether you volunteer, donate, or become a member, your involvement helps us continue making a difference in Milwaukee and beyond.

Join Us Today