District 18 Call to Conference

DISTRICT 18
CALL TO CONFERENCE
4^TH – 7^TH NOVEMBER 2021
 

Dear Club Presidents & Zontians All,
 
It is my distinct privilege to invite you all to our 25^th district conference to be held virtually from the 4^th to the 7^th November 2021 hosted by the Zonta Club of Freetown and assisted by sister clubs in the district.
 
The Covid-19 pandemic brought on challenging experiences, necessitating the adjustment of some standard regulations and rules which led to ‘Emergency Powers’ been given to the district board to review the situation vis-a-vie holding an in-person conference during the on-going covid-19 pandemic.
 
The Board investigated the risks associated with holding an in-person event as well as listening to the suggestions and opinions of its members.  Following was the approval to cancel the usual physical event and replace with a virtual one.
It is our intent to ensure that our district clubs fully participate in the democratic process that supports all our zonta values.
 
Our theme is: TRANSFORMING LIVES, CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITES.
We have transitioned into a new century in a new biennium.
Unfortunately, the world has encountered a host of challenges due to the onslaught of the covid-19 virus which has badly affected humanity.
Zonta’s care and concern for one another is paramount in making a difference in the lives of women and girls  
 
We are looking forward to meeting you all online.
 
In this document, you will find the ‘CALL TO CONFERENCE’, THE CONFERENCE AGENDA, THE PROPOSED DISTRICT BUDGET, THE SLATE OF CANDIDATES, AND DETAILS ON OTHER DISTRICT BUSINESS MATTERS.
 
 
The following documents have been sent separately,
1.     Notice to clubs on decision to hold an Electronic district conference.
2.     Guidelines for Electronic Election and Voting Methods.
3.     Rules of Precedence.
Please study the items and discuss them in your clubs.
 
Because of the nature of an electronic conference, District 18 Board had to adapt the standing election rules.  Please read them thoroughly, as there will be some changes to what you were used to from previous district conferences.
 
Registration will be a little different from what you were used to.  All attendees will have to register with a provided link ZontaD18Conference2021
All clubs will pay a $100 for their delegate.  Clubs with 30 or less members are entitled to 1 delegate and 1 vote, 30 – 50 members, 2 delegates and 2 votes, and 50 – 60+ members can have 3 delegates and 3 votes.
There will be no proxies in a virtual conference.  The voting members will be, the Governor, Lt. Governor, Treasurer, Area Directors and all delegates.
The election will be held in advance of the business meeting and results published during the conference.
Every attendee, delegates, club members and guests will have to register with the Credential Committee.
 
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody involved in organizing our District Conference, especially my Board, the Conference Planning Committee and all district club members, including the host club of Freetown, who volunteered to serve on various conference committees.
 
Together we have worked as a team to make this electronic conference a great experience.
 
We are looking forward in meeting you all at the upcoming district conference.
 
 
Yours in zonta service,
 
Ore Awoonor Renner
Governor District 18